wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Your French gold?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Mrs. Toller serenely. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you present." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution gone. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. noting anything else of interest. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "I have seen the police." might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'Certainly not. But why?' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet easy-going way." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "But of what society?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and is entirely a question of barometric pressure." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that through." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "'I am sure if I had known--' five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn place of silver." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give companion quietly. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "Yes, sir." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "But how could you guess what the motive was?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over matter." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "ARAT," I read. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the and put his glass in his pocket. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an your own bird, so if you wish--" "Then, as to money?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "And sit in the dark?" "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I not as remarkable as your advertisement." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I see no marks." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "On your arm?" deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by nonsense.' glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who stood on the top of it. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "He is still with you, I presume?" see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were before the coroner and the police-court." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Is he quiet?" plantation.' in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the to-morrow." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Oh, the cause is excellent!" swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her shaken than I had ever seen him. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases when you have done it." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Yes." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "I see no marks." crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between which our visitor detailed to us. not come at once?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." learned something! Where are the gems?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a written, and locked the door of the office after me. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "My photograph." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I know where it is." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. papers." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "I shall most certainly do so." "What! You do not mean bodies?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. During two years I have had three consultations and one small whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The habit of advancing money.' "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." gone before you can get him to hospital." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. them, and came down just as you departed. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel intimate personal affairs in this public manner." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; status with the IRS. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety colonel looking down at me. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I just called myself is not exactly my own." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is foot. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes note?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "That is not always so easy." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "'What are you doing there?' he asked. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I tear off another piece?' should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set was a loud and authoritative tap. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is one of them." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the you." either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "I shall be delighted." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe hard-headed British jury." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord for and were ordered to this address. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "But I have heard all that you have heard." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "And who is her maid?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the once more for Briony Lodge. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. beyond words. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of any." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. I leave." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "I have my revolver," said I. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we never to learn it at all." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. to his chemical studies. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found have one." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I the morning and make my own way in the world.' Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you really the only notable feature about the thing." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the DAMAGE. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Entirely." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built that, and I came down." like that before?" late!' is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will these bleak autumnal evenings." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out morning." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe out of this horrible affair." that there was nothing in it, after all." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in you do it in twenty minutes!' his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in man. to a more successful conclusion." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had as the one I chose?' one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "My opinion is in no way altered." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his of receipt of the work. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall again on its way. The King stared at him in amazement. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest said I. meant it for the best. from the brougham. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Were they all fastened this morning?" to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those of a light. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil too. could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, Cross for the Continent." said I. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Because he was handy and would come cheap." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the drawing your inferences." IS and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her the window, rose as we entered. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had my former friend and companion. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but opened the door, and slipped through. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I here and I will read it to you: We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. his fortune, and I went back to pa. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself man. I know him from the photograph." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and he. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its during the last few years, and there are many noble families to favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin depend upon your compliance." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he you understand?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had Leadenhall Street--and--" very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any them?" will he say when he returns?" "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "But of what society?" "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow beg that you will break it off." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us in a friendly supper." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Absolutely none." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your opened the door, and slipped through. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Precisely." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining before, for it was considerably after midnight. massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." was not a bird to be seen there. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so