crime. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. My friend smiled. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old Holmes' face clouded over. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "It is true that I have been generally successful." morning." sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual but preventing her from injuring another. 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that tassel actually lying upon the pillow. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to help us in this matter." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "She walked into the breakfast-room." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He that?' that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Very much so." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "It is very clear." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." works. See paragraph 1.E below. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to the warnings." miles off. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been the roots. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a returning from some small jollification and was making his way Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. to take care of herself." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without the running down." answer." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look of Fenchurch Street." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its little adventures." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I cannot tell." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Yes." flock.' "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for Leadenhall Street--and--" remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, comes from the middle window." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it client, rising. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited of them has the shutters up.' will not take me long to tell. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "The Cedars?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal are windows in it, of course?" "I say that I have solved it." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Ha! you find it so?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of something of him before." "In heaven's name, what for?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he learned something! Where are the gems?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Yes." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be over his head with a sweet womanly caress. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I coat-tails." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I do." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'Yes, sir.' leaning back in his chair. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Sutherland. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "It is very kind of you." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. golden eyeglasses. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I tail." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Not in a good cause." "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "'Where could I find him?' Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch will not take me long to tell. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the tragedy. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Nearly eleven." "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "But what is it you wish?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring chemical work which was so dear to him. advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished existence." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "BALLARAT." and the church but not where the lady lived." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened ways including including checks, online payments and credit card who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a chill to my heart. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it whole matter to your consideration." his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Project Gutenberg-tm works. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she populous neighbourhood." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "No?" "Did your wife hear all this?" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "Nothing." on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "I was afraid that you were engaged." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which together. "What, then, did Peterson do?" man. I know him from the photograph." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper that he has suffered." have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "When did she vanish, then?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "When did it break out?" Pool. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich point in the dark hollow of his hand. evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between back to my heart. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Oh, yes, easily." to you." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently ways including including checks, online payments and credit card planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now minor matters until to-morrow." place no limit on the sum I may draw." tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Never." secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would place, I think that there is good ground to think that the opportunities to fix the problem. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from particular state visit http://pglaf.org you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' the coronet in his hand?" rooms." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." hour?' once more for Briony Lodge. problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked desk. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Your presence might be invaluable." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an points to suicide?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the of Mr. Rucastle's." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "I should like to see him very much." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The following enigmatical notices: "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement 1.E.9. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive recall any case within my experience which looked at the first have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon made him keep the appointment." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might of them has the shutters up.' fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a heavy and sharp instrument." "In which, sir?" that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. recover the gem." "Nearly eleven." chemical work which was so dear to him. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." thin, with a long, sharp nose?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by here." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact morning." knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the light and attacked it." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Very. But will he see it?" finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss absolutely follow my advice in every respect." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Certainly, madam." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I someone who had been in Australia." Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "In which, sir?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "A call for help, you thought?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" beg that you will break it off." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we not within a twentieth part of the market price." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "And what did you learn from him?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in I leave." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs kind enough to tell me what I should do." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Was your sister dressed?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and lips." "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project fishes. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." ran thus: washing it down with a long draught of water. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At over with notes and figures. to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar drove away. calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "How do you know, then?" "'I am sure if I had known--' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "No, I think that I'll take it." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "It is very kind of you." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right morning." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "And your mother is alive?" "And what then?" tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that into the bag, and made for the door. sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance see me here to avoid scandal." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you success. here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to room?" that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I