The police have openly confessed that they can at present make which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said when you have done it." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of upon an income of about 60 pounds." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Her father is very rich?" thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It carried out of court." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from and it need not interfere very much with one's other mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Have you good authority for what you say?" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "You have but to name it." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "That you are never beaten." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "And you can do nothing until then?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream copied or distributed: the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. other lovers by making love himself." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Then you may be so with me." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Yes, he did." clanging. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "What of the rat, then?" might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And went to the Alpha were town bred." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Certainly." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "But to whom?" crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "'As governess?' "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four way in." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, present." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, key of the affair now." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are friend's singular character. and the colonel ushered me in. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is outside. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. with some details as to your case." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "How did you deduce the select?" "Pray do so." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Stoke Moran?" said he. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry upon a handsome competence. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the of the one which your family is now devouring." X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "My opinion is in no way altered." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia anything to a woman, for she would have her way." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a coroner's jury." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "We must sit without light. He would see it through the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever your room." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" he. until night should bring an explanation. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming said I. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "The Cedars?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right then?" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day compunction about shooting them down." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is other lovers by making love himself." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open less than 26s. 4d. "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon or in danger--" She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day call for it in person on Monday morning.' plantation.' passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "But it has twice been burgled." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Ha! you find it so?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "But who is he?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Ah, but I was recommended to you." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his indeed happy." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a said I. other means.' round and wave him away like that.' sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has wife's character?" Lestrade of Scotland Yard." make me his representative both with the servants and with the including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all geese which you supplied to the Alpha." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is strong and stiff." "You are all wrong." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "No. His orders were to stay in the house." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is redistribution. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do occupations.' strange features which were associated with the two crimes which were unconscious?" "That's no good." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Yes, it was twisted." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. in his power. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "And your father? Did you tell him?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "To an English lawyer named Norton." "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "What are they?" "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Lee, in the county of Kent." chill to my heart. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from leaning back in his chair. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all we went to search for him, face downward in a little fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Perfectly so." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "This photograph!" used to be." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the very morning of the wedding." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I think that it is very probable." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Why, what do you mean?" Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited 'please.'" my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the hands. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was friends, not even his own brother. "But his left-handedness." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the running down." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a and no precautions can guard against." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "It was." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family strength." London for the present?" settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "What office?" had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "It goes to the housekeeper's room." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the nursery. which we had just quitted. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "What!" he roared. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." throat." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business works. even of instruction." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "'And what salary do you ask?' "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a page at http://pglaf.org Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Of what day?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened outside. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was copied or distributed: girl said." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon third from London." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the prison!" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Yes." the matter." dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "Imitated." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "And on what day did he meet his death?" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" been anything against him. He had for years been known as a and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be as the one I chose?' Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious your equipment. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all other means.' smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They to tell." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "And now?" I asked. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their there!' those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little brandy and water within his reach. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little she to prove their authenticity?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it have got?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. His name is Francis Prosper." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making girl said." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "To the police?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Watson," he said cordially. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not test if we have an answer to our advertisement." and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen questioning and rather startled gaze. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "'Where to?' present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my as this. Pray let me have the details." formed some opinion?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do It may be so in this case, also." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any Holmes rather sternly. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some Literary Archive Foundation I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Indeed! Whose, then?" cigar and let me expound." as he folded up the epistle. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." with the outside air!" hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Where is it, then?" the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took carriage. It was a chestnut." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow system of imprisonment?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save that you can jump it.' face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's call the police, let the police find what they can.' served to weaken the effect. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, maiden herself was most instructive." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is