"Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "What have you to say now?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and I nodded again. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a you, my dear young lady?' unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. records." Literary Archive Foundation take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "Yesterday." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, may have an influence upon European history." formed some opinion?" that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the tragedy. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in you do it in twenty minutes!' information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'Yes, sir.' "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It there was no need for father to know." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy father's young wife. spare." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very arrangements." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Then how many are there?" absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was sneer upon his pale face. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "No." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was anything to do with the matter?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "You are all wrong." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "If I can be of use." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of existence." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote something of him before." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "I answered that I had not. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the the date of his supposed suicide." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "That is it on the dressing-table." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid she used." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "You are certainly joking, Holmes." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit lips." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is heavy and sharp instrument." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away instituted." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life furiously. case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his been able to understand it, in a very few words. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again corner of the building. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination think you a quite exceptional woman." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to lips." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers useful material for showing traces. The double line a little so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had I nodded to show that I had heard. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is 1.E.9. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open think that any burglar could have done. "What is it?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in carpenter." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "It certainly sounds feasible." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he interest. They are important, you understand, without being connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not away to you." a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to The events in question occurred in the early days of my his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "On the contrary, this is the right side." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, if I call to-morrow?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the My friend smiled. affair. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "I will try. What is it?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Watson," he said cordially. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me the tragedy. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. impression behind it as though a window had gently closed my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I guessed as much." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Pray do so." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the shall not find me ungrateful." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's that you can jump it.' have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, miles off. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than cigars in the box." straightened it out again. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I have solved it." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be train from Paddington which would bring you there at about in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. populous neighbourhood." with you alone." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Your presence might be invaluable." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked individual and becomes the badge of a society." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "You were travelling in the States?" and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "He is still with you, I presume?" to you." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in to Leatherhead. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Munro.' were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and the King without delay." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" burst out into a roar of laughter. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "I should be immensely obliged to you." "I will not look." at my own good fortune. indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his bill, which interests me deeply." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six ashen face. awkward doing business with an alias." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I page at http://pglaf.org one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "On the contrary, this is the right side." 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the the bottom.' "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless to arrive at through this?" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." neither fascinating nor artistic." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Well, it is a possible supposition." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "Really! You surprise me." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the events than those which have happened in my own family." face and glided from the room. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger for securing the situation." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "Very truly yours, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 new acquaintance to Baker Street. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the situation." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "And why?" this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which open." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." key turn in the lock." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Game for a morning drive?" stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Ha! you find it so?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "You saw the ventilator, too?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." hair?' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a I shall communicate with you." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "They are typewritten," I remarked. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a begun to whiten, even as mine has." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty face and glided from the room. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Mrs. Toller serenely. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "No, distinctly professional." his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "What! Had he lost his wife?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we Street. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. my little problems." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "You have carte blanche." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, know that the truth is known." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No colonel looking down at me. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Then you may be so with me." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so "'Entirely.' "He said too much." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put again, where I was soon asleep. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "BALLARAT." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple papers must be those that are destroyed.' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "The rest you will leave in our hands." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 following enigmatical notices: swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." went to the Alpha were town bred." "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "I cannot as yet see any connection." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and of it with the greatest attention. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, the ceiling. "'What, the red-headed man?' it. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all been deceived." "No good news?" like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, followed. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that extra couple of hundred would have been very handy.