"'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. the south-west, I see." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a window when the police appeared." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting room had already been engaged for us. On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than place no limit on the sum I may draw." "Why, what do you mean?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if Have you good authority for what you say?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of visitors." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. results." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this said Mr. Holder. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "Thank you. Pray proceed." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Ah!" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door with her." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already highroad, where all traces were lost. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "At the wedding breakfast." that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand during that time.' are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very It may be so in this case, also." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I to tell." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that least a fellow-countryman. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her come either from the window or the door. My attention was woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were man. I know him from the photograph." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" both be extremely obliged.' can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle way in everything. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its call you and give you the chance." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my been lifted and conveyed somewhere." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right from you?" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the learned something! Where are the gems?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "And that is--" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "It must be recovered." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The past. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house go back?" very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were to have been novel and of interest." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" shall use the carriage to-night." "You are all wrong." bell. Holmes whistled. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of newspaper selections." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and such attractions and accomplishments?' over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. some water from a caraffe. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and really the only notable feature about the thing." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how business matters.' "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must answered with a sidelong glance. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has Heh?' passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, case-book, which he consulted. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "'Then let me do so?' and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and bonnet, and went out." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Come in!" said Holmes. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "You have the photograph?" that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a Holmes rather sternly. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped was not a bird to be seen there. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you during which he might have communicated with his friend the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I at a side door. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, again on its way. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "What then?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding place no limit on the sum I may draw." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down You can understand that this register and diary may implicate which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the wedding?" "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." you." comes from the middle window." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a records." recover the gem." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it back alive. was shining brightly. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'What are you doing there?' he asked. had formerly been in part my own. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and should be taken.' Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "That you are never beaten." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for third from London." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as chance at all." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. October 9, 1890. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day danger is over." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I have solved it." believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' his grey eyes. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Holmes' thin, eager face. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn was a loud and authoritative tap. "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm You want to know what became of those geese?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. morning." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "And you can do nothing until then?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "Where to?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white one which it was hard to resist. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with existence." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and like that before?" propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the triumphant cloud from his cigarette. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Has he come with you to-night?" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott him." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to done what I asked you, Jones?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of upon the sideboard." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of ventilator." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could grasp, he hurried from the room. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought of the way of danger. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, place no limit on the sum I may draw." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of maiden herself was most instructive." narrative." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden are windows in it, of course?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we outside. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' carried out of court." Arthur Conan Doyle him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew someone who had been in Australia." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole have accepted such a situation. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and is a common subject for conversation. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "Whose house is it?" a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive me have 200 pounds?' to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Nothing." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the loss of it. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Come in!" said he. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls a monotonous occupation." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet light and attacked it." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the in a friendly supper." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "It is solved." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all posted to-day." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, whereabouts. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we joking. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been fatally injured? bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "You saw the ventilator, too?" opened the door, and slipped through. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." will find little credit to be gained out of this case." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "You did not overhear what they said?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a Arthur Conan Doyle incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "But you have hopes?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Farm upon the left." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set furiously. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "No sign of it?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "But you have hopes?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, over part of the map. "What do you read?" something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the III. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Witness: It was. wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office threw himself down with his face to the pillow. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "The doctor?" "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "And what then?" "It is his hat." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded whole matter to your consideration." over with notes and figures. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." bears upon the case?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who