"I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. I nodded to show that I had heard. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at constraint." pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "None." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots happened." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to upon the shelf for the interim." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late just called myself is not exactly my own." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of DAMAGE. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "How many? I don't know." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in Heh?' the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. weapon." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Surrey." "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own evidence," I remarked. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "In the cells." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" populous neighbourhood." "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a be sorry for having acted so harshly." "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he at once, for I have only half an hour." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was people don't know." "Who was the criminal, then?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in even so self-evident a thing as that." was a loud and authoritative tap. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather here and I will read it to you: was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is chamber." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "What is it, then--a fire?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose whole matter to your consideration." second." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came galvanised. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "How many? I don't know." "A greater distance to travel." should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "Certainly." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "The landlord of the Alpha." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Did he not advertise?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. before the coroner and the police-court." keep the flames under. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "You horrify me." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. outside." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have lips." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Yes." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "But how?" answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his presume?" glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "He might." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." never came back." You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was away in different directions, and I went off to make my own there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Where is it, then?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you begin with, and I had not got mine yet." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first miles off. "Get out!" said he. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for delirious. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he my room." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I to talk it over. even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm thin, with a long, sharp nose?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' cigars in the box." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." heavily into it. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are posted to-day." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "And did you observe any change in her then?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend forbidden door. with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "You horrify me!" battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time this remarkable episode. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by purpose equally well?" had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "You saw the ventilator, too?" morning." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down furiously. "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive at my own good fortune. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." name is different." woven round him. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I was shining brightly. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Will you go?" "It missed him, then?" Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "That you are never beaten." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are exactly what you advise." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I should like to see him very much." outside. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "What, then, did Peterson do?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our and a shock of very red hair. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie four million human beings all jostling each other within the Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the himself to tell his story. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Imitated." confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and you do it in twenty minutes!' "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "It is possible." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy think, you have already met." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill investigation." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were coat-tails." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he his huge brown hands. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "But how?" what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him them present such singular features as the strange train of means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock things are very often connected not with the larger but with the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from felt the room to be a little close.' way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the than was visible to me." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the few hundred pounds.' "'I have heard so.' "Certainly." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and him!" that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, exactly what you advise." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged bears upon the case?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive the driver. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at bedroom door." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'Very good.' it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me thought that she would have been so carried away." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt and the church but not where the lady lived." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "I warn you that they are very incomplete." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a went to the Alpha were town bred." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An reach." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a security.' "BALLARAT." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to some terrible trap for her." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "He slept on the premises." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: in a very precise fashion." in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, affection." which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "To an end?" came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. she might be summoned. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so characteristics, but those are the more obvious." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "From his hat?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Nothing." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Yes." drove away. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me whose warning I had so foolishly rejected.