journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the the Assizes." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. opportunities to fix the problem. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb views." is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so chambers. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment You want to know what became of those geese?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a here." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the in him." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Who by?" "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the 'please.'" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible other, as fresh and trim as possible. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. the inner apartment." leave you to your papers for a little." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon astonishment. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "In San Francisco, a year ago." the one as in the other." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her go--none." "But you can know nothing of this?" impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "What! a murderous attack?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there to a light-house. assist you in forming an opinion." "Tired-looking or fresh?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about wedding?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who page at http://pglaf.org "What can you not understand?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the infinite languor in his face. I took the paper from him and read as follows: us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged way in everything. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "None." imbecility!" he cried. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I have solved it." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Entirely." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "But who is he?" Chief Executive and Director closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few which was all perfectly true. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "Witness: I must still refuse. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between intimate personal affairs in this public manner." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "Yes, sir." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; For additional contact information: "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "You have it, sir, just as it happened." electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days appeared upon the scene." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken were unconscious?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "A greater distance to travel." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a depend upon your compliance." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all him. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, o'clock is it?" remarked. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then The police have openly confessed that they can at present make locked. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I key turn in the lock." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "Upon what point?" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father dramatic, in fact." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been any more." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the least a fellow-countryman. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully has little to do with my story." round with crates and massive boxes. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian flock.' and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "I promise," said Holmes. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days in a friendly supper." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, indiscretion." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I have solved it." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a British peeress.'" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." even so self-evident a thing as that." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the third from London." tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that bears upon the case?" for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the have had none more fantastic than this." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this views." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a question you as to those details which seem to me to be most the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. been with you?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Nothing?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings soul! here is her carriage at the door." these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "But the mystery?" impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has tapping his fingers upon the table. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "I should like to see him very much." every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES bare slabs of marble. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I am sure." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for washing it down with a long draught of water. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but there has been an enclosure here!" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "What! a murderous attack?" brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "It is possible." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "What, then?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she public press." "What can you not understand?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey crime. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried that he will be back before evening." present." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I me. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, From what you have told me I think that it is possible that o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address know what is wrong with it.' woman who has had her own way to make in the world. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and furiously. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "This concluded the examination of the witness." down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "How about poison?" plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with thought that she would have been so carried away." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of do.' to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings footfalls from the street. himself. "How about poison?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any child?' "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Pray do so." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "I warn you that they are very incomplete." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "No." went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Then I do not see the point." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done such person." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be not come at once?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a note?" a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: situation." me. You must get home instantly and act." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." you in yours." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at down. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "I guessed as much." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "'Oh, no.' parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "Thank you. And your address?" I shall communicate with you." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and golden eyeglasses. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his security.' away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "'I am sure if I had known--' he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been clang of the bell. "An enemy?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of individual and becomes the badge of a society." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, works. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America one which it was hard to resist. "BALLARAT." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the the little opening for the ventilator is." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, ill-usage at the hands of fortune. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. forehead. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the warnings." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, redistribution. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how a very grave face. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter said he. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." with you?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, bell. Holmes whistled. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all electronic works and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His call the police, let the police find what they can.' "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of more terrible than the truth. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Did you become engaged then?" it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's