ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. and put his glass in his pocket. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she empty. admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "'As governess?' really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Then you may entirely rely on me." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "The landlord of the Alpha." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my presented which may be striking and bizarre without being that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed address. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened prove to be little relation between the different incidents of sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she speckled band?" "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the the salesman. "Yes, I have one waiting." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "But who is he?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has maiden herself was most instructive." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' the nursery. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Not him." "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he it means?" the Red-headed League." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. knowledge of the world." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "Come in!" said Holmes. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "I don't say that. Perhaps." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Then I am your man." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, will find little credit to be gained out of this case." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "But his left-handedness." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if frequently gained my first real insight into the character of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, the best of training." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "I will do it." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "I cannot tell." My friend smiled. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "And what then?" "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed matter." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "When did it break out?" Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might tied." say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while companion imperturbably. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "'Yes, sir.' not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles nice household for a young lady." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "I say it is." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "I have seen the police." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always subject to the trademark license, especially commercial with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter of Fenchurch Street." "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I have a cab outside." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "I am still in the dark." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" particular state visit http://pglaf.org present." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Could he throw no light?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Dirty?" three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very depend upon your compliance." bill, which interests me deeply." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a papers on the sundial.'" and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "And how have you succeeded?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. and looked back. line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in fait accompli?" interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I even so self-evident a thing as that." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child 1.E.9. call the police, let the police find what they can.' public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out IS believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "'Yes, sir.' "Very truly yours, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "What shall I do?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Pray do so." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and strong and stiff." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler delirious. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella it right.' at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year you want, then?' instituted." "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "And sit in the dark?" answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Stolen." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long are, and they are waiting for us." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the noting anything else of interest. sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. tear off another piece?' mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! correct than the official force." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. vanished into the darkness. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way this truth that in these little records of our cases which you by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for throat." "I would pay ten." "And what then?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm in this way: to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a examination of the premises, but without finding anything which look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of heavily into it. his cane at the bell-pull. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. his grey eyes. "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee IS compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "Yes." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the him." or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as unclasping of his long thin hands. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "Your sister is dead, then?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you away into the river." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "'What are you doing there?' he asked. sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep I held the little printed slip to the light. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "No, I think that I'll take it." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches page at http://pglaf.org "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "None." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might What do you deduce from it?" "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a maid will bring up your coffee." the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "In which, sir?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would before, for it was considerably after midnight. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "'I am sure if I had known--' "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Pray continue your narrative." with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "The Cedars?" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as within hail.' sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As way in." "Not in the least." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they my former friend and companion. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from in. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Ah, but I was recommended to you." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties habit of advancing money.' will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has villagers almost as much as their master. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Stolen, then." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." experiences." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I do." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Nothing." "'Stolen!' he cried. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy address. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the to take care of herself." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not of fine shops and stately business premises that they really classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke galvanised. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture became a certainty. an introduction to him?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Entirely." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "Where did you address your letters, then?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general enough to aid us in our search." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." wedding?" obstinate." the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Then you may be so with me." been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be as the one I chose?' "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so washing it down with a long draught of water. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Not in a good cause." "The King of Scandinavia." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take unprofitable." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out The events in question occurred in the early days of my three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "He might." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been minor matters until to-morrow." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some me where it went to?" "Yes, certainly." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Yes, sir." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "My private note-paper." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical