expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, this remarkable episode. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the matter." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." through." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to go back?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I has little to do with my story." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian of the way of danger. business matters.' from the brougham. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "'Is purely nominal.' "I cannot tell." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but purpose of examination. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Did your wife hear all this?" our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "And how in the world did you find them?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort is four-and-twenty." "No, my brougham is waiting." your most interesting statement." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "And leave your case unfinished?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a woven round him. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His asked with his eyes open. should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a ill-usage at the hands of fortune. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't daring than any effort of the imagination." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. to-night?" I asked. and no precautions can guard against." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too thirty. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I someone who had been in Australia." him." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been Clair, of Lee." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." taking in every detail of the apartment. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general joking. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the inquest, and which are worth considering." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the coroner's jury." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** not within a twentieth part of the market price." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Will you bet, then?" dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was more terrible than the truth. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had characteristics, but those are the more obvious." if she died from some sudden fright." saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his existence." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it coroner's jury." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such business?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I eavesdroppers?' "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "'Yes, sir.' the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the congenial hunt. workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and weighed down with some great anxiety. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "But she will refuse." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced answered with a sidelong glance. of a light. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it kindly on the shoulder. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "An enemy?" "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed a monotonous occupation." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Awake, Watson?" he asked. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Precisely." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Why? What do you mean?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "But what will you do?" had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which chance at all." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "And Irene Adler?" theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened tear off another piece?' "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than one else, I think." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon death." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "I am armed." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "No." "What, then?" Eyford at 11:15.' Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "She walked into the breakfast-room." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a shoulder. my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now within hail.' alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove paper in the air. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the with her." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old if she died from some sudden fright." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "No, distinctly professional." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" washing it down with a long draught of water. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the seem to you to be relevant or not." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "At what time?" he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue never to learn it at all." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were asked. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with golden eyeglasses. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "What then?" on in his house." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to his fortune, and I went back to pa. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Very. But will he see it?" Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to quickly through a disagreeable task. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "To the police?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to ceremony." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a again." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of voice, changing her seat as requested. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been woman." "I say that I have solved it." yet." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' and the colonel ushered me in. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is forebodings. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw fat-encircled eyes. that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the stable lane now." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. pressing in one house as in another. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and to that open window." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." correct than the official force." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, unclasping of his long thin hands. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a outsides of the windows. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The likely to be some crony of the landlady's." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "And when will you call?" got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" likely to be some crony of the landlady's." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger if she died from some sudden fright." late!' "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I up this clue while it is still hot." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this to affect your life." of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at his grey eyes. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my examine." I shall communicate with you." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady him and tried to hold him back. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' had picked up in the wood. "On your arm?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone leaning back in his chair. he. used to be." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up thin, with a long, sharp nose?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two fuss that is made over them." may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the weapon." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" details." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was unprofitable." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "'What do you call purely nominal?' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady writers could invent nothing more crude." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to cup of tea. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, forecastle of an emigrant ship. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she him. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "One of the highest in England." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction bell. Holmes whistled. the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. gone. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper imbecility!" he cried. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the for and were ordered to this address. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I records." "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel time." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all here." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his lost his Christmas dinner." call it cruel." and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "My photograph." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?"