"'There is a drive, then?' course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the key of the affair now." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea your equipment. "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the south-west, I see." "No?" would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we are windows in it, of course?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "Will you bet, then?" "Whose house is it?" therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and colour had been driven from his face. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "Ten will be early enough." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, congenial hunt. to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" and glanced through. a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a room?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "'Where to?' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, into the room. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "But not more so than I to find you." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress maiden herself was most instructive." "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "'Quite sure, dad.' that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'And the work?' it means?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "You think so, too?" woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the running down." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so tail." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a one of the states of the Union." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." possible that we could bring him back to her? Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in photograph a cabinet?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens tell them apart.' that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from bedroom door." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." prepare for the new role I have to play." occupations.' While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting goes." "It came here." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be man. I know him from the photograph." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be you." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "'Entirely.' "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "In answer to an advertisement." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "We must sit without light. He would see it through the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, Does that suggest anything?" that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's young Openshaw's." "None." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. crackling voice. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down hair?' taking in every detail of the apartment. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear all?" "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "I answered that I had not. "And that is--" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "On Monday." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Why? What do you mean?" fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations during that time.' for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were tell him that I know him to be innocent." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "Precisely." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "But his lameness?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and in the port of London." upon the sideboard." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a forecastle of an emigrant ship. late!' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts you in yours." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called you found me to-night--and running through the front room she many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern compunction about shooting them down." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 http://www.gutenberg.net stepfather?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope bonnet, and went out." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like my secret was safe in his possession. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and dead, shall be safe with us." "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when footfalls from the street. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing out of this horrible affair." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "You saw the ventilator, too?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "We must have a cab." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My already referred to. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said carriage. It was a chestnut." Holmes rather sternly. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which get the tickets." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." as noiselessly as she had come. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and or in danger--" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. go--none." conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the be sorry for having acted so harshly." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing will be renamed. Eyford at 11:15.' I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. whereabouts. "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get again on its way. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" redistribution. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in It was close upon four before the door opened, and a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "That's no good." The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no place, I think that there is good ground to think that the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "I will not look." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, tear off another piece?' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "And Miss Sutherland?" Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned said Mr. Holder. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and a shock of very red hair. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good weigh very heavily upon my conscience." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick have been better. It is all right." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "I am sure." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the were unconscious?" wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a would then never go into court at all." be.' "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "My dear Holmes!" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "It certainly sounds feasible." prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was details." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Oh, the cause is excellent!" the driver. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were fishes. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "It is very clear." first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he to a more successful conclusion." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you astonishment. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom strange features which were associated with the two crimes which contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "My dear Holmes!" "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "On the contrary, this is the right side." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that room had already been engaged for us. "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any remarked. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of stalked out of the room. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong so.' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, appeal." "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his have I gained?" "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give strength in the others." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "The Coroner: What do you mean? or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, strength." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain front of me. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Lee, in the county of Kent." what these perils are?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom was once confined in the cab my mission was practically gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "What office?" not fit the lock." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the that "Then how many are there?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though in this note: "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself depend upon your compliance." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Holmes, the busybody!" "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "No, finished." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is believe that I should never have any practice at all. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home Street. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, absorbing." "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear to Leatherhead. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "Game for a morning drive?" upon the sideboard." "Well." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said public press." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' some mystery and the punishment of some crime." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? I think that I could be of assistance to you." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Very much so." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert