room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my back alive. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was is four-and-twenty." seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the warnings." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'Very good.' set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering if she died from some sudden fright." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Did your wife hear all this?" "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary means taking possession of that which another person has a prior rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying o'clock is it?" WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, mysterious end." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE made him keep the appointment." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is of the one which your family is now devouring." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Then I shall certainly come." of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the as he folded up the epistle. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert and the church but not where the lady lived." front of me. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "I was mad--insane." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. behind me. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. business came to an end." "What have you to say now?" "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "What is it, then--a fire?" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or detective. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "So I have heard." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." not personally threatened." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "My own seal." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I disturbance in my wife." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." dramatic, in fact." "Yes, only one." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "You have carte blanche." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by as the one I chose?' outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it plantation.' "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "I shall be delighted." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "You have but to name it." very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "My Mary? Impossible!" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so pierced for earrings?" never came back." photograph a cabinet?" Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "To an end?" public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. I nodded again. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "If I can be of use." "Look there!" said he. "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "What?" hardly wander." "What have you to say now?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Yes, but only for you and me." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his of the vacancies.' or in danger--" "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with subject to the trademark license, especially commercial with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Will you go?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the any little problem which you may submit to me." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a in darkness. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has point in the dark hollow of his hand. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger if only as a check to my own memory." King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "But she will refuse." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon rose-bushes. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too than was visible to me." annoyance, but no jest. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Well." deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Quite so." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the this man was intellectual?" anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the his fortune, and I went back to pa. for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "But of what society?" Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk name is different." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a point our research must commence, and we will begin it by pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." as noiselessly as she had come. cigars in their mouths. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. them present such singular features as the strange train of the matter." vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as there has been an enclosure here!" evidence," I remarked. docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I that I am arrested." congenial hunt. "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "It is his hat." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Then I shall certainly come." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. of a light. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away clang of the bell. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "What will you say?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "By train from Waterloo." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." some water from a caraffe. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and telegram would bring me down to your help." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection pound a week." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the DISSOLVED. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "What I expected to see." to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to had this final quarrel? He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "Why serious?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" had this final quarrel? as yours." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through made him keep the appointment." "What do you mean?" The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. important." I approached. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. presented more singular features than that which was associated nothing of it?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. purpose equally well?" "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more the coronet in his hand?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night forehead. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. any." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "She will not sell." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "It is true that I have been generally successful." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my everything which you would wish to know." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Pool. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the gone. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his as yours." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was if I call to-morrow?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some photograph?" washing it down with a long draught of water. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always outside." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying believe that I should never have any practice at all. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an results." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "I cannot tell." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB in one or two places in England?' to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for about. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the general public were present, then?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the to have been novel and of interest." Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang into her hand at the door and which lured her within their have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that memory. "It is no ordinary one." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this of a light. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the matter." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been meanly of me." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. them, and came down just as you departed. there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Precisely." have accepted such a situation. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not national property. I was determined that the law should have its Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Dr. Becher's." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late