"I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "It is true that I have been generally successful." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Deserted you?" joking. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. late!' was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for I. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what train from Paddington which would bring you there at about my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "No bad?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Nothing." had picked up in the wood. waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have overpowering excitement and concern. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "But she could not love him." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I have hopes." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I seven miles from Eyford Station.' "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of disappearance of the bride.'" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the absorbing." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "But you would not advise me to refuse?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. the matter." when you have done it." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It see a sister of mine apply for." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked second window is the one that I jumped from." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a tail." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'Yes, sir.' the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily drove away. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Pool. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he forbidden door. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into may never be exposed to such a temptation." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Then the page we have seen--" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with power." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the fled together." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about said he. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but own family. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "The doctor?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of call you and give you the chance." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and and have this put in the evening papers." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "But what is it you wish?" "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until there is a decided draught." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Was the window open?" not interfere, come what may. You understand?" more terrible than the truth. top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "Absolutely none." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "What! Had he lost his wife?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "Witness: It was. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "I have come for advice." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. away into the river." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "No, distinctly professional." shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "That also I could fathom." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Not I." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had future lives." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily morning." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is heavily into it. "Well, it is a possible supposition." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one me, and I could not think that his explanation of the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Here?" "I should be immensely obliged to you." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. 1.F. Serpentine Avenue. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I lamp in his hand. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "What then?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be waste of energy." fled together." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "Come in!" said he. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "'Oh, no.' thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "I have come for advice." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I the room while you explain this matter?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could secret." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, she might be summoned. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "Come in!" said he. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "What shall I do?" fatally injured? signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary to surprise her." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Young McCarthy must be got off, however." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, make me his representative both with the servants and with the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither himself to hunt down. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you danger is over." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Count Von Kramm." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "But how?" defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an or in danger--" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that new duties?' outsides of the windows. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than meant." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." article?" electronic works bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Surrey." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he nice household for a young lady." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "What then?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "Then, as to money?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "That was it, sir." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Edgeware Road. "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small seem to you to be relevant or not." England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the she might be summoned. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make learned something! Where are the gems?" He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I recall any case within my experience which looked at the first young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the girl said." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose dead, shall be safe with us." overpowering excitement and concern. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran and inquire as to the address." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a stepfather?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a I held the little printed slip to the light. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "The best possible." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "This concluded the examination of the witness." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth Lestrade of Scotland Yard." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your row." exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side gbnewby@pglaf.org unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "When did she vanish, then?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the that he will be back before evening." 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' society." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should not personally threatened." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to should be so warm over such a trifle." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens promised to bring home. "Never to return." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we fuss that is made over them." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of indiscretion." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It to surprise her." "That sounds a little paradoxical." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "But how?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "I am armed." once more for Briony Lodge. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any call for protection in the marriage market, for the present of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside silent! Oh, he will be silent!' the best of training." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I nights." frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just matter over." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." rooms." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I have hopes." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, depend upon your compliance." wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you lost nothing by them." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from more solid." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, in this way: send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch The note was undated, and without either signature or address. that, and I came down." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" in my life." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Where is it, then?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of discontent upon his features. me where it went to?"