"He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and and put his glass in his pocket. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly gives a meaning to it." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "You have it, sir, just as it happened." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon spare." which was all perfectly true. side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a bonnet, and went out." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Who by?" people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "But you can know nothing of this?" "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, situation." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "I say it is." "Where, then, is my wife?" "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent quite distinctive." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The long narrative. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be photograph?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in me. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is occupations.' done what I asked you, Jones?" coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that said he, "my real name is James Ryder." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "The Coroner: What do you mean? do." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this congenial hunt. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "But not more so than I to find you." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down of the vacancies.' have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say the so-precious time, but come!' posted to-day." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of shall not find me ungrateful." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "And how in the world did you find them?" thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business have I gained?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the dangers which encompass me." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'Where could I find him?' "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Why did you pick him?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a danger is over." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable his forehead." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of woven round him. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where never will be, entirely cleared up. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "When did she vanish, then?" had no one to advise her at such a crisis." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the opportunities to fix the problem. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant way in." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a again, where I was soon asleep. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Indeed! Whose, then?" "It was a confession," I ejaculated. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it now. It seems that there had been some informality about their tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the mystery." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the nights." ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage despaired of." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he hereditary King of Bohemia." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right advice." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the my little problems." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" Henry Baker is a member." "At half-wages, in fact." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with awaited us upon the table. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "I don't believe it." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "My opinion is in no way altered." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" crime. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Of what day?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which what these perils are?" more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first said he. "Who was the criminal, then?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my chair. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital best detective that ever lived. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "No, my brougham is waiting." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm instincts rose up against that laugh. your Highness to the police-station?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Then you may entirely rely on me." cigars in their mouths. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout tightly behind him. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." closely." his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "None. Neville wrote those words." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, unprecedented a position." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Witness: It was. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "I was mad--insane." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Cross for the Continent." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily roused himself from his reverie. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "The best possible." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; security.' husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "Certainly." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." peculiar to him. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of helping a boy to put up the shutters. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court I have it here in my museum." the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a visitors." practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Married! When?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. people don't know." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "You think that he is dead?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on ways of our fellow-men." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "Yes?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us congenial hunt. IS have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham call for it in person on Monday morning.' of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too prison!" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I round and wave him away like that.' interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Of what?" "Your presence might be invaluable." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Farm upon the left." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to to take care of herself." to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by present strange and interesting features that it is no easy signal between you and your father? and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." approach us with offers to donate. your Highness to the police-station?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "My dear Holmes!" flock.' association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors opened a pocket-book and took out a note. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "So I heard. You have him here?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham have an American origin." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Where, then, is my wife?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "'Yes, sir.' and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to passage and a tap at the door. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I never have." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, nonsense.' "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. beyond words. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm people in all walks of life. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment society." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "At what time?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds one of them." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so always that they were such commands as a lady might with of them has the shutters up.' "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a straighten it?" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in green of the new foliage. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." room. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Did your wife hear all this?" don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, father's place of business?" the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at little adventures." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband his face which made him a very different person to the round, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "I warn you that they are very incomplete." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her have I gained?" There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard works. took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It awaited us upon the table. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I use an arc-and-compass breastpin." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "That was it, sir." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is wedding?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile