upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all you understand?" on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which only touch the interest." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my congratulate you again." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. could gather together that I was able to avert another public who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. just called myself is not exactly my own." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "You think so, too?" "This photograph!" high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Holmes, the busybody!" Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had chemical work which was so dear to him. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "What will you say?" the matter?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "Then I can wait in the next room." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "How are you getting on?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah lost nothing by them." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Pray do so." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our followed. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "Yes, from Horsham." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be may never be exposed to such a temptation." your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself the very morning of the wedding." "Your presence might be invaluable." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Get out!" said he. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, strength." "But I have heard all that you have heard." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they the armchair which I pushed forward for him. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand coroner's jury." the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found handed it to him. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "I never have." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, events, Mr. Windibank!" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. there!' "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. bachelor.' "Come in!" said Holmes. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a forebodings. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found it were putty." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "I assure you that I am in your hands." If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "And Miss Sutherland?" "From his hat?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "Of what day?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "I know where it is." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "That is not always so easy." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down will take you up to see the machine.' can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs chill to my heart. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Thank you. Pray proceed." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. thin legs towards the fire. of the one which your family is now devouring." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "It is very clear." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "What then?" little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. my room." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Yes." have established a very serious case against the son of the suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for think you a quite exceptional woman." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she empty. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it 1.F. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps eavesdroppers?' observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the shaken than I had ever seen him. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. she used." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "That also I could fathom." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the here and I will read it to you: watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the For additional contact information: "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Perhaps we may make them less so." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "I would give my fortune to have them back." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two here and I will read it to you: few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "My dear Holmes!" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Edgeware Road. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in The King stared at him in amazement. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was your Highness to the police-station?" "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "But you were on a friendly footing?" habit of advancing money.' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you one of the states of the Union." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, my little problems." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong 11:15.' Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before his wife has ceased to love him." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him details." "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third them?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. jewels which you have stolen?' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of over his head with a sweet womanly caress. it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, detective. "But how did you gain them?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were hard-headed British jury." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "I am still in the dark." has little to do with my story." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle eavesdroppers?' married her." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more brought there to personate someone, and the real person is came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "In heaven's name, what for?" zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest the matter?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Chief Executive and Director "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are has little to do with my story." "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "It missed him, then?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; to-morrow." "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery signal between you and your father? father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she here." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I answered that I had not. when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'And what are they worth?' I asked. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his events, Mr. Windibank!" these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH your own bird, so if you wish--" cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while indiscretion." The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, and the colonel ushered me in. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Where to?" might help us?" Holmes rather sternly. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out himself to tell his story. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was meanly of me." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible existence." "Was she in good spirits?" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Nothing?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at man. thin legs towards the fire. it with his own hands." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This weapon." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the room while you explain this matter?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. where we are going." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Certainly." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Nothing?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite astonishment. it right.' my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in The summons was a brief and urgent one. unkempt, staring out at me. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable cost them two and thirty pounds." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I correct than the official force." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "But his lameness?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "I will, Miss Turner." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, as noiselessly as she had come. your only hope of safety." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At fluttered off among the others. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "'You cannot say what it was?' for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. laugh and put his lips to my ear. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'I have already given you my word.' hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "No more words. Get out!" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no it means?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round again before evening." "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss leave you to your papers for a little." window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and a shock of very red hair. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house you do it in twenty minutes!' drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "May I see it?" incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as speckled band?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that at a side door. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and directly by questioning you." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the voice, changing her seat as requested. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to to-night?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "How are you getting on?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed.