the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my happened." grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. anything to do with the matter?" to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the photograph a cabinet?" "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "What I expected to see." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, happened." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Who was the criminal, then?" black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United digesting their breakfasts at home." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the matter?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and said he. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Whose house is it?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Holmes." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what that I can to serve you." about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness garden below. "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two friend's singular character. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Very well, sir. And this stone?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for could not account in any way for the presence of the missing inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and weary and pale-looking. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of clanging. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "We have tried and failed." without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Holmes' face clouded over. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an hour." "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most investigation." have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "If so, much may have happened between." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, fashion which was peculiar to him. do.' Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put again before evening." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that humiliation." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's acted in my house last night?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My appeared upon the scene." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of deduce something from that?" moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I will try. What is it?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "'Quite sure, dad.' magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "'Yes, sir.' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "Then, as to money?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name very morning of my second wedding." up this clue while it is still hot." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at know what is wrong with it.' there has been an enclosure here!" everything which you would wish to know." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, joking. more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. death." "What, then, did Peterson do?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "What is it, then--a fire?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make you?' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural least a fellow-countryman. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my kind enough to tell me what I should do." was shining brightly. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "No, I am descending." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the questionable one." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "What are they?" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "And the cigar-holder?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. may never be exposed to such a temptation." bearing upon the case." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this her also." do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "I beg pardon." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old long narrative. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "Yes?" "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." annoyance, but no jest. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of relief. so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, light and attacked it." aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be in a friendly supper." will not take me long to tell. "By all means." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "My dear Holmes!" "Yes, it was twisted." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "Perfectly so." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'You cannot say what it was?' who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to be sorry for having acted so harshly." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "'As governess?' which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and strength." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." ashen face. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know Holmes' thin, eager face. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "'And what salary do you ask?' matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she place no limit on the sum I may draw." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. 1.F. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Absolutely none." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's figure." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are in this note: Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip imbecility!" he cried. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Where, indeed?" "And why?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I will get her to show me." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them instincts rose up against that laugh. My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." photograph?" hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "And I." "'What, the red-headed man?' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as she used." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and out of this horrible affair." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, was not a bird to be seen there. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "What then?" out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no "Pray continue your narrative." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "10th. John Swain cleared. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is that he will be back before evening." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "That is not always so easy." of them has the shutters up.' "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" call it cruel." more solid." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "What! a murderous attack?" your only hope of safety." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. The King stared at him in amazement. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial flock.' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had John Swain, of St. Augustine. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. and looked back. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Pray do so." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in now. It seems that there had been some informality about their The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "By no means." "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, voice, changing her seat as requested. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his held up the lantern and gazed about him. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "But how?" little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to learned something! Where are the gems?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "And that is--" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. the matter." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any DISSOLVED. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings fasten all the windows?" "'And the work?' "Did he not advertise?" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could clanging. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'And the work?' the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Seven!" I answered. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, tightly behind him. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I purpose of examination. "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking of receipt of the work. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any lost nothing by them." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. handed it to him. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "But your client--" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is 1.F. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, evidence," I remarked. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss gone. "I cannot as yet see any connection." and inquire as to the address." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low your equipment. pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "My stepfather's business papers." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge,