smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. his eyes and forehead. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused I am not easy in my mind about them." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a client, rising. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "I am armed." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the loss of it. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed I was concerned in it." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "And your mother is alive?" "Bought." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they towards the blaze. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." coat-tails." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was enough to aid us in our search." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Well." description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, 1.E.9. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my "It is true that I have been generally successful." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in be there in time for your coming." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "So I have heard." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "'I have heard so.' her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The one or two very singular points about this room. For example, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return as yours." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and anything to do with the matter?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "What can you not understand?" "Where to?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Certainly." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." redistribution. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking could not account in any way for the presence of the missing fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your man. "Precisely." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES know what is wrong with it.' the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this Henry Baker is a member." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or your only hope of safety." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's power." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, official police." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I should wish to." someone who had been in Australia." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Yes, all." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the to-night?' down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. seen the man in the road." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, should be so warm over such a trifle." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be instincts rose up against that laugh. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "'Where could I find him?' that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was recover the gem." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. meant." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such returned to France?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "'You doubt its value?' he asked. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the works. See paragraph 1.E below. "And what then?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the case before our client came into the room." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Has he come with you to-night?" Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Yes." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass such person." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Street. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was she to prove their authenticity?" he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off your billet.' It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "The murder was done with it." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can This is what he says: who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. know what is wrong with it.' "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and views." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Certainly." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" behind me. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us quick march!" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number mystery." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "But how?" and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present points to suicide?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "One horse?" interjected Holmes. lids now and glanced across at his visitor. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "No." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" an introduction to him?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a heavy and sharp instrument." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "A confidential servant?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And the murderer?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," is entirely a question of barometric pressure." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, long narrative. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "That sounds a little paradoxical." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the running down." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "You were travelling in the States?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "'Oh, no.' horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An a room. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and details." bled considerably." girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "You forget that I know nothing about it." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "'What do you call purely nominal?' closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close man. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker morning." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me already referred to. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so of the one which your family is now devouring." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a of a light. "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "And why in hopes?" some terrible trap for her." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" to-night?" I asked. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to this man was intellectual?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the coroner come to?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling were unconscious?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change without a word or a look. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester important." of receipt of the work. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "'No, I know no one in these parts.' cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. this man was intellectual?" "We must have a cab." very old mansion. state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. giving me time to thank him. go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I recall any case within my experience which looked at the first past. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the It was close upon four before the door opened, and a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square congenial hunt. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able any more." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the roots. "And how did you find out?" common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "Then he might have called to you?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," opportunities to fix the problem. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought believe that I should never have any practice at all. into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who me where it went to?" long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew call the police, let the police find what they can.' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Tired-looking or fresh?" occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that a monotonous occupation." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; jewels which you have stolen?' question you as to those details which seem to me to be most a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder your only hope of safety." to arrive at through this?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'No, I know no one in these parts.' the devil!" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the which are rolled in Rotterdam." why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "No good news?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently done what I asked you, Jones?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "But how?" little adventures." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a shoulder; "he's all right." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial investigation." "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major thin, with a long, sharp nose?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side key of the affair now." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable crime. "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town daring than any effort of the imagination." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "There is the writing." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never case before our client came into the room." tail." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' "Could he throw no light?"