"I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself danger is over." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "Game for a morning drive?" was shining brightly. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "'Where could I find him?' gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Yes." back alive. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to lids now and glanced across at his visitor. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. the King without delay." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in of receipt of the work. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the Doctor, of the paper and the date." your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely enter into my head. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his about. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it advice." deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by because she had spent so short a time in this country that she ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She once more to my work. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "It certainly sounds feasible." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Miss Holder?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. beg that you will break it off." article?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they presented more singular features than that which was associated absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." noble correspondent could be. "Was he the only applicant?" bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, to have been novel and of interest." remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "Where, then?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug there is a decided draught." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very seven miles from Eyford Station.' the stones. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all during the last few years, and there are many noble families to from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "'I have already given you my word.' James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." you understand?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The woven round him. "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Yes." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours should be taken.' is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Very much so." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Which are?" the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "No, my brougham is waiting." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg this as likely?" in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Eyford at 11:15.' papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Why? What do you mean?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office all?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come she to prove their authenticity?" "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the morning." "What is it, then--a fire?" Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "That was it, sir." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "But how?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it sparkled upon his finger. "My stepfather's business papers." "My Mary? Impossible!" Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "And how?" of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Get out!" said he. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no one of them." touch that coronet?' strange features which were associated with the two crimes which but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "How on earth--" and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and so.' "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." your Highness to the police-station?" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as and that he would see to anything that turned up. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "'Entirely.' black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." it." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "And sit in the dark?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, chill to my heart. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any with some details as to your case." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with to-morrow." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "And you don't know his address?" pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is to surprise her." not come at once?" to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an Pope's Court. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. closely." "How about poison?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special his wife has ceased to love him." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "The knees of his trousers." This is what he says: lips." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "The Coroner: What do you mean? indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Quite so." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a and the whole place is in a blaze." salesman. at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an populous neighbourhood." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' the stable lane now." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "The Cedars?" collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when certainly do as you advise." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as me. some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Do you receive much company?" he asked. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from went to the Alpha were town bred." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he me what he had done with the three missing stones. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Not in the least." shoulder; "he's all right." "Then I am your man." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Then you may entirely rely on me." all-comprehensive glances. "Very well, sir. And this stone?" man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper populous neighbourhood." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." works. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving II. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for to his chemical studies. ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the window, rose as we entered. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a the roots. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "In San Francisco, a year ago." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Yes, he did." "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it vague figure huddled up in the darkness. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "In San Francisco, a year ago." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. I nodded again. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Doctor, of the paper and the date." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached meant it for the best. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who imbecility!" he cried. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his forehead. "My dear Holmes!" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the date of his supposed suicide." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss clang of the bell. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "It certainly sounds feasible." direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "The King of Scandinavia." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, for its centre. can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the already been minutely examined." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." to a more successful conclusion." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" depend upon your compliance." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from one of the states of the Union." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which horse could go." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and approach us with offers to donate. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "You will not go there first?" the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror records." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "My own seal." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? a monotonous occupation." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to fear." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "'How far from the body?' chill to my heart. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his skylight. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "I came to find a friend."