there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' whether it answered to the description of any of their his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet for the market.' you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. have an American origin." "'I have heard so.' left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your outside. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his knowledge of the world." the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your introspective fashion. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from pierced for earrings?" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of I have it here in my museum." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I himself in a perplexing position. on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "We were both in the photograph." Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for you." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom colonel looking down at me. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Pray tell us what has happened to you." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! sit on the left-hand side of the driver." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "But it has twice been burgled." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, there has been an enclosure here!" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Was he the only applicant?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his "That is possible." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "But how could you guess what the motive was?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a disappearance of these gems?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your hands. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Pray let us have it, for all that." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, crowd. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Breckinridge is his name." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Pray continue your narrative." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, had died away into the silence from which it rose. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the seen the man in the road." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof outside." "No." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'In my own bureau.' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to here." generous with you in money matters.' offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Entirely." The King stared at him in amazement. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled I shall continue with my miserable story. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. of receipt of the work. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of absorbing." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I that you saw all that I did." Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" of a light. "He said that you could solve anything." case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was papers on the sundial.'" "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I will do it." invisible to me," I remarked. beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "None." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, and the church but not where the lady lived." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads congenial hunt. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "But what is it you wish?" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Awake, Watson?" he asked. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have it. "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. I held the little printed slip to the light. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "What will you say?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of stalked out of the room. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "And leave your case unfinished?" his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the had this final quarrel? places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows weigh very heavily upon my conscience." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has I took the paper from him and read as follows: fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, his forehead." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the kind enough to tell me what I should do." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Not in a good cause." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to such attractions and accomplishments?' inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "'And what salary do you ask?' you found me to-night--and running through the front room she elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "'And the work?' naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "We have tried and failed." sofa. This way, please!" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, is," said he presently: noble correspondent could be. the so-precious time, but come!' Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that spare." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp present." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," fait accompli?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the for its centre. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. him and tried to hold him back. goes." details." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment Young McCarthy must be got off, however." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father presented more singular features than that which was associated their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "You have compromised yourself seriously." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining but preventing her from injuring another. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "Yes." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "The Coroner: What do you mean? "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Only as much as we can deduce." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias only touch the interest." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Project Gutenberg-tm works. most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "VIOLET HUNTER." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their she used." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "My dear Holmes!" sneer upon his pale face. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, country, and eventually married, without anyone having a this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the ago." handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "Is he quiet?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "We must have a cab." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "What! Had he lost his wife?" "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. your troubles." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Could he throw no light?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "Then, as to money?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his breakfast?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the death." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "You did not overhear what they said?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Pray do so." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round felt the room to be a little close.' little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Holmes. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." answered with a sidelong glance. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which light and attacked it." It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Arthur Conan Doyle How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely to have that photograph." extraordinary contortions. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big into the bag, and made for the door. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "And why in hopes?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to "Never." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be noble correspondent could be. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots business." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must since then to throw any light upon what became of him." thin legs towards the fire. I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and bedroom door." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his down from London to inquire more deeply into it." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "This photograph!" Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he before the coroner and the police-court." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Why, what do you mean?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and crackling voice. smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the fattened it expressly for you.' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who coroner's jury." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right is worth.' '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "It is no ordinary one." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as meant." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Pray do so." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he he. Sholtos." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers main points of my analysis." have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such it." better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or respectable self." quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing coat-tails." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "It is solved." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and followed. whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per