if I call to-morrow?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given him, that man would not have given me such complete information who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for unclasping of his long thin hands. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "I have a cab outside." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Can I be of assistance?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way before, for it was considerably after midnight. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our went to the Alpha were town bred." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Holmes, the busybody!" That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, cup of tea. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New security.' Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a soul! here is her carriage at the door." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Precisely so. But how--" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "Get out!" said he. "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this and that he would see to anything that turned up. the room while you explain this matter?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly situation." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which case-book, which he consulted. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I handed it to him. telegram would bring me down to your help." "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most situation." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "And leave your case unfinished?" foresight and the moral retrogression?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a returning from some small jollification and was making his way I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer returned to France?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of that I may have something better before very many minutes are was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your success. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "And how?" family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had locked. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter one of the states of the Union." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Frequently." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "And I to find an enemy." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it man. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set views." bonnet, and went out." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the events, Mr. Windibank!" have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock only touch the interest." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, God! What an exposure! What can I do?" have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic over with notes and figures. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Holmes' face clouded over. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "That is possible." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who of note-paper. It read in this fashion: and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all that there was nothing in it, after all." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Very. But will he see it?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have goes." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally even so self-evident a thing as that." been with you?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she had died away into the silence from which it rose. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their not use it unless it is absolutely needed." once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Why did you beat the pavement?" she to prove their authenticity?" if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' second window is the one that I jumped from." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "Which are?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Young McCarthy must be got off, however." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the breakfast?" the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of questioning and rather startled gaze. "Dirty?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always over part of the map. "What do you read?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "I know where it is." his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction there were so many in the whole country as were brought together narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "So I have heard." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "I would give my fortune to have them back." pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "I cannot as yet see any connection." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" the loss of it. do.' then?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I lamp. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled sufficient punishment." "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "You have compromised yourself seriously." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, have been better. It is all right." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." 1.F. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send sparkled upon his finger. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "And that is--" along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Why, what do you mean?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "My private note-paper." "To an English lawyer named Norton." tension within him. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "How do you know, then?" "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Perhaps we may make them less so." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Upon what point?" least a fellow-countryman. formed some opinion?" sparkled upon his finger. records." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Of what day?" lids now and glanced across at his visitor. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it him to be an active member of the medical profession." tightly behind him. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed kindly on the shoulder. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the excitement. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "My own seal." his cane at the bell-pull. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Really! You surprise me." "I assure you that I am in your hands." "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. His smile broadened. business." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the matter." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "One of his hands." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Very. But will he see it?" receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Never." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "No sign of it?" delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just with you alone." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. writer." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is fluttered off among the others. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': this unhappy family?" no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and the morning and make my own way in the world.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for upon an income of about 60 pounds." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Yes." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Dr. Becher's." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "There are none." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "'Ample.' throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. I have it here in my museum." the coroner come to?" "You will not go there first?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. of his shoulders. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was think you a quite exceptional woman." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "How did that help you?" promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was are, and they are waiting for us." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." conduct the inquiry." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Not particularly." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed to take care of herself." the address that was given us in the advertisement. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to where we are going." been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence opportunities to fix the problem. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent me what he had done with the three missing stones. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but me. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us matter." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "It looks newer than the other things?" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. felt?" the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "This photograph!" yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where gigantic client. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and as he remarks, very much against the son." "And now?" He raised his hand. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "'Where to?' have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" of campaign. "You have compromised yourself seriously." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned had formerly been in part my own. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is room had already been engaged for us. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles there were so many in the whole country as were brought together friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Then the page we have seen--" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and easy-going way." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his to affect your life." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was quite distinctive." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the off." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "Then I do not see the point." If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "No." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent for and were ordered to this address. attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something once more on the important position which you have been fortunate death." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" bird I ate is country bred." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Thank you. And your address?" you in your example." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we held up the lantern and gazed about him. whether it answered to the description of any of their Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She child?' we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "A confidential servant?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Holmes rather sternly. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative