is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "Very. But will he see it?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "It was an hour's good drive." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I to-night." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "Not particularly." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is bedroom door." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "What! a murderous attack?" "Yes, it was twisted." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, which should have the effect of calling the attention of the will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin which our visitor detailed to us. third from London." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Mrs. Toller serenely. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Very truly yours, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "No bad?" building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. quick march!" finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "VIOLET HUNTER." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' you do it in twenty minutes!' "But he might be a bachelor." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has October 9, 1890. "I am armed." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "I cannot imagine." hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you again before evening." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "And from a noble client?" security.' a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Yes." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that to miss it." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Dr. Becher's." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "Not yet." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This voice. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed was keenly on my guard against him. reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the rat could hardly pass through." been with you?" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular hands. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in begin with, and I had not got mine yet." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" stalked out of the room. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. the nursery. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Then I am your man." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. to take care of herself." why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square woven round him. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in little adventures." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their "Why did you beat the pavement?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but bird of prey. one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a placed his cuttings. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric the Red-headed League." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I think that it is very probable." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage as this. Pray let me have the details." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with and a shock of very red hair. memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Sholtos." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' yet." unprofitable." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the me. You must get home instantly and act." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "I am in hopes that she does." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." eavesdroppers?' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against ventilator." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case ways including including checks, online payments and credit card years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son photograph?" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, problems help me to do so." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were laugh and put his lips to my ear. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil was the fact that his father should, according to his account, to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these searched, without anything being found which could incriminate besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "It is very kind of you." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to out." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them fatally injured? "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, together. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or will he say when he returns?" cause to be." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "She told me to ask you." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at have established a very serious case against the son of the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear read it out to me." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see Edgeware Road. important." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon true." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "On Monday." "But he might be a bachelor." morning." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "Then you may be so with me." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "She showed me, as I told you she would." within hail.' better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a http://gutenberg.net/license). the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." ready to-morrow?' the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" acted in my house last night?" wife's character?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry awaited us upon the table. hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned clang of the bell. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "I am armed." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn bird of prey. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "One of his hands." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal call the police, let the police find what they can.' "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "I don't say that. Perhaps." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "He disappeared so suddenly." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the Red-headed League." touch that coronet?' him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Two days later this same performance was gone through under were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about status with the IRS. absolutely follow my advice in every respect." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and Watson," he said cordially. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my back alive. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. cheerful." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then hands. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her light and attacked it." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who clang of the bell. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend that threaten you." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious voice, changing her seat as requested. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when that I am arrested." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is spare." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. at home. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position house for five minutes.' so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Precisely." you in your example." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the which should have the effect of calling the attention of the cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Perhaps I have." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "'Quite sure, dad.' hand, madam?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my compunction about shooting them down." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it companion imperturbably. "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "And who is her maid?" It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small could go. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful records." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would I took the paper from him and read as follows: purpose of examination. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a only touch the interest." away into the river." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent page at http://pglaf.org not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." London for the present?" My friend smiled. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can place of silver." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, head. So long, then!" them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away