"Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had the King without delay." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Which are?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Mrs. Toller serenely. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES cheerful." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home neither fascinating nor artistic." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "You horrify me." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have with frightened eyes at his accuser. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "And sit in the dark?" at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the sofa. This way, please!" springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William it." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Miss Holder?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then back to my heart. this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do tell him that I know him to be innocent." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself highroad, where all traces were lost. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which on re-entering her father's house?" help us in this matter." more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. his forehead." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you meanly of me." horse could go." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards stood on the top of it. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to was keenly on my guard against him. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," confronted him. roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of For additional contact information: leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. that he will be back before evening." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always roused himself from his reverie. them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I are, and they are waiting for us." lids now and glanced across at his visitor. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in papers diligently of late, have you not?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "I was mad--insane." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt the nursery. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your morning." forecastle of an emigrant ship. turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were of the efforts of the United States government and of the better man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "She walked into the breakfast-room." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might particular state visit http://pglaf.org case-book, which he consulted. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Why serious?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do chance." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the advice." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Sholtos." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature peculiar to him. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a shoulder. "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "He said that you could solve anything." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had existence." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Where does the thing come from?' called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." stepfather?" and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the 'please.'" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to bed dies. Does not that strike you?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door of." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his to a light-house. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before anything to do with the matter?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "I have come for advice." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. very morning of my second wedding." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be with her." discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he guilty one." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." floor. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. at once, for I have only half an hour." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally forbidden door. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, 1.F. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way woman who has had her own way to make in the world. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "I cannot tell." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his lids now and glanced across at his visitor. habit of advancing money.' her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so him. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Lee, in the county of Kent." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found your own bird, so if you wish--" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my matter." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" your equipment. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father must compliment you." I. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an were new raised from a basin. delighted to hear it," he said. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they know that the truth is known." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either know all about it," he snarled. vanished into the darkness. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this questioning and rather startled gaze. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Lestrade of Scotland Yard." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "It is no ordinary one." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." nice household for a young lady." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a from you?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the dangers which encompass me." all?" door?" attention." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "One of the highest in England." "Why did you beat the pavement?" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of humiliation." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in back to my heart. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their notes," he said. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you there were one or two details which were new to me. But the least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "None." breakfast." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge nights." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the long narrative. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable writer." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "It is his hat." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "That's no good." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." forbidden door. hair?' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety dead, shall be safe with us." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of desk. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to an introduction to him?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." exactly what you advise." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong not fit the lock." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the gone. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father had a long day." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, companion. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his several quiet little villages up there." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize orange pips. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming is four-and-twenty." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the again before evening." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Have you her photograph?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very was keenly on my guard against him. "Yes, sir." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right questioning and rather startled gaze. "Who by?" man. I know him from the photograph." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the your sleep?' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for present." were new raised from a basin. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with "What steps will you take?" I asked. which are rolled in Rotterdam." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" "Now, then, what's the last entry?" blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "Certainly." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a arrangements." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very future lives." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'Oh, no.' especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Witness: I must still refuse. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his was shining brightly. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "No good news?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a not within a twentieth part of the market price." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my is," said he presently: man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of a room. "We were both in the photograph." your Highness to the police-station?" may have an influence upon European history." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "So it appears." was shining brightly. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Ah, but I was recommended to you." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As outside." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four directly by questioning you." "Here?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "He disappeared so suddenly." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the to you." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before drove away. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "Murdered?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources