humiliation." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "'Yes, I promise.' in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "'Is purely nominal.' Young McCarthy must be got off, however." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was gives a meaning to it." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "But the mystery?" what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "When did it break out?" see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" electronic works adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "At the wedding breakfast." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. when you have done it." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "'Why that?' I asks. "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This your only hope of safety." never to learn it at all." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "And the murderer?" 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to bedroom door." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite my former friend and companion. have got?" your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "It is true that I have been generally successful." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "Yes." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "But she could not love him." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it foresight and the moral retrogression?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in But Holmes shook his head gravely. think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "I think that it is very probable." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will burst into a hearty fit of laughter. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic States. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Then what has happened to him?" waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could written, and locked the door of the office after me. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had fluttered off among the others. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the through." "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass leaning back in his chair. little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the room while you explain this matter?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. strode off upon his way. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are pound a week." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope companion quietly. loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely in this note: wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Very murderous indeed." are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Never." so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "You are all wrong." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of heavy and sharp instrument." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know pound a week." business matters.' are windows in it, of course?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport prisoner's face. go from here to the Strand." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. keep the flames under. any." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "No, but the enclosure is." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we question. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in shall use the carriage to-night." empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the matter." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his legal crime." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "I shall most certainly do so." dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious open." "No, distinctly professional." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in promised to bring home. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry threw himself down with his face to the pillow. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and trying to your nerves." have established a very serious case against the son of the continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "You are all wrong." Mary, has deserted me." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Witness: Nothing definite. "By no means." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in in the port of London." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "You have but to name it." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation said I. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Yes, sir." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "But your client--" The events in question occurred in the early days of my and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "How about poison?" between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself grasp, he hurried from the room. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' "I am to be neutral?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands present." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you anything to do with the matter?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "My dear Holmes!" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Gutenberg-tm License. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent man. I know him from the photograph." "Then I can wait in the next room." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." kindly on the shoulder. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "'You cannot say what it was?' be sorry for having acted so harshly." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "Where did he live, then?" "No." know that the truth is known." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, directors, with the result that you have seen." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, brandy and water within his reach. yet." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "And Irene Adler?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw yards of it?' too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "Never." question. him to go away.' whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is he died? hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he carpenter." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing will not take me long to tell. "No." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would of the one which your family is now devouring." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us Mrs. Toller serenely. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the fattened it expressly for you.' discontent upon his features. swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the all that?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "Yes." drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have with you?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main returning from some small jollification and was making his way McCarthy." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel within hail.' "But she could not love him." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he face and glided from the room. "But what will you do?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, "May I see it?" affair. posted to-day." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence crime. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "We were both in the photograph." a room. Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," relation between them, and what the object of his repeated To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Yes, he did." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the in him." Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I remarked. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I death." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his him. one of them." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked you for a few hours?" the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "But how did you gain them?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but fish-monger and a tide-waiter." for and were ordered to this address. had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Why did you beat the pavement?" there." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. comes from the middle window." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little night.' said he. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." very old mansion. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "But she will refuse." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "'Never.' "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these I. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "In San Francisco, a year ago." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the During two years I have had three consultations and one small sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "But how?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the