bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful and wait." digesting their breakfasts at home." questioning and rather startled gaze. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing returning from some small jollification and was making his way wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "'In my own bureau.' "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "The rest you will leave in our hands." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "I saw her in conversation with her maid." paper in the air. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Why serious?" outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what that?' corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "'Entirely.' the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this think you a quite exceptional woman." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and light and attacked it." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your away to you." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, outbreak?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "No?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. highly," said Holmes. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "But who is he?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his sparkled upon his finger. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. with frightened eyes at his accuser. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It father's young wife. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. was shining brightly. page at http://pglaf.org too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "In San Francisco, a year ago." cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Does that suggest anything?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror shoulder. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a visitors." relation between them, and what the object of his repeated saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "What!" he roared. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a client, rising. best detective that ever lived. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my astonishment. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." girl said." very morning of my second wedding." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "Always." golden eyeglasses. "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. wanted for ourselves." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the weighed down with some great anxiety. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Heh?' astonishment. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "It is possible." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I politicians who had been sent down from the North. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It of a light. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good dead, shall be safe with us." sooner or later she must fall a victim. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the armchair which I pushed forward for him. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "But you can know nothing of this?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out threw himself down with his face to the pillow. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Then you may entirely rely on me." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it must be when I saw the door open.' trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "'Certainly not.' most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall read over the extraordinary announcement. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. wedding?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. plantation.' attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "That is it on the dressing-table." fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. tapping his fingers upon the table. was a perfect sample of the class. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a and glanced through. "Stolen." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Young McCarthy must be got off, however." he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight like gravel from a pit.' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "What is it, then--a fire?" "At what time?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Certainly, madam." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Yes. He waved his hands." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem good for you to do.' refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. read it out to me." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "How do you know, then?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" charged with?" me. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "No." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "That is it on the dressing-table." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "That is easily got." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the on re-entering her father's house?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon seem to you to be relevant or not." absorbing." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. forbidden door. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down quick march!" "Ha! you find it so?" "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if shag which I had seen upon the previous night. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over of them has the shutters up.' of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could the ceiling. present." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an had formerly been in part my own. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, that I am arrested." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "So I am. Very much so." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out morning." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I cannot tell." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes visitors." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a brain must have something in it." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a extraordinary contortions. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I have a cab outside." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Oh, the cause is excellent!" were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the any more." amused." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and fat-encircled eyes. "My Mary? Impossible!" "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "You'll never persuade me to believe that." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came wedding?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I will get her to show me." "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter felt?" the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "Very much so." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." observed. meant it for the best. "Is he quiet?" are windows in it, of course?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "He is still with you, I presume?" by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of noise which awoke you from your sleep?" The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "But how did you gain them?" "I am all attention, madam." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform in one or two places in England?' peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but depend upon my doing so.' obstinate." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." the Red-headed League." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social one of the states of the Union." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." this unhappy family?" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." down. "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "I have seen the police." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his open." whole matter to your consideration." so.' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous might have a private word with us. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by have established a very serious case against the son of the he. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "No. What a strange idea!" lost nothing by them." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he me, and I could not think that his explanation of the of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "But the mystery?" screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their once more for Briony Lodge. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police politicians who had been sent down from the North. England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two the matter." several quiet little villages up there." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my to tell." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still even so self-evident a thing as that." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "To an English lawyer named Norton." breakfast." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray along the entire front of the house, with three long windows heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was