regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious wanted for ourselves." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "None." "What have you to say now?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same sake, don't!" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I true." clang of the bell. that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in the address that was given us in the advertisement. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed of this gang." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," bird I ate is country bred." certainly do as you advise." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "You have but to name it." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you fat-encircled eyes. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun furiously. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Cross for the Continent." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "I would give my fortune to have them back." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" companion quietly. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Why? What do you mean?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms of the efforts of the United States government and of the better earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a morning." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "Did he not advertise?" I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become believe that I should never have any practice at all. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found my former friend and companion. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted exactly what you advise." chill to my heart. at my own good fortune. subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows had died away into the silence from which it rose. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Witness: Nothing definite. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just swore that no one else had been in the front room during the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House meant it for the best. father's place of business?" "If so, much may have happened between." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "And how have you succeeded?" by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I have hopes." with you?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Holmes." quickly through a disagreeable task. brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client fluttered off among the others. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "And why?" cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Murdered?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in about here speaks of his kindness to him." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "'Certainly not. But why?' Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "And now?" He raised his hand. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "You were travelling in the States?" never will be, entirely cleared up. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be crime. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was carpenter." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." guilty one." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few writers could invent nothing more crude." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "You have but to name it." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, there is a decided draught." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, October 9, 1890. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "And how have you succeeded?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of that I can to serve you." THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was you?' "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" Leave Paddington by the 11:15." I nodded to show that I had heard. observed. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "You are hungry," I remarked. shaken than I had ever seen him. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, to-night?' arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Ah!" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "Nothing." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were of your young ladies.' "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Countess of Morcar's?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "No, I am descending." business." "The doctor?" "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "He disappeared so suddenly." connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary conceal it?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped vault. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were important." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary just called myself is not exactly my own." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "I was mad--insane." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, definite end. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he him to be an active member of the medical profession." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but with the outside air!" parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about could not have written that. It is the German who is so DAMAGE. seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "That also I could fathom." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "But you have hopes?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "A thing like a cleaver," said he. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "I was sure that I might rely on you." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Only as much as we can deduce." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more business in the City. She little knew what. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun me. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My lamp. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Upon what point?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, did not hear it also.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note in his power. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "I came to find a friend." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of you, my dear young lady?' "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered and prosperity to your house. Good-night." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and house for five minutes.' and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, little trying to do so much typewriting?" much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you fled together." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "And did you observe any change in her then?" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one did not hear it also.' all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Were they all fastened this morning?" "Did you observe the colour?" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. reach." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Holmes. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt shoulder. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Eh? What was that?" round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "I cannot think." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which possible that we could bring him back to her? heavy and sharp instrument." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those call it cruel." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations has little to do with my story." come either from the window or the door. My attention was rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, had died away into the silence from which it rose. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the that, and I came down." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in peculiar to him. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "By train from Waterloo." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, depend upon your compliance." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office recall any case within my experience which looked at the first shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. think you a quite exceptional woman." to go into your room and bar your shutters?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the child." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his any." round with crates and massive boxes. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I would pay ten." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "It certainly sounds feasible." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I will take you up to see the machine.' "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as was lame." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, corner of the building. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." of campaign. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, I think that I could be of assistance to you." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is learned something! Where are the gems?" should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Stoke Moran." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk British peeress.'" "I would give my fortune to have them back." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though believe that I should never have any practice at all. and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush fled together." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Not in the least." dead, shall be safe with us." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had examine." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his confronted him. perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in works. See paragraph 1.E below. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my late." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would face and glided from the room. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite three of the beryls in it, was missing. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of skylight. While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed it right.' workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, was already answered. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid pound a week." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the and wait." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "About a month then." "Your French gold?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his