As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The heavily into it. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Deserted you?" house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of know what is wrong with it.' "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which done what I asked you, Jones?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "No legal papers or certificates?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little plantation.' Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out License. You must require such a user to return or I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" hard-headed British jury." the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "May I see it?" "And you can do nothing until then?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "No, I think that I'll take it." before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were exactly what you advise." "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to woman." could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Yes." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place to have been novel and of interest." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "I was afraid that you were engaged." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "You don't mind breaking the law?" finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of will take you up to see the machine.' study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Certainly." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as mystery." "I am following you closely," I answered. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found writing, and yet I know it well." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "A greater distance to travel." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He will find little credit to be gained out of this case." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King was shining brightly. "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the been." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "But how could you guess what the motive was?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while "I cannot say that I have." "'What do you call purely nominal?' arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had your most interesting statement." sooner or later she must fall a victim. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front voice, changing her seat as requested. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by out of this horrible affair." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the his huge brown hands. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "None." "10th. John Swain cleared. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Serpentine Avenue. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to she used." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Of Friday, June 19th." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since look upon these things in a different way." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. foresight and the moral retrogression?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of tassel actually lying upon the pillow. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. crime. the running down." "Not yet." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I the general public were present, then?" were unconscious?" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say some place of shelter and let the county police know what has centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth the bed, and you in that chair." my special province." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to disappearance of these gems?" have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a http://www.gutenberg.net and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a astonishment. sound at heart." one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "I beg pardon." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Pray be precise as to details," said he. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear for the market.' accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I child?' supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to him to go away.' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Tired-looking or fresh?" "I cannot think." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Then, as to money?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first Sholtos." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly rat could hardly pass through." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many opportunities to fix the problem. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike details should find their way into the papers. Inspector of Mr. Rucastle's." "In what way?" asked Holmes. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and formed some opinion?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you them?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Munro.' shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "My dear Holmes!" "Precisely." "I see no marks." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "They are typewritten," I remarked. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to some water from a caraffe. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been disappearance of the bride.'" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has forehead. railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his amused." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I it." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." to some other building. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Then how many are there?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Proceed, then." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in round and wave him away like that.' good-night and bustled off upon her way. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "How did you trace it, then?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional again before evening." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, shoulder. see me here to avoid scandal." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "Game for a morning drive?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. fat-encircled eyes. village inn over there?" strength in the others." weapon." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my absolutely follow my advice in every respect." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet eat it." the one as in the other." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Then I shall certainly come." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was Cross for the Continent." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "What of the rat, then?" me. You must get home instantly and act." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know over part of the map. "What do you read?" glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' have not had my rubber." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "A client, then?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very said Mr. Holder. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in distinguish the words: "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her arrested. You then--" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." I think that I could be of assistance to you." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every wedding?" the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been particular state visit http://pglaf.org It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "Frequently." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman lectures into a series of tales." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in of Fenchurch Street." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been Sutherland?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "But your client--" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "The murder was done with it." back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "It surprised me." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' row." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go which it had come upon my father." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried spark where all is dark to me." entirely devoid of interest." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned I nodded to show that I had heard. of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" depend upon your compliance." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "It's nothing of the kind." tension within him. investigation." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "Then what has happened to him?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "'Where could I find him?' distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "That is unusual in a young girl." after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you attention." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the advice." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, tell me that you intended to go into harness." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying anything to a woman, for she would have her way." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' held up the lantern and gazed about him. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will through." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate of the vacancies.'