used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Who was the criminal, then?" wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the until night should bring an explanation. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not lectures into a series of tales." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable this man was intellectual?" possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "'And the work?' everything which you would wish to know." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "From his hat?" "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Could he throw no light?" If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was I am not easy in my mind about them." eavesdroppers?' "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce new acquaintance to Baker Street. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. outside." if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your away to you." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and straightened it out again. "One of the highest in England." believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning enough to aid us in our search." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "And why in hopes?" moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. direction." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "I never have." golden eyeglasses. like gravel from a pit.' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the deduce something from that?" "This concluded the examination of the witness." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there do.' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the followed. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact at a side door. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "In heaven's name, what for?" passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Then, as to money?" very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "Never to return." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "What is it?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith unkempt, staring out at me. instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Where to?" very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he to surprise her." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it fear." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "He might." "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I showing my impatience. Munro.' eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," a little more before I quite committed myself. place of silver." actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very call you and give you the chance." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Yes, it was twisted." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have feature." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Then the page we have seen--" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side had picked up in the wood. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "We were both in the photograph." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his joking. "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "Nothing?" suddenly upon us." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "I say that I have solved it." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the and files of the old papers, following the future career of every latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "And help." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "The best possible." "My opinion is in no way altered." until night should bring an explanation. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was straightened it out again. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "And I say east," said my patient. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." everything which you would wish to know." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Oh, yes, easily." very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Look there!" said he. what do you think they found in the pockets?" Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "We must have a cab." relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of completely overtopped every other consideration that we both here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "'Yes.' is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his over with notes and figures. "Where did he live, then?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Yes, sir." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Stoke Moran." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Yes, it was twisted." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "So I heard. You have him here?" as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "No." We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Why? What do you mean?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of would then never go into court at all." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "On Monday." "Can I be of assistance?" "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Where is it, then?" "I cannot imagine." Dr. Gregory B. Newby in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less "The knees of his trousers." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "'And what salary do you ask?' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even other lovers by making love himself." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late shaken than I had ever seen him. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, to-morrow." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and seen the man in the road." shoulder; "he's all right." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "And Irene Adler?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. is worth.' "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "So I heard. You have him here?" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "I will, Miss Turner." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "At half-wages, in fact." "Married! When?" husband's writing, madam." "None." Where does the thing come from?' my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "You did not overhear what they said?" the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some so far?" "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have were new raised from a basin. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means yet." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss round with crates and massive boxes. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are will take you up to see the machine.' to-night?' a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long wanted for ourselves." closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "She showed me, as I told you she would." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "Yes, sir." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open nights." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "The Coroner: What do you mean? know that the truth is known." Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that three fields round his house, and there he would take his copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "I am to be neutral?" to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. other means.' the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal singular points about the case. What did the police think of the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no drove away. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman guilty parties." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and "To an end?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. will be renamed. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and joking. them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. extraordinary contortions. "Then I shall certainly come." but preventing her from injuring another. "A greater distance to travel." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "If so, much may have happened between." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he colonel looking down at me. the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the eat it." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what voice, changing her seat as requested. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have made his money." of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous she might be summoned. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "His face fell immediately. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "'Yes, it was gone.' "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, hardly wander." fat-encircled eyes. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Young McCarthy must be got off, however." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole asked. Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "What, then?" "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm interests were the same as his." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "My photograph." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I your Highness to the police-station?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, be there in time for your coming." "Thank you. Pray proceed." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "I shall be delighted." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed one which it was hard to resist. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a had died away into the silence from which it rose. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of the driver. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that prison!" his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my