Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "It is very clear." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known is a common subject for conversation. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce or other trace. But how on earth--" believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his throat." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Lestrade of Scotland Yard." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "It is half-past ten now." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for nothing with him." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the have an American origin." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us might help us?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Yes, but only for you and me." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not examine." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." that he has suffered." envelope. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Nothing." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my 1.F. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he excitement. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and neither fascinating nor artistic." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the indeed which he could not unravel. before, for it was considerably after midnight. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by drawing your inferences." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest whole matter to your consideration." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time appeal." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked which was all perfectly true. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." the tragedy. ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "I shall be delighted." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "'I am sure that I do not know.' whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "And how did you verify them?" carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Leadenhall Street--and--" Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we new duties?' "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a upon the shelf for the interim." "None." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the excitement. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Then, as to money?" of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "That is easily got." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked client, rising. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Perfectly so." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you dead, shall be safe with us." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right not come at once?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had constraint." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the DAMAGE. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "That is possible." "There are none." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical for its centre. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "We were both in the photograph." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen with you?" basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner completely overtopped every other consideration that we both thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "The King of Scandinavia." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey depend upon my doing so.' of this gang." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, extraordinary contortions. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" which our visitor detailed to us. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "What shall I do?" any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, acquaintance?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Holmes' thin, eager face. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the one of them." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Never to return." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Holmes. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in happened." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a my special province." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." second window is the one that I jumped from." "In what way?" asked Holmes. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her entirely lost his self-respect." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office make me his representative both with the servants and with the He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through voice, changing her seat as requested. "Perfectly so." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the so-precious time, but come!' taking in every detail of the apartment. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the me where it went to?" back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his observed. problems help me to do so." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in and glanced through. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you just called myself is not exactly my own." "Stolen, then." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right some water from a caraffe. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. quite distinctive." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect there in twenty minutes." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." trifles." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting straightened it out again. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring been able to understand it, in a very few words. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of signal between you and your father? "No, thank goodness, she did not." so.' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed other lovers by making love himself." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not already referred to. the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always I approached. of them has the shutters up.' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Holmes' room. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me skylight. a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "A client, then?" You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "But what will you do?" DAMAGE. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very and glanced through. "Dark enough and sinister enough." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every with some details as to your case." washing it down with a long draught of water. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed ready to-morrow?' guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he of the way of danger. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my guilty one." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. into the bag, and made for the door. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Henry Baker is a member." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Gutenberg-tm License. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the ceremony." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and train from Paddington which would bring you there at about makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon McCarthy." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it burst out into a roar of laughter. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "Not social, then?" Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He there were so many in the whole country as were brought together It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his waste of energy." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in matter." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" delighted to hear it," he said. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I business matters.' the house with me." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps silent! Oh, he will be silent!' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "His face fell immediately. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the devil!" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my DISSOLVED. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when my secret was safe in his possession. carpenter." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped eat it." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "On Monday." "The rest you will leave in our hands." "It was an hour's good drive." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Then what has happened to him?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were Pool. "It was a confession," I ejaculated. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of so.' Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no burst out into a roar of laughter. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his opened the door, and slipped through. come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master question," said Holmes, smiling. staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without as he folded up the epistle. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has tied." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was the one as in the other." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Ah!" do.' "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough rose-bushes. "What is it?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a