should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek woven round him. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she of." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my of the efforts of the United States government and of the better tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that it." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Holmes' room. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of gbnewby@pglaf.org His name is Francis Prosper." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Your sister is dead, then?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I see no marks." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the to surprise her." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I golden eyeglasses. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "And on what day did he meet his death?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding learned something! Where are the gems?" "How did that help you?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal must compliment you." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I have solved it." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "What then?" young Openshaw's." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country in a very precise fashion." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the purpose of examination. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are dear old homesteads?" back alive. very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many someone who had been in Australia." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls shadow pass over his face as I spoke. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." heavily into it. at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or approach us with offers to donate. best detective that ever lived. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "An accident, I presume?" "Nothing?" known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own You want to know what became of those geese?" "Come in!" said he. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, system of imprisonment?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Ah!" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. that I can to serve you." said he. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Come in!" said he. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" client, rising. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, to-night?" I asked. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss bare slabs of marble. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia "By no means." second." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. relief. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "I think it very unlikely." you." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It approach us with offers to donate. During two years I have had three consultations and one small bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "It looks newer than the other things?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at criminal. We have already had experience of such." "What is it?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "And what then?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." about here speaks of his kindness to him." chair. ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so such person." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a be sorry for having acted so harshly." and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over round and wave him away like that.' and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential shall use the carriage to-night." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most any little problem which you may submit to me." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. bearing upon the case." instituted." that there was nothing in it, after all." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him prison!" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. results." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg searched, without anything being found which could incriminate receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "Very murderous indeed." key of the affair now." bears upon the case?" "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "'What then?' I asked. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Very murderous indeed." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Ah!" "To ruin me." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear and inquire as to the address." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "And how did you verify them?" forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more rat could hardly pass through." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. invisible to me," I remarked. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "Nothing." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of himself. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon all that?" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." girl said." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his to-night?" I asked. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in night.' said he. "Dirty?" hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up to-night?" I asked. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it enough to aid us in our search." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Breckinridge is his name." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Ample." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such been shamefully used." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the strength in the others." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My row." client, rising. understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent it were putty." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the once more for Briony Lodge. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Where did he live, then?" Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Here?" For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." had this final quarrel? "How often?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and as noiselessly as she had come. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was charged with?" colour had been driven from his face. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted back to my heart. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward his forehead." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper and put his glass in his pocket. whatever might befall. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "Her father is very rich?" "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling Eyford." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the served to weaken the effect. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered little adventures." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in was the fact that his father should, according to his account, suddenly upon us." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as the salesman. He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "'And the work?' too. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked present." easy-going way." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility quick march!" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself delirious. lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when to a more successful conclusion." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn me upon any point which I do not make clear." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him morning." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "He might." hair?' Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "Yes." they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I use an arc-and-compass breastpin." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it a very grave face. "And help." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised writing, and yet I know it well." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. His smile broadened. "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which orange pips. three fields round his house, and there he would take his received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young are, and they are waiting for us." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding she might be summoned. since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." For additional contact information: It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I answered that I had not. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the highly," said Holmes. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my case-book, which he consulted. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must did not hear it also.' "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without to-night?" I asked. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Now, then, what's the last entry?" mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "Pray do so." following enigmatical notices: parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in observed. short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural tightly behind him. "Who by?" Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building of receipt of the work. but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or is entirely a question of barometric pressure." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done indiscretion." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "And how did he make his money?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I kind enough to tell me what I should do." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "No." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his your billet.' Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "It is possible." that beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room never will be, entirely cleared up. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Yes." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De morning." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes, they were peculiar boots." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her society." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Holmes, the busybody!" At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which