"Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "You are hungry," I remarked. "In which, sir?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The mysterious business." "I have seen the police." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the south-west, I see." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and any." "What is it, then--a fire?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "In which, sir?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love was lame." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 lumber-room." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "Have you her photograph?" gigantic client. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself eavesdroppers?' very morning of my second wedding." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, has little to do with my story." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES washing it down with a long draught of water. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "In heaven's name, what for?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in it." feature." my little problems." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "What shall I do?" been with you?" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted think, you have already met." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then second window is the one that I jumped from." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink vanished into the darkness. "Do you know him?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my was a lad." burst out into a roar of laughter. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "Do you know him?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out key turn in the lock." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the written. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But fait accompli?" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf be.' permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, ventilator." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "You forget that I know nothing about it." outsides of the windows. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little burst out into a roar of laughter. "But not more so than I to find you." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "We were both in the photograph." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. individual and becomes the badge of a society." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "I cannot think." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever Doctor, of the paper and the date." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes cigar and let me expound." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "You saw the ventilator, too?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from woven round him. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch about here speaks of his kindness to him." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire in his power. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke forebodings. followed. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "But you were on a friendly footing?" to-morrow." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture into her hand at the door and which lured her within their way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just had formerly been in part my own. 1.F. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Pray continue your narrative." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Who by?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, you?" strength of mind to control. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "Whose house is it?" opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how with the outside air!" least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. stepfather?" "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon tell me that you intended to go into harness." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I am to be neutral?" American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking drove away. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "That is also quite modern," said the lady. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "By no means." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, into the room. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "No sign of it?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case paper in the air. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "Very well, sir. And this stone?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then about. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "What have you to say now?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "But you can know nothing of this?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to to arrive at through this?" golden eyeglasses. "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly long narrative. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "She walked into the breakfast-room." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to door?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own kind enough to tell me what I should do." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a figure." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man breakfast?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my individual and becomes the badge of a society." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Pray do so." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to to tell." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place strange features which were associated with the two crimes which little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a written, and locked the door of the office after me. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "She walked into the breakfast-room." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Yes." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has with you alone." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring and your relations to her." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Frequently." strong reason behind." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you You want to know what became of those geese?" the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "So I heard. You have him here?" spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" some mystery and the punishment of some crime." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Now, then, what's the last entry?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the will not take me long to tell. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ question. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "The doctor?" danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush not, dad?" she asked. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, might have a private word with us. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at of a light. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks in the port of London." a room. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, think that he is innocent?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King there has been an enclosure here!" "How often?" consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting her also." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. over with notes and figures. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square assist you in forming an opinion." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "I am to be neutral?" 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly several quiet little villages up there." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Very truly yours, drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To brought there to personate someone, and the real person is I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'How far from the body?' "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "It looks newer than the other things?" go back?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from to tell." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father him and tried to hold him back. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a "Get out!" said he. regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some once more for Briony Lodge. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running The King stared at him in amazement. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I experiences." vault. if she died from some sudden fright." rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "You think so, too?" "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the it." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon suspect him." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug and inquire as to the address." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I presented more singular features than that which was associated as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to with you?" figure." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very yards of it?' dead, shall be safe with us." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the This is what he says: afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." despair." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own his wife has ceased to love him." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a chance at all." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing if I call to-morrow?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls affair. balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and second." Munro.' consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, lectures into a series of tales." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms is now desirous of getting those letters back." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of cigar and let me expound." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of ways of our fellow-men." our word." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Stoke Moran." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed had formerly been in part my own. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. entirely lost his self-respect." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay this remarkable episode. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on I. "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. Chief Executive and Director distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Dr. Gregory B. Newby he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan call for it in person on Monday morning.' unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no This is what he says: writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the corner of the building. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal.