approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Why, it's a dummy," said he. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused fat-encircled eyes. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'You doubt its value?' he asked. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, case-book, which he consulted. walking." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Do you know him?" tear off another piece?' disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Of Friday, June 19th." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "And what did you learn from him?" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Frequently." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had disappearance of the bride.'" There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "That is possible." Project Gutenberg-tm works. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your Pool. tell me that you intended to go into harness." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do few hundred pounds.' "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "What! a murderous attack?" of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment compunction about shooting them down." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact written, and locked the door of the office after me. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "What can it mean?" I gasped. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the stones. I shall communicate with you." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. which it had come upon my father." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "Did you observe the colour?" we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could questioning and rather startled gaze. was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right the little opening for the ventilator is." Holmes' thin, eager face. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed the Assizes." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was It was close upon four before the door opened, and a values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how arrangements." There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Not social, then?" was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am look upon these things in a different way." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the very morning of my second wedding." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was tapping his fingers upon the table. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "This photograph!" you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to of your young ladies.' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door like that before?" a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a sufficient punishment." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. ready to-morrow?' "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated of Mr. Rucastle's." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might questionable one." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "Won't it ring?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "Yes." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Street. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce strength." returning from some small jollification and was making his way seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "That's no good." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "You are certainly joking, Holmes." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But village inn over there?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the fact, we may call it conclusive." congenial hunt. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said is worth.' "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "It goes to the housekeeper's room." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the your room." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum individual and becomes the badge of a society." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set good-night and bustled off upon her way. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited believe that I should never have any practice at all. "My opinion is in no way altered." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, leaning back in his chair. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to late." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "About a month then." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. was feeling which was the fattest.' inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" that there was nothing in it, after all." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the certainly do as you advise." "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which had a long day." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor for the market.' "But what is it you wish?" considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard key turn in the lock." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been taking in every detail of the apartment. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, fattened it expressly for you.' or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend papers." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Holmes' face clouded over. intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Did you become engaged then?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and morning." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "Whose house is it?" our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about friends, not even his own brother. sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my o'clock is it?" alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "I promise," said Holmes. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "So I am. Very much so." snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "How many? I don't know." "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Where did he live, then?" and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by records." "Where, indeed?" "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were next day. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had meant." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "How do you know, then?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he call for protection in the marriage market, for the present hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he me where it went to?" from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging companion. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming client, rising. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom that you wished to speak to me?' eavesdroppers?' "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets public press." "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "Frequently." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "The decline of his fortunes, then?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding the address that was given us in the advertisement. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor best detective that ever lived. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." bonnet, and went out." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "What can you not understand?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink DAMAGE. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at keep the flames under. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "No, distinctly professional." "'Entirely.' lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for your most interesting statement." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the posted to-day." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of occupations.' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but exactly what you advise." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had keep the flames under. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the I shall continue with my miserable story. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" quick march!" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Yes, there are nearly always some there." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right 'please.'" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." he died? call for protection in the marriage market, for the present had died away into the silence from which it rose. would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "Here?" his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "The gentleman I describe." it." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "And you can do nothing until then?" the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even It may be so in this case, also." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." highly," said Holmes. self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of miles off. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a manager. paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or are, and they are waiting for us." long narrative. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "And your father? Did you tell him?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In something of him before." set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." indeed which he could not unravel. the stable lane now." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." hour." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power and effective." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he breakfast." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; "You horrify me." ways of our fellow-men." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" chill to my heart. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "And I to find an enemy." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." least a fellow-countryman. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a