a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." salesman. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, of the way of danger. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias more terrible than the truth. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining which was all perfectly true. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never written, and locked the door of the office after me. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll it? Did I buy the geese off you?" pound a week." "But she will refuse." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, new duties?' noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. indiscretion." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so certainly not very gracious." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" my little problems." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over with you?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a signal between you and your father? have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, suspect him." thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had about here speaks of his kindness to him." forebodings. all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell questionable one." "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical there is a decided draught." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." to that open window." photograph?" "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, garden below. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "The Cedars?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two house for five minutes.' "Of what day?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her delirious. think that any burglar could have done. "Dark enough and sinister enough." my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. own family. the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from acquaintance?" his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "'Where could I find him?' screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating assist you in forming an opinion." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the acted in my house last night?" stepfather?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," delirious. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "A thing like a cleaver," said he. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." interests were the same as his." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "What! a murderous attack?" law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman in your London, you will know that the office of the company is believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the train.' and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that room. "How can you tell that?" "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, gone. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself said I. newspaper selections." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" such attractions and accomplishments?' repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they later, upon the night of May 2nd." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Oh, yes, easily." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Thank you. Pray proceed." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the official police." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at quick march!" stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the never to learn it at all." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Well." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Awake, Watson?" he asked. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my waste of energy." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "In San Francisco, a year ago." from you?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of examine." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon recall any case within my experience which looked at the first thought that she would have been so carried away." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? electronic works having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of the iron safe, which he closed upon it. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press key of the affair now." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I was used.' brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Then I can wait in the next room." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the house for five minutes.' had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she the south-west, I see." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an eat it." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and south, for the country is more deserted there." a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was fuss that is made over them." Mrs. Toller serenely. machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "No, finished." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "Ample." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "My stepfather's business papers." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the to surprise her." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of them, and came down just as you departed. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when strength in the others." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "ARAT," I read. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm allusion to a rat. "It may not come to that," said Holmes. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of there when the Rucastles went away." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, it." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she a very grave face. not fit the lock." "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is From what you have told me I think that it is possible that that you wished to speak to me?' "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in placed his cuttings. absorbing." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without was feeling which was the fattest.' greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Yes, certainly." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the legal crime." as the one I chose?' more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are stammered. cheerful." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you himself to tell his story. someone who had been in Australia." him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" was shining brightly. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Then you may entirely rely on me." and that he would see to anything that turned up. "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My answer." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? against a man in the prime of life?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, better grown goose." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the Red-headed League." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Sholtos." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, character. "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, friends, not even his own brother. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." that the gas is not laid on in his house?" criminal. We have already had experience of such." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "My last client of the sort was a king." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "She told me to ask you." should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the that there was nothing in it, after all." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: horse could go." doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light entirely lost his self-respect." "The Coroner: What do you mean? window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "And I say east," said my patient. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." least a fellow-countryman. "That is unusual in a young girl." your Highness to the police-station?" of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If morning." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Not in a good cause." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the it." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing fact, we may call it conclusive." might help us?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Precisely." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "It is half-past ten now." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as October 9, 1890. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "A client, then?" of a light. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." light and attacked it." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both might help us?" shaken than I had ever seen him. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink friends, not even his own brother. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my light and attacked it." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon been able to understand it, in a very few words. you." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal lamp. tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss interests were the same as his." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Oh, yes, easily." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "I never have." have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true lost nothing by them." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation in a very precise fashion." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." father's young wife. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so danger is over." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet if she died from some sudden fright." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "Well, some hundreds of times." written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding he bowed and left the room without another word. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Very much so." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "'What do you call purely nominal?' the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between suspect him." "And when will you call?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of something of him before." "You think that he is dead?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the