relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." passage and a tap at the door. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion as this. Pray let me have the details." your equipment. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be and that he would see to anything that turned up. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at green of the new foliage. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of gentleman's clothes. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." highroad, where all traces were lost. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Which are?" engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and written, and locked the door of the office after me. protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "To an end?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all is entirely a question of barometric pressure." photograph a cabinet?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it she to prove their authenticity?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "But who is he?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon take the flies, but not before." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Henry Baker is a member." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "That is also quite modern," said the lady. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "My dear Holmes!" "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it London for the present?" burst out into a roar of laughter. "'In my own bureau.' shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned quick march!" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, guilty one." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried appeared upon the scene." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a some city in a dream. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "And now?" He raised his hand. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "This concluded the examination of the witness." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I Street. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as mystery." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "What have you done?" asked Holmes. London for the present?" the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever charged with?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales nights." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer just called myself is not exactly my own." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or it means?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Nothing?" facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are which we had just quitted. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Could he throw no light?" "'Never.' overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I it." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is disturbance in my wife." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Literary Archive Foundation Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "When did she vanish, then?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "We must have a cab." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Your sister is dead, then?" This is what he says: on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: your most interesting statement." "And why in hopes?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes yet." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying his eyes and forehead. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if in one or two places in England?' returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "But to whom?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "'I shall certainly be there.' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and appeared upon the scene." started for the Temple to see my husband. young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "And why?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her go from here to the Strand." is four-and-twenty." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Come in!" said Holmes. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at least a most suspicious remark." his knees, staring into the fire. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One man. I know him from the photograph." tapping his fingers upon the table. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. existence." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "And is that all?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore existence." him and tried to hold him back. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "No more words. Get out!" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "About a month then." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." against a man in the prime of life?" he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your For additional contact information: look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Who by?" To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "But you were on a friendly footing?" penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of point our research must commence, and we will begin it by trying to your nerves." coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, breakfast?" confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as of a light. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Yes, he did." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered key turn in the lock." "Pray do so." "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Not I." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "The landlord of the Alpha." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, said Mr. Holder. deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here the nursery. Pool. money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank him, that man would not have given me such complete information enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them take the flies, but not before." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "I think that it is very probable." "I came to find a friend." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called allusion to a rat. when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Ah, but I was recommended to you." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he later, upon the night of May 2nd." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he your own bird, so if you wish--" "And it is--" have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "So it appears." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "The knees of his trousers." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid troubles have been weighing upon his mind. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "But to whom?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the of a light. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Cross for the Continent." at a side door. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the at my remark. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." of receipt of the work. arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of examination of the premises, but without finding anything which man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the forbidden door. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and of them has the shutters up.' office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "But we can't all be." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. my special province." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to miss it." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a down. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: have had none more fantastic than this." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Married! When?" presented which may be striking and bizarre without being fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a leave you to your papers for a little." amused." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up became a certainty. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Ah, but I was recommended to you." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "No, thank goodness, she did not." there." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Holmes' face clouded over. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Of Friday, June 19th." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the happened." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "That also I could fathom." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." shall use the carriage to-night." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign business at Coburg Square is serious." "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. galvanised. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Married! When?" errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "An enemy?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." evidence," I remarked. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, and your relations to her." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. occurred." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Did your wife hear all this?" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. lamp. "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, fat-encircled eyes. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Yes, I have one waiting." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman