events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "10th. John Swain cleared. easy-going way." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon points in connection with it which never have been, and probably up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by had a long day." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "It is no ordinary one." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Texas, I think." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "I should wish to." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove way in everything. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." said I. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "But I have heard all that you have heard." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, his face. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "I guessed as much." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a my special province." had picked up in the wood. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Very truly yours, and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang wedding?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of you, my dear young lady?' "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your gbnewby@pglaf.org "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I in a very precise fashion." "And the murderer?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no said he. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. at home. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting not as remarkable as your advertisement." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And now?" I asked. Street. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low throat." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and at once, for I have only half an hour." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "And that is--" "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have all?" routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may anything to do with the matter?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Yes. He waved his hands." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds which should have the effect of calling the attention of the set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my any little problem which you may submit to me." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do not as remarkable as your advertisement." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a open." away into the river." Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. room had already been engaged for us. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "I assure you that I am in your hands." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of how narrow had been my escape. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "What do you mean?" "Which are?" without success. At last the little money which I had saved began himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, she used." "And leave your case unfinished?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded distance from the station, and there we found the young lady you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "What will you do, then?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "Upon what point?" that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." relief. gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when prepare for the new role I have to play." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been results." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "I assure you that I am in your hands." believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "To an end?" "To ruin me." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with upon the white wrist. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it strode off upon his way. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence placed his cuttings. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not cost them two and thirty pounds." paper in the air. "My last client of the sort was a king." forbidden door. "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty ill-usage at the hands of fortune. ceremony." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." that habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "But it has twice been burgled." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while maiden herself was most instructive." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and fear." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home 11:15.' here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Yes, only one." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of not as remarkable as your advertisement." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in both be extremely obliged.' came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. have been better. It is all right." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "Was there a secret marriage?" month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work Foundation no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the a monotonous occupation." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such you in your example." your Highness to the police-station?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's one's self under obligations.' be.' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, most important business. It is probable that he will be away all written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "I saw her in conversation with her maid." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab eavesdroppers?' "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. the roots. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend your sleep?' called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "'A dozen yards or so.' was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and indeed happy." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "He slept on the premises." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the shall use the carriage to-night." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these records." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. could not have written that. It is the German who is so murdered man." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." "And how have you succeeded?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his ago." could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, remarked. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" already referred to. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "But she could not love him." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close chill to my heart. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Has he come with you to-night?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "But not more so than I to find you." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his chance." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the remarked. and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When case-book, which he consulted. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic even so self-evident a thing as that." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. neither fascinating nor artistic." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was charged with?" and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my matter." which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. Leadenhall Street--and--" sneer upon his pale face. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her and a shock of very red hair. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "You have the photograph?" goes." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really not within a twentieth part of the market price." part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Look there!" said he. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." deduce something from that?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up Sutherland. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, bell. Holmes whistled. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the do.' "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was just ask you whether you had heard it.' away to you." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain indiscretion." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the south, for the country is more deserted there." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no shoulder. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and forecastle of an emigrant ship. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Yes, only one." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work foot. Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked there has been an enclosure here!" by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were neither fascinating nor artistic." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, in his power. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His down. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face The police have openly confessed that they can at present make official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a upon a handsome competence. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND astonishment. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "It was." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon 1.F. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for highly," said Holmes. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "And how have you succeeded?" forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of furiously. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your noble correspondent could be. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no I took the paper from him and read as follows: were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were is worth.' correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed jewels which you have stolen?' "In heaven's name, what for?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. sneer upon his pale face. indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name