keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. strode off upon his way. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "I have hopes." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. written. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "You have carte blanche." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "'Yes, it was gone.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is digesting their breakfasts at home." she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred plantation.' established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused where we are going." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your works. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "10th. John Swain cleared. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he business came to an end." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "Was your sister dressed?" and all of them with the keenest interest. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "I will, Miss Turner." he bowed and left the room without another word. ago." "And did you observe any change in her then?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "And why in hopes?" help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest of Mr. Rucastle's." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my seen the man in the road." "It is solved." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I guessed as much." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Your French gold?" that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a sneer upon his pale face. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the bottom.' rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Very. But will he see it?" notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too mystery!" the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "You did not overhear what they said?" for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "But how will you look?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Yes." Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "I have come for advice." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "You horrify me!" name is different." St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his is so. I know all about McCarthy." convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' "Your sister is dead, then?" him." "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of crime." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has This is what he says: "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate might help us?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, your billet.' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all out of this horrible affair." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace DISSOLVED. upon the shelf for the interim." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and this as likely?" her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "'You cannot say what it was?' towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "It is his hat." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "And leave your case unfinished?" a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the of the one which your family is now devouring." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Henry Baker is a member." "I have seen the police." companion. you do it in twenty minutes!' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." his face. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "You saw the ventilator, too?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had acted in my house last night?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon I held the little printed slip to the light. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this present." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my union?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "The King of Scandinavia." "The knees of his trousers." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, breakfast?" drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "No, finished." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss been able to understand it, in a very few words. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, in the hope of finding them." despaired of." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "How did he come?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with lamp. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "I was afraid that you were engaged." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am train.' "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to suggested at once that there must be a communication between the world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Mary, has deserted me." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question extraordinary contortions. matters immensely." Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "Witness: I must still refuse. desk. appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him other lovers by making love himself." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing head. So long, then!" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are to go into your room and bar your shutters?" there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady fish-monger and a tide-waiter." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, in the hope of finding them." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have little adventures." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Do you go out much in society?" Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Only as much as we can deduce." Holmes' face clouded over. waste of energy." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Come in!" said Holmes. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "What!" he roared. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has your room." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm papers." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the get the tickets." "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It so.' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had golden eyeglasses. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without forebodings. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "He said that you could solve anything." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of thirty. "I cannot tell." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "But you were on a friendly footing?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is she might be summoned. green of the new foliage. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a this as likely?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off photograph?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "Perhaps we may make them less so." was a lad." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had woman who has had her own way to make in the world. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of Holmes rather sternly. impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Perfectly so." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the round and wave him away like that.' the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "May I see it?" charged with?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim knowledge of the world." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! burst into a hearty fit of laughter. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and tell me that you intended to go into harness." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "No, thank goodness, she did not." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "A call for help, you thought?" conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney emerged. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from indeed which he could not unravel. "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in think that any burglar could have done. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could you." "The Coroner: What do you mean? from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a enter into my head. reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "You horrify me." congenial hunt. almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to sooner or later she must fall a victim. "No good news?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the people don't know." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "But how did you gain them?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Whose house is it?" "Witness: Nothing definite. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Yes, that is the Crown." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with wall." "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at rooms." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "If I can be of use." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose there is a decided draught." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "No. His orders were to stay in the house." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at at my own good fortune. having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. "I was sure that I might rely on you." fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands think you a quite exceptional woman." Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Stoke Moran?" said he. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss your troubles." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." read over the extraordinary announcement. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Surrey." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Perhaps we may make them less so." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean