Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's prison!" feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Stolen." photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "Then the page we have seen--" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "And why in hopes?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at page at http://pglaf.org the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies only touch the interest." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey sooner or later she must fall a victim. clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal digesting their breakfasts at home." dramatic, in fact." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Stolen." foresight and the moral retrogression?" passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's to-night?" I asked. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who room. to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Well, some hundreds of times." been able to understand it, in a very few words. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have a very grave face. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the is so. I know all about McCarthy." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "But what is it you wish?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, as he folded up the epistle. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, that threaten you." one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "By no means." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it my room." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more my little problems." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." three fields round his house, and there he would take his his grey eyes. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads daring than any effort of the imagination." Doctor, of the paper and the date." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his trying to your nerves." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "And what then?" before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. Arthur Conan Doyle "I was certainly surprised to find you there." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Breckinridge is his name." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you shall not find me ungrateful." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting the child." within hail.' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "I see many objections to any such theory." narrative." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become and put his glass in his pocket. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts were wasted." Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out Stoke Moran." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to call for it in person on Monday morning.' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own more solid." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "Yes, it was twisted." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood From what you have told me I think that it is possible that all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at "'I am sure that I do not know.' His smile broadened. week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "No." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very hands. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. to a more successful conclusion." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had dear old homesteads?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said certainly do as you advise." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking strength." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. into the room. attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I cannot say that I have." you understand?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. once more for Briony Lodge. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an that?' "What steps will you take?" I asked. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and salesman. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Did your wife hear all this?" the side-table." John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over habit of advancing money.' as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself stood on the top of it. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the place no limit on the sum I may draw." him!" "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She made his money." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This when you have done it." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' room?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen room. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." strong and stiff." "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your that you wished to speak to me?' but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Yes." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Nothing." dramatic, in fact." "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect I held the little printed slip to the light. "The gentleman I describe." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now official police." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' man. I know him from the photograph." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The other lovers by making love himself." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The up this clue while it is still hot." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which in my life." horse could go." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of bird I ate is country bred." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, telegram would bring me down to your help." Arthur Conan Doyle photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler together. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "What is it?" when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "My dear Holmes!" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's nothing of it?" "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of with some details as to your case." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "So I heard. You have him here?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part his forehead." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for think that any burglar could have done. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Very truly yours, fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper that I am arrested." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. I held the little printed slip to the light. and glanced through. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." hereditary King of Bohemia." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "I don't believe it." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did seen the man in the road." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Who by?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "What are they?" dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his were unconscious?" "Nothing." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the ordinary clothes on?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave this as likely?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "'Is 4 pounds a week.' which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It my former friend and companion. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Nearly eleven." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into digesting their breakfasts at home." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "What?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "You are hungry," I remarked. open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." rooms." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has I held the little printed slip to the light. at home. severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Very well, sir. And this stone?" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "And that is--" information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "Yes, he did." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "Yes." "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "I think that it is very probable." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "That is also quite modern," said the lady. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he pity, because in other respects you would really have done very quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "He said that you could solve anything." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. writing, and yet I know it well." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. note?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic locked. and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, appeal." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever to-morrow." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom gone. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the coroner's jury." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." to that open window." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner train from Paddington which would bring you there at about of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible his forehead." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing what these perils are?" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Mrs. Toller serenely. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "And you don't know his address?" have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom your bag." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had are, I think, all that we need." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "Then how many are there?" foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It