the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had from you?" passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "One?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps opportunities to fix the problem. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Thank you. Pray proceed." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Get out!" said he. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "I will get her to show me." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "'I am sure if I had known--' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And get her out of the way." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to ourselves in the office." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'Most admirably.' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Lee, in the county of Kent." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is place of silver." "Absolutely none." attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, washing it down with a long draught of water. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Have you good authority for what you say?" married her." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. heavily into it. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before his grey eyes. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his one of the states of the Union." strength in the others." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Then what has happened to him?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." fact, we may call it conclusive." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than page at http://pglaf.org waste of energy." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the ways of our fellow-men." home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "But you can know nothing of this?" "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they to-morrow." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "Always." you want, then?' at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." the inner apartment." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Where did you address your letters, then?" practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just this man was intellectual?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in The telegram which we eventually received came late one night he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Then I can wait in the next room." Surrey." ventilator." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the better in every way that they should make their position a little of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one crackling voice. families. Now for the facts. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the returning from some small jollification and was making his way reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "To ruin me." get the tickets." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, have been better. It is all right." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Holmes' face clouded over. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his are, and they are waiting for us." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "It is a murder, then?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "We must have a cab." article?" beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "You think that he is dead?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in bird of prey. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue purpose equally well?" that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "What then?" newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that and shall probably return to London by the evening train." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is wedding?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "No." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more forecastle of an emigrant ship. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa ran thus: "Won't it ring?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Not him." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag persecution?" "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Only as much as we can deduce." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both fattened it expressly for you.' habit of advancing money.' "What! You do not mean bodies?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I would pay ten." the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "And it is--" I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "Yes, he did." floor. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely man. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "What can you not understand?" other means.' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to where she found matters as described by the last witness. telegram would bring me down to your help." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "I am to be neutral?" if she died from some sudden fright." "Quite so. She has her freedom." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "That you are never beaten." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the me have 200 pounds?' never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a him." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight Miss Holder?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let in a very precise fashion." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "So I have heard." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove What do you deduce from it?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "I assure you that I am in your hands." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." photograph?" find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Thank you. Pray proceed." "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very had formerly been in part my own. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from lectures into a series of tales." or in danger--" "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow province." think that any burglar could have done. simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me shoulder. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "I cannot think." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the on in his house." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "Murdered?" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a breakfast?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "That you are never beaten." "And how did you find out?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Pray do so." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "You will not go there first?" Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. open." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant our word." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp joking. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "But you would not advise me to refuse?" completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." where she found matters as described by the last witness. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him vanished into the darkness. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "There are none." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who fuss that is made over them." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's my secret was safe in his possession. three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second wife's character?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the friend's singular character. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the Leadenhall Street--and--" middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which matters immensely." note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose enough to aid us in our search." Holmes rather sternly. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony was feeling which was the fattest.' down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the depend upon your compliance." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "None." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "'There is a drive, then?' "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "The doctor?" gbnewby@pglaf.org "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." fear." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "But how?" bird I ate is country bred." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are some water from a caraffe. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "I was sure that I might rely on you." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and James Windibank. Voilà tout!" gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we such attractions and accomplishments?' "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The gentleman I describe." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "It is very clear." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "Did you become engaged then?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "BALLARAT." hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the to-night?' at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who Clair, of Lee." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Doctor, of the paper and the date." mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this to a more successful conclusion." passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "Very murderous indeed." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' said I. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "If so, much may have happened between." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "Pray tell us what has happened to you." morning." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'A dozen yards or so.' "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I say it is." shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the