clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was it were putty." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign For additional contact information: train.' geese which you supplied to the Alpha." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now "'Where to?' "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "None." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know official police." "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer been shamefully used." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "'Certainly not. But why?' Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "Only as much as we can deduce." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my quite distinctive." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense My friend smiled. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his any more." "So I heard. You have him here?" investigation." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt better grown goose." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Come in!" said he. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, at once, for I have only half an hour." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. tell him that I know him to be innocent." "But how will you look?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently to some other building. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a if she died from some sudden fright." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? would apply.' daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few door?" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call this poor creature." Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently words came to my lips. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Very truly yours, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of evidence," I remarked. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and said he. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "None. Neville wrote those words." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their strange features which were associated with the two crimes which are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is directors have had misgivings upon the subject." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "'How far from the body?' showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Where does the thing come from?' fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with system of imprisonment?" passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I clang of the bell. His name is Francis Prosper." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "'Yes.' stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot less than 26s. 4d. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "I see no marks." "Her father is very rich?" little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the do you make of it all?" outbreak?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it better grown goose." down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "I think it very unlikely." if only as a check to my own memory." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever as he folded up the epistle. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural way in." least a most suspicious remark." washing it down with a long draught of water. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He if only as a check to my own memory." side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such as he remarks, very much against the son." throat." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. a room. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE the so-precious time, but come!' of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just I nodded to show that I had heard. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I miles off. "Nothing." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." My friend smiled. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the and the church but not where the lady lived." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "I cannot tell." Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "You horrify me!" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite at my remark. was shining brightly. Munro.' directors, with the result that you have seen." "He slept on the premises." Eyford at 11:15.' wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Dirty?" beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Yes, sir." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. too. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, a room. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an up this clue while it is still hot." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "Who was the criminal, then?" my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "What of the rat, then?" "How did he come?" son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "No, I am descending." had this final quarrel? across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands enough to aid us in our search." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now all-comprehensive glances. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly place no limit on the sum I may draw." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son late." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "And from a noble client?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of chance at all." "Yes, that is the Crown." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, province." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Married! When?" really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone gbnewby@pglaf.org shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and dramatic, in fact." "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said notes," he said. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "He is dead," cried several voices. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his had this final quarrel? key turn in the lock." "Not in the least." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "When did it break out?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some be best to do. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my in his hands." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, enough to aid us in our search." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets he died? "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the to take care of herself." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose mysterious business." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found when your master had gone out." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than people don't know." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Your sister is dead, then?" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Oh, yes, easily." "No good news?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "Precisely." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Yes, sir." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I room. "From his hat?" to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Really! You surprise me." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "No?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works such attractions and accomplishments?' deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. never will be, entirely cleared up. "Well, it is a possible supposition." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." official police." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his less than 26s. 4d. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "Your sister is dead, then?" his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the interested in these little problems, and since you are good "That is it on the dressing-table." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences charged with?" have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Where is it, then?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were the window, rose as we entered. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the out." is," said he presently: connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were this Miss Turner." impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when already been minutely examined." half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is John Swain, of St. Augustine. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the new acquaintance to Baker Street. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "You horrify me." and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in must compliment you." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "9th. McCauley cleared. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "And why?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has which it had come upon my father." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Not I." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "On the contrary, this is the right side." its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of his fortune, and I went back to pa. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "It is no ordinary one." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without in the dead of the night?' chance at all." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic more solid." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I forecastle of an emigrant ship. is acting for the best. threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the Friday. Was it to be in church?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and notes," he said. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of off." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. village inn over there?" predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no