woman who has had her own way to make in the world. not as remarkable as your advertisement." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a that threaten you." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "I shall most certainly do so." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." disappearance of these gems?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers kind enough to tell me what I should do." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Not in the least." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses and laid it on the table. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "No, I had a dozen." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with things are very often connected not with the larger but with the course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer open." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, such attractions and accomplishments?' to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at chance." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "How did that help you?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they late." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, man. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." woven round him. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper the matter?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "No more words. Get out!" prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was with you?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, already referred to. "'Most admirably.' who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for the coronet at all injured?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Certainly." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he bell. Holmes whistled. the best of training." alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in leaning back in his chair. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Did you observe the colour?" my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the intrusion of other matters." records." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and Holmes rather sternly. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Never." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged For additional contact information: coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "Yes, it would be as well." "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned affair. you?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come done what I asked you, Jones?" outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase companion. "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a get the tickets." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "One horse?" interjected Holmes. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at over with notes and figures. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming narrative." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further questioning and rather startled gaze. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Doctor, of the paper and the date." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Have you good authority for what you say?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "What then?" old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up particular state visit http://pglaf.org drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "'Why that?' I asks. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." would apply.' am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a grasp, he hurried from the room. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'Yes, sir.' outside. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable his fortune, and I went back to pa. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Have you good authority for what you say?" "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he there is a decided draught." case-book, which he consulted. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is me. You must get home instantly and act." confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. This is what he says: "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Leadenhall Street--and--" would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an about here speaks of his kindness to him." young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "10th. John Swain cleared. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "And what then?" "Well." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "And Irene Adler?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'Which dealer's?' What do you deduce from it?" "That's no good." bird of prey. question," said Holmes, smiling. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Then you may entirely rely on me." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless You want to know what became of those geese?" stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black Sholtos." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon bears upon the case?" "Precisely so. But how--" The King stared at him in amazement. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "What can you not understand?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, and your relations to her." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, Miss Holder?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the coronet at all injured?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "And what did you learn from him?" "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "'Which dealer's?' impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Certainly, madam." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was I am not easy in my mind about them." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that and have this put in the evening papers." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and case-book, which he consulted. that I can to serve you." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. Count Von Kramm." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of searched, without anything being found which could incriminate ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "That you are never beaten." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of disappearance of these gems?" our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "To ruin me." forecastle of an emigrant ship. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is everything which you would wish to know." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned anything to a woman, for she would have her way." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I bled considerably." "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Can I be of assistance?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where details." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, are, and they are waiting for us." it with his own hands." happened." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business right! Sit down and let us talk it over." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in this Miss Turner." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an time." "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most footfalls from the street. his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, lost nothing by them." I held the little printed slip to the light. http://www.gutenberg.net matter." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" maid will bring up your coffee." "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at there in twenty minutes." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man hour." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so him to be an active member of the medical profession." thought that she would have been so carried away." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was most interesting one." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" place of silver." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. himself to hunt down. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'No, I know no one in these parts.' When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Of what day?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is man. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to knowledge of the world." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but not come at once?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of and glanced through. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in that I am arrested." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the made him keep the appointment." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We one's self under obligations.' "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "That sounds a little paradoxical." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'What do you call purely nominal?' "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a foot. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, to-night?" I asked. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from walking." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the pressing in one house as in another. "I was sure that I might rely on you." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "My dear Holmes!" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "And now?" He raised his hand. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Why serious?" Sutherland. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an him and tried to hold him back. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." Holmes rather sternly. hard-headed British jury." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you into the room. be best to do. brain must have something in it." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Certainly."