age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and or other trace. But how on earth--" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have constraint." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must Gutenberg-tm License. the very morning of the wedding." suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord as he folded up the epistle. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Yes, it was twisted." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project vanished into the darkness. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. lamp in his hand. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are made him keep the appointment." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "The Cedars?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Witness: It was. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." there." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take leaning back in his chair. you understand?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to absorbing." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did tell them apart.' prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Oh, the cause is excellent!" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the armchair which I pushed forward for him. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was that he has suffered." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "How long did she speak to this Alice?" there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Is he quiet?" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel both be extremely obliged.' cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One said he. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him eat it." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by I held the little printed slip to the light. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide prison!" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. crowd. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Ample." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided such attractions and accomplishments?' "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the all-comprehensive glances. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he locked. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "How long did she speak to this Alice?" vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, do.' been anything against him. He had for years been known as a home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. fear." "Eh? What was that?" "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "No good news?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, horse could go." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "Not I." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of eavesdroppers?' She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "It was an hour's good drive." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Married! When?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, time." present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Yes, it would be as well." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything which are rolled in Rotterdam." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As as he remarks, very much against the son." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. together. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt of this gang." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the not as remarkable as your advertisement." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of when you have done it." "And you thought he was pulled back?" crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking call you and give you the chance." my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that you?' better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small Miss Holder?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one learned something! Where are the gems?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "It goes to the housekeeper's room." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw redistribution. present." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers strange features which were associated with the two crimes which that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Holmes." "How about poison?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a our word." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he October 9, 1890. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of vault. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed Edgeware Road. "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat and have this put in the evening papers." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "At what time?" how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I think that it is very probable." think you a quite exceptional woman." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most gigantic client. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, do.' disturbance in my wife." as yours." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Nothing?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its nothing with him." occurred." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "'What do you call purely nominal?' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the room. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the cheerful." deduce something from that?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down of your young ladies.' "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "You will not go there first?" stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has details." a very grave face. weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "You forget that I know nothing about it." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy acquaintance?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I have hopes." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between you came in." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to during that time.' we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Yes, I have one waiting." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it his huge brown hands. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than shall not find me ungrateful." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "But how did you gain them?" in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me one of the states of the Union." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "But how?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was orange pips. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, away in different directions, and I went off to make my own all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding residence of the great financier. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you thought that she would have been so carried away." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "I should like to see him very much." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this to surprise her." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "I have seen the police." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "I say it is." elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "You have the photograph?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood over his head with a sweet womanly caress. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES place of silver." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of are windows in it, of course?" It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name have been better. It is all right." "Pray let us have it, for all that." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "And the cigar-holder?" to-night's adventure." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. really the only notable feature about the thing." Mary, has deserted me." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it works. "What?" jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is vault. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the highly," said Holmes. before the coroner and the police-court." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days despaired of." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "I see no marks." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had depend upon my doing so.' was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after entirely lost his self-respect." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very stammered. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in directly by questioning you." and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. helping a boy to put up the shutters. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless which are rolled in Rotterdam." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Then I shall certainly come." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "To ruin me." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Yes, but only for you and me." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "That is unusual in a young girl." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to had this final quarrel? point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "'Certainly not.' "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then said he. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Gutenberg-tm License. upon an income of about 60 pounds." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There Countess of Morcar's?" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, with the outside air!" and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a unprofitable." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Were they all fastened this morning?" and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "That is unusual in a young girl." burst out into a roar of laughter. opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little