"That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the occurred." "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found IS face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock feature." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside have established a very serious case against the son of the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. of Fenchurch Street." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "And help." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "What?" "Oh, fresh and glossy." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged distance from the station, and there we found the young lady once more. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal friends, not even his own brother. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I have my revolver," said I. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar instituted." "Why did you beat the pavement?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was in the hope of finding them." "Pray let us have it, for all that." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us brandy and water within his reach. "Yes, certainly." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your even so self-evident a thing as that." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was approach us with offers to donate. "And your mother is alive?" dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" late!' "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a was it brought him the coronet? a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the "No." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall ready to-morrow?' together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal disappearance of these gems?" you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the stable lane now." wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was get the tickets." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the a few minutes he said that it would be all right. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by more terrible than the truth. "And how did you find out?" offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Pray let us have it, for all that." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my about here speaks of his kindness to him." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." not within a twentieth part of the market price." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, your sleep?' with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong it means?" read it out to me." invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "My private note-paper." charge against him will break down." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in felt?" "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "I promise," said Holmes. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you and prosperity to your house. Good-night." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes Cross for the Continent." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the formed some opinion?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "And you thought he was pulled back?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are maid will bring up your coffee." cost them two and thirty pounds." had this final quarrel? "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did was not a bird to be seen there. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with the inner apartment." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute off." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "What!" he roared. in this way: always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." way in." ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect their singular warning or token before them when starting upon of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and his eyes and forehead. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. people don't know." The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water Street. already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just whole matter to your consideration." "I shall most certainly do so." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little companion. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter stood on the top of it. have got?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies hopeless attempt at recovering them." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "I will do it." crowd. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Yes." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he himself to hunt down. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. opportunities to fix the problem. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as of a light. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after had picked up in the wood. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with forbidden door. my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Yesterday." "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be little trying to do so much typewriting?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. I shall communicate with you." hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "In San Francisco, a year ago." and wait." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "'And what are they worth?' I asked. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not went to the Alpha were town bred." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "But what will you do?" like that before?" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Was your sister dressed?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, recover the gem." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to future lives." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "But we can't all be." an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who noise which awoke you from your sleep?" to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: crime." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "None." "Yes, he did." extraordinary contortions. police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There which are rolled in Rotterdam." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in States. fled together." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and signal between you and your father? copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "I do." is four-and-twenty." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Yes, they were peculiar boots." not come at once?" but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Yes." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about him. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass sentimental considerations in the background which would induce must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some had a long day." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two "Yes, all." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "No." Clair, of Lee." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down "'I have already given you my word.' thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another seven miles from Eyford Station.' hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite way: the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you asked with his eyes open. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, what I may call a really hard day's work." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is future lives." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save that you saw all that I did." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. depend upon my doing so.' her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so against a man in the prime of life?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "No, I think that I'll take it." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "What is it?" about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in of it with the greatest attention. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he call for it in person on Monday morning.' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help I approached. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed dear old homesteads?" from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the mysterious business." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern it." his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" at once, for I have only half an hour." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "It was an hour's good drive." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Pray tell us what has happened to you." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it do.' traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in not personally threatened." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "No, finished." "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had even of instruction." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished directors, with the result that you have seen." Holmes rather sternly. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I