"Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his remarked. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Not social, then?" I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "It is solved." giving me time to thank him. "Of Friday, June 19th." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to official police." second." "This concluded the examination of the witness." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "Your sister is dead, then?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. man. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had three fields round his house, and there he would take his Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried her also." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." McCarthy's innocence. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of made him keep the appointment." exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "Ha! you find it so?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To individual and becomes the badge of a society." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us forehead. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Stolen, then." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and My friend smiled. the tragedy. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. must compliment you." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and unprofitable." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting as yours." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "Really! You surprise me." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the place no limit on the sum I may draw." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Really! You surprise me." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility tied." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. tightly behind him. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to direction." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found such attractions and accomplishments?' a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been off." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet of your young ladies.' Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." them?" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for such attractions and accomplishments?' possible that we could bring him back to her? father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. redistribution. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? the little opening for the ventilator is." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. off." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "The vanishing of the lady." McCarthy's innocence. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "In what way?" asked Holmes. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Married! When?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very that that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet chance." that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Can I be of assistance?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk voice, changing her seat as requested. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed little trying to do so much typewriting?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Nothing." "What!" he roared. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was brandy and water within his reach. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I answered that I had not. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Then you may be so with me." the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting such attractions and accomplishments?' It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask mystery." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "My own seal." returning from some small jollification and was making his way II. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Serpentine Avenue. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was read over the extraordinary announcement. forebodings. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Clair, of Lee." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me you give your casting vote to?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project had picked up in the wood. "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "His face fell immediately. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the be there in time for your coming." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I nothing with him." "And on what day did he meet his death?" murdered man." upon a handsome competence. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid my little problems." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across his eyes and forehead. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up Again Holmes raved in the air. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Never to return." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "I am about to be married." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "'And what salary do you ask?' there when the Rucastles went away." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "And now?" I asked. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. second window is the one that I jumped from." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. bell. Holmes whistled. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the or in danger--" "I came to find a friend." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "And your father? Did you tell him?" "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the tragedy. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "She will not sell." a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any meant it for the best. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I don't say that. Perhaps." his wife has ceased to love him." do.' upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon DISSOLVED. Surrey." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the Surrey." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Certainly." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent there was no need for father to know." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found asked. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his one which it was hard to resist. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." fuss that is made over them." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "A confidential servant?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as the ceiling. horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just will he say when he returns?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips to affect your life." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so a little more before I quite committed myself. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the nursery. depend upon your compliance." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round fish-monger and a tide-waiter." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he key turn in the lock." call it cruel." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy the house with me." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked you, my dear young lady?' "The landlord of the Alpha." and capable of preserving a secret.' "Come in!" said he. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I disturbance in my wife." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So perplexity from it to my illustrious client. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "And Irene Adler?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "'Where could I find him?' "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away enter into my head. my friend's incisive reasoning. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress his grey eyes. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting developed." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "How on earth--" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to his knees, staring into the fire. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Mrs. Toller serenely. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile wife's character?" room had already been engaged for us. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Won't it ring?" Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are as noiselessly as she had come. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" you in yours." the matter." already referred to. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was ran thus: dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I say that I have solved it." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have strong and stiff." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a not within a twentieth part of the market price." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Was he the only applicant?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Tired-looking or fresh?" depend upon my doing so.' that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done in his power. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Pray do so." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and make me his representative both with the servants and with the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay