that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work said I. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry place, I think that there is good ground to think that the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I other lovers by making love himself." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or fishes. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the have got?" inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might to miss it." a very grave face. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. our word." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "BALLARAT." case-book, which he consulted. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress humiliation." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my comes from the middle window." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and with frightened eyes at his accuser. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is point in the dark hollow of his hand. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am less than 26s. 4d. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "We must have a cab." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came burst into a hearty fit of laughter. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in any." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, business at Coburg Square is serious." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this closely." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." your equipment. forehead. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case until night should bring an explanation. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "My private note-paper." said he. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the nursery. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, putting in the horse. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to telegram would bring me down to your help." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, http://www.gutenberg.net mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Of Friday, June 19th." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "What office?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that she might be summoned. "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Yes." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm States. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'About the same.' them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Was he the only applicant?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped room had already been engaged for us. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. advice." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "I have a cab outside." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "I would give my fortune to have them back." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You don't mind breaking the law?" have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Ten will be early enough." here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Holmes' thin, eager face. As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew here." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "I say that I have solved it." character. corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply whole matter to your consideration." reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, simple cases which are so extremely difficult." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. voice. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still notes," he said. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a read over the extraordinary announcement. Clair, of Lee." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." must compliment you." "'Where could I find him?' "Never to return." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the head. So long, then!" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies Street. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less woman who has had her own way to make in the world. known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the eat it." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "I have come for advice." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, 'I should be able to look after that for you.' it means?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive astonishment. it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Witness: It was. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "No. What a strange idea!" locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, chambers. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, some terrible trap for her." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged perplexity from it to my illustrious client. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We gone. naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent is," said he presently: "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. weary and pale-looking. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be not come at once?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his south, for the country is more deserted there." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "What I expected to see." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty and inquire as to the address." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning beg that you will break it off." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her frequently gained my first real insight into the character of face and glided from the room. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Then I shall certainly come." But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a beg that you will break it off." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, directly by questioning you." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a money should be paid at once.' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so the date of his supposed suicide." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I from the brougham. pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "Was she in good spirits?" "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes not personally threatened." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Witness: It was. which we had just quitted. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but foresight and the moral retrogression?" be.' the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with to you." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of your equipment. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES constraint." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Project Gutenberg-tm works. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "How did he come?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the your equipment. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Well." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "What of the rat, then?" took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "I promise," said Holmes. south, for the country is more deserted there." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric pity, because in other respects you would really have done very I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "Who was the criminal, then?" "'As governess?' "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send money should be paid at once.' "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "How many? I don't know." you want, then?' "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. eavesdroppers?' and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, could go. bell. Holmes whistled. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his the house with me." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident detained." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Project Gutenberg-tm works. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' confronted him. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's electronic works home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few you understand?" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "A confidential servant?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. address. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong You want to know what became of those geese?" to have been novel and of interest." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord His name is Francis Prosper." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Get out!" said he. "You think that he is dead?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for companion. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an name is different." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me nothing of it?" glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "'I have already given you my word.' of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning way: of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with footfalls from the street. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing closing the door. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent brandy and water within his reach. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me yards of it?' stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she you want, then?' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that go back?" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "This concluded the examination of the witness." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "I assure you that I am in your hands." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had