be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from there in twenty minutes." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the was already answered. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall she might be summoned. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Not him." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Then what has happened to him?" a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge have got?" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "'Most admirably.' events, Mr. Windibank!" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "And how?" "But what will you do?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "And is that all?" He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he presented more singular features than that which was associated fattened it expressly for you.' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't direction." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the over part of the map. "What do you read?" anything to a woman, for she would have her way." diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and tapping his fingers upon the table. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must sneer upon his pale face. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor hardly wander." public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a excitement. With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Imitated." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Your sister is dead, then?" relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Who was the criminal, then?" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an This is what he says: station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "It is true that I have been generally successful." it." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Did you become engaged then?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New this man was intellectual?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Dirty?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Here?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than to where he stood hid behind the curtain. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' astonishment. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly arrangements." whether it answered to the description of any of their to that open window." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. it." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked The King stared at him in amazement. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and ventilator." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "You horrify me." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture observed. and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Seven!" I answered. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend DAMAGE. years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. I am not easy in my mind about them." cost them two and thirty pounds." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." woven round him. "Indeed! Whose, then?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns fishes. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of business?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "I shall be delighted." not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A I was concerned in it." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he is now desirous of getting those letters back." "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "What will you do, then?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I say it is." "When did it break out?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall very morning of my second wedding." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "If I can be of use." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Yes, it was twisted." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece will he say when he returns?" "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." true." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "And the murderer?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "But what is it you wish?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of a monotonous occupation." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Where is it, then?" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "It is half-past ten now." prison!" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out "And is that all?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to public press." the general public were present, then?" dead, shall be safe with us." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Not in a good cause." "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating tell them apart.' "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method late!' erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be would apply.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the yet." "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "Dark enough and sinister enough." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big ways of our fellow-men." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Yes, all." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, papers diligently of late, have you not?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close sufficient punishment." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Never." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As results." "And how did he make his money?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the directly by questioning you." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven morning." hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "The Coroner: What do you mean? "'Yes, it was gone.' the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" what is your own theory as to what took place?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Munro.' "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." o'clock is it?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with was already answered. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "It is very clear." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "You have compromised yourself seriously." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Where does the thing come from?' particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "She told me to ask you." in a very precise fashion." salesman. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such memory. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the meanly of me." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. tell them apart.' the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' happened." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Not I." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There without a word or a look. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few been anything against him. He had for years been known as a of Mr. Rucastle's." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied politicians who had been sent down from the North. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "My dear Holmes!" possible that we could bring him back to her? "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers there." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Eyford at 11:15.' road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up the little opening for the ventilator is." went to the Alpha were town bred." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, McCarthy." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "I have my revolver," said I. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' suspect him." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. Watson," he said cordially. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us away in different directions, and I went off to make my own brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could what I may call a really hard day's work."