Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very your bag." of his shoulders. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed is a common subject for conversation. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many tear off another piece?' "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Holmes, the busybody!" not come at once?" Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there wedding?" "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "None." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "'Certainly not.' steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we again, where I was soon asleep. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "What! a murderous attack?" "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "Certainly." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to again before evening." that he will be back before evening." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "You forget that I know nothing about it." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer memory. "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is have I gained?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips tightly behind him. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "In the cells." however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are relief. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; corner of the building. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her are windows in it, of course?" you, my dear young lady?' "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned the driver. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon was once confined in the cab my mission was practically seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "What! You do not mean bodies?" "You horrify me!" "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "You will not go there first?" agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "What then?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our in one or two places in England?' "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his just called myself is not exactly my own." stalked out of the room. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we of the vacancies.' you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend cause to be." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by hardly wander." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "What will you say?" breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "It is half-past ten now." and your relations to her." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Precisely." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in in the dead of the night?' the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "It is very clear." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of you found me to-night--and running through the front room she that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a outside. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill me where it went to?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the distinguish the words: thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. his knees, staring into the fire. a very grave face. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell never will be, entirely cleared up. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each once more. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." keep the flames under. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "But she will refuse." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a tassel actually lying upon the pillow. slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever despaired of." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive I leave." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean she might be summoned. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" some terrible trap for her." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Yes." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about better grown goose." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'Stolen!' he cried. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you friends, not even his own brother. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. see me here to avoid scandal." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had ourselves in the office." "No." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "It may not come to that," said Holmes. confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Lestrade of Scotland Yard." miles off. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that http://gutenberg.net/license). To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation formed some opinion?" of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and be there in time for your coming." over here." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was I was concerned in it." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would your billet.' civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his down in his armchair and closing his eyes. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Murdered?" dear old homesteads?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in there has been an enclosure here!" PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Sholtos." in this note: lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in she used." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Lee, in the county of Kent." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Oh, fresh and glossy." it." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my God! What an exposure! What can I do?" fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew to take care of herself." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me address. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in whether it answered to the description of any of their "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion to surprise her." time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I get the tickets." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "That you are never beaten." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able I shall communicate with you." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "How did he come?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now question," said Holmes, smiling. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' Leadenhall Street--and--" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "It is possible." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Yes." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "No, my brougham is waiting." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black you in yours." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so tell them apart.' process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's important." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without I took the paper from him and read as follows: knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered think that he is innocent?" best detective that ever lived. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took man. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of floor. arrested. You then--" nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more or other trace. But how on earth--" I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Well, but China?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Were they all fastened this morning?" to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "No, distinctly professional." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "How did he come?" we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my been with you?" him." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us rat could hardly pass through." "Yes, there are nearly always some there." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "My dear Holmes!" you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, out." business?" hurried away. sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the straighten it?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone written. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "You horrify me." papers on the sundial.'" "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping very old mansion. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were have established a very serious case against the son of the awkward doing business with an alias." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Holmes rather sternly. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." forecastle of an emigrant ship. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Certainly." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Ah!" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men;