from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with gbnewby@pglaf.org total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little gone. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, is a common subject for conversation. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and and glanced through. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary main points of my analysis." year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a I took the paper from him and read as follows: "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital to surprise her." read over the extraordinary announcement. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two past. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would children over to America with him, so that I found myself without drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was habit of advancing money.' saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a said he. flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But daring than any effort of the imagination." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does definite end. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "I was sure that I might rely on you." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" disturbance in my wife." "Perhaps I have." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and vault. in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "'About the same.' "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the roots. within hail.' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the driver. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "You think so, too?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, comes from the middle window." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I were wasted." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method learned something! Where are the gems?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "I was mad--insane." laugh and put his lips to my ear. "It was." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Dirty?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold little adventures." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. of receipt of the work. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "I see many objections to any such theory." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "What! Had he lost his wife?" "No." remarked. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited Henry Baker is a member." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "'Most admirably.' "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Witness: Nothing definite. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my open." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on noting anything else of interest. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the you in yours." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine green of the new foliage. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the side-table." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When look dissatisfied." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "It is true that I have been generally successful." never came back." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar bled considerably." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the was feeling which was the fattest.' had formerly been in part my own. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles tail." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are our word." call it cruel." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it made his money." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice brandy and water within his reach. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner breakfast and whispered something to her husband. chambers. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Was she in good spirits?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some think that any burglar could have done. father's young wife. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and stepfather?" the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab green of the new foliage. "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' she to prove their authenticity?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper said Mr. Holder. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "One of the highest in England." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Deserted you?" Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were the nursery. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "And the murderer?" table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the I think that I could be of assistance to you." passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. awkward doing business with an alias." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual towards the blaze. gigantic client. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular Sholtos." your co-operation." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Has he come with you to-night?" "You have compromised yourself seriously." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Have you good authority for what you say?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then used to be." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "But she will refuse." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in as he remarks, very much against the son." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the place no limit on the sum I may draw." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and at once, for I have only half an hour." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was this poor creature." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point envelope. in a friendly supper." stepfather?" brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of felt the room to be a little close.' Project Gutenberg-tm works. papers must be those that are destroyed.' disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "The Cedars?" you in yours." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to of note-paper. It read in this fashion: me where it went to?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy ordinary clothes on?" "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." retorted upon me, and I on you." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. weapon." looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. new acquaintance to Baker Street. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." promised to bring home. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of handed it to him. Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "And now?" He raised his hand. man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "This concluded the examination of the witness." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "Was the window open?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel then?" something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "She told me to ask you." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "What are they?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Eyford." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from that, and I came down." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Of what?" the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "So I heard. You have him here?" said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. have not had my rubber." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. goes." "Precisely so. But how--" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his married her." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Pray do so." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here narrative." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you but preventing her from injuring another. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Is he quiet?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Yes." whatever might befall. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, to surprise her." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. have one." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural existence." have I gained?" right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" night.' said he. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their his wife has ceased to love him." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would to a more successful conclusion." the tragedy. his eyes and forehead. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had case before our client came into the room." weary and pale-looking. enter Dr. Roylott's room." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and a room. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able Leave Paddington by the 11:15." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her interests were the same as his." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the papers on the sundial.'" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. you in yours." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." is," said he presently: