huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "We have tried and failed." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his details." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my rose-bushes. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "So it appears." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion before, for it was considerably after midnight. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Ah!" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving works. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Because he was handy and would come cheap." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to to take care of herself." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much instincts rose up against that laugh. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "And why?" They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper there was no need for father to know." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, and your relations to her." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, the King without delay." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "And now?" He raised his hand. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." straighten it?" Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the experiences." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "So I am. Very much so." papers diligently of late, have you not?" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when think, you have already met." "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "The doctor?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, of your young ladies.' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "I would pay ten." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Stolen." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My some water from a caraffe. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, Heh?' of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion six. Come in!" 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a peculiar to him. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "'I am sure that I do not know.' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "And from a noble client?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though your billet.' up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself held up the lantern and gazed about him. "It missed him, then?" her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "How can you tell that?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask affection." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his tell them apart.' his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Then I do not see the point." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly could gather together that I was able to avert another public and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales stammered. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has his grey eyes. he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "What are they?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I know where it is." "On your arm?" ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." on re-entering her father's house?" enough to aid us in our search." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the nice household for a young lady." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Pool. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came ago." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." your equipment. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect in his hands." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Has he come with you to-night?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. returning from some small jollification and was making his way latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the fact, we may call it conclusive." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope thirty. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "But he might be a bachelor." weapon." "I think it very unlikely." understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "By train from Waterloo." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really III. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after nothing of it?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I occurred." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to speckled band?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of 11:15.' "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." mystery." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Count Von Kramm." that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my Literary Archive Foundation it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "And how have you succeeded?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which whole matter to your consideration." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "On Monday." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "And now?" He raised his hand. Sutherland. passage and a tap at the door. came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. awaited us upon the table. table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. remarked. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" maid will bring up your coffee." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in could not have written that. It is the German who is so Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to Mrs. Toller serenely. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "My own seal." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'Certainly not. But why?' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his lumber-room." willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Where to?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "My opinion is in no way altered." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after that, and I came down." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "It was an hour's good drive." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You national property. I was determined that the law should have its as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He morning." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. villagers almost as much as their master. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "I beg pardon." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual that you wished to speak to me?' surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "10th. John Swain cleared. to-night." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "And leave your case unfinished?" the driver. "It came here." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with away to you." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass questionable one." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." for its centre. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. me. I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "My dear Holmes!" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a events than those which have happened in my own family." offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've it." the side-table." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." disappearance of these gems?" Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your at a side door. "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" think that any burglar could have done. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "Yes." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Texas, I think." "But we can't all be." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do McCarthy's innocence. any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which undoubtedly my uncle's." neither fascinating nor artistic." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the villagers almost as much as their master. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them throat." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I am still in the dark." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "I have my revolver," said I. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "But how could you guess what the motive was?" desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Yes?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a answered with a sidelong glance. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "I say that I have solved it." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Well, it is a possible supposition." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." cost them two and thirty pounds." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, go back?" "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day murdered man." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be back alive. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that appeal." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He God! What an exposure! What can I do?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Seven!" I answered. Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are indeed which he could not unravel. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held forbidden door. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" some city in a dream. request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "We have tried and failed." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. even of instruction." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. the little opening for the ventilator is." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my feature." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his room. "That you are never beaten." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the coronet in his hands?" 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, returned to France?"