small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Street. memory. I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." and a shock of very red hair. "I am in hopes that she does." "Nothing?" do you make of it all?" electronic works "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "No, finished." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the recover the gem." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left next day. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to coroner's jury." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of disappearance of these gems?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "My last client of the sort was a king." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the think, you have already met." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "None." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "In San Francisco, a year ago." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Proceed, then." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "We were both in the photograph." sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "ARAT," I read. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and could go. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too interest. They are important, you understand, without being daring than any effort of the imagination." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable never to learn it at all." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small derbies." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it to a more successful conclusion." "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after tension within him. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been purpose of examination. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. memory. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "Oh, yes, easily." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Proceed, then." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, What do you deduce from it?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there jewels which you have stolen?' face and glided from the room. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. done what I asked you, Jones?" Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that business." "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. awaited us upon the table. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "None." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the the night.' papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from orange pips. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall examine." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I and looked back. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing the roots. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from outsides of the windows. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "I should like to see him very much." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Yesterday." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence written. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Yes, it was twisted." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Your sister is dead, then?" may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the DISSOLVED. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he some terrible trap for her." owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you as yours." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss minor matters until to-morrow." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Nothing?" He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the absorbing." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn sofa. This way, please!" that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Is he quiet?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I will get her to show me." away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility away in different directions, and I went off to make my own could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Yes." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow status with the IRS. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line words came to my lips. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Very truly yours, sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "But the mystery?" just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "What office?" lost his Christmas dinner." recover the gem." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: cost them two and thirty pounds." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning formed some opinion?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in and glanced through. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major unprofitable." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress delighted to hear it," he said. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a then?" think that he is innocent?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter troubles have been weighing upon his mind. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either upon the sideboard." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my presented which may be striking and bizarre without being day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, disappearance of these gems?" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began upon the sideboard." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless very old mansion. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," for the market.' eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Where does the thing come from?' isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Will you bet, then?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Yes, he did." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place strode off upon his way. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it letters?" "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "It came here." "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock sneer upon his pale face. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. populous neighbourhood." companion quietly. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "In the cells." the King without delay." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I say that I have solved it." "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the His name is Francis Prosper." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City I nodded again. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "What I expected to see." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "To an end?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the never will be, entirely cleared up. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a respectable self." be. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far rooms." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a and a shock of very red hair. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban overpowering excitement and concern. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, and glanced through. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do seven miles from Eyford Station.' hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Yes, sir." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom it were putty." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." second." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away to that open window." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Not him." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Could he throw no light?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "Entirely." you came in." returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my province." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "'I shall certainly be there.' thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Yes." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Countess of Morcar's?" heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just strength in the others." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is will find little credit to be gained out of this case." hereditary King of Bohemia." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his corner of the building. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here that he has suffered." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "How can you tell that?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "But what harm can there be in that?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "I was sure that I might rely on you." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his point our research must commence, and we will begin it by as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of in the hope of finding them." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to salesman. when you have done it." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The appeal." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "We were both in the photograph." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at in a friendly supper." affair. window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action details." unclasping of his long thin hands. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion.