"It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, third from London." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "Has he come with you to-night?" room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal father's place of business?" "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "That you are never beaten." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the washing it down with a long draught of water. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "I am armed." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! breakfast?" time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" The King stared at him in amazement. 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Look there!" said he. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter examine." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by newspaper selections." mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies joking. "Get out!" said he. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "The King of Scandinavia." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate through." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my John Swain, of St. Augustine. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. present." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "Ten will be early enough." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of villagers almost as much as their master. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to maid will bring up your coffee." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still The events in question occurred in the early days of my to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. suddenly upon us." the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the golden eyeglasses. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he was already answered. photograph a cabinet?" the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "But how?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the of the vacancies.' could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left to you." lamp in his hand. The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "But she will refuse." "Precisely." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Then I can wait in the next room." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after went to the Alpha were town bred." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "We must have a cab." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some the little opening for the ventilator is." maid will bring up your coffee." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Oh, fresh and glossy." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" wedding?" friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "But not more so than I to find you." the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "Proceed, then." "On the contrary, this is the right side." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by stepfather?" works. See paragraph 1.E below. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback the roots. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before fuss that is made over them." It may be so in this case, also." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "Only as much as we can deduce." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be should be taken.' it." "You have but to name it." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the good-night and bustled off upon her way. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Thank you. Pray proceed." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is views." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." in darkness. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Did your wife hear all this?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how swore that no one else had been in the front room during the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture lumber-room." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "I think that I had better go, Holmes." been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is you do it in twenty minutes!' cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me of the vacancies.' he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from shaken than I had ever seen him. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." fattened it expressly for you.' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about fasten all the windows?" "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Seven!" I answered. its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, kind enough to tell me what I should do." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "'Most admirably.' examine." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. once more. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been Surrey." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a and the church but not where the lady lived." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with occupations.' following enigmatical notices: wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first and all of them with the keenest interest. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "That's no good." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in he. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the instincts rose up against that laugh. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Nearly eleven." "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity there were so many in the whole country as were brought together photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, on in his house." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." fishes. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his Dr. Gregory B. Newby and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "What are they?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between amused." shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "And what did you learn from him?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "She showed me, as I told you she would." "I don't believe it." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, started for the Temple to see my husband. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your to change my dress. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through name is different." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong weapon." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last have been better. It is all right." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "What do you make of that, Watson?" hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors you." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl whereabouts. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still sofa. This way, please!" police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of The King stared at him in amazement. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Yes, that is the Crown." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Nothing?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "'Very good.' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my think that he is innocent?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with which I could not give. He asked for Alice. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Yes." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, matter." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Sutherland?" the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to of it with the greatest attention. later, upon the night of May 2nd." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the "9th. McCauley cleared. journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" breakfast." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "'Entirely.' actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'There is a drive, then?' "She showed me, as I told you she would." "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the business." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than child?' even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Holmes' face clouded over. "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "What then?" a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and side. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering John Swain, of St. Augustine. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "But of what society?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "No." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "In San Francisco, a year ago." no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could quickly through a disagreeable task. last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" present." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. III. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in photograph a cabinet?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel furiously. every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not fait accompli?" We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet records." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "You are hungry," I remarked. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, ready to-morrow?' husband's writing, madam." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. your most interesting statement." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" and your relations to her." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Why serious?" weighed down with some great anxiety. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." minor matters until to-morrow." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "Yes, from Horsham." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in to miss it." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the already been minutely examined." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to could not have written that. It is the German who is so congenial hunt. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, your troubles." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles