"'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "So I heard. You have him here?" "How are you getting on?" dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Precisely so. But how--" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Won't it ring?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At back into the street. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other most important business. It is probable that he will be away all in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best emerged. condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no who was a member of your goose club." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided call you and give you the chance." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Will you go?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "I fear not." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an flock.' very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Where, indeed?" showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of your billet.' low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." even of instruction." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "And how did you verify them?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been lost his Christmas dinner." go--none." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with is entirely a question of barometric pressure." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. formed some opinion?" through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp easy-going way." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, at once, for I have only half an hour." others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their be best to do. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after attention." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "I don't say that. Perhaps." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." way in." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take chambers. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most goes." permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "And you don't know his address?" "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange pity, because in other respects you would really have done very face and glided from the room. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" emerged. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the up this clue while it is still hot." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in this man was intellectual?" the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "But how will you look?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a the house with me." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if Watson," he said cordially. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "At the wedding breakfast." Eyford at 11:15.' deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the were wasted." directors, with the result that you have seen." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in the night.' companion quietly. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular asked. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. the so-precious time, but come!' chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Nothing?" "Then I can wait in the next room." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, have one." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all and I shall be with you presently." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "This photograph!" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Pray be precise as to details," said he. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "'Yes.' lids now and glanced across at his visitor. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "What steps will you take?" I asked. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "A greater distance to travel." "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a works. with her." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the such attractions and accomplishments?' idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "That is it on the dressing-table." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "But what harm can there be in that?" that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves writer." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "It came here." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "And help." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that there is a decided draught." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "And for present expenses?" takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" II. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for security.' decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and ill-usage at the hands of fortune. determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Your sister is dead, then?" "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "My opinion is in no way altered." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "No more words. Get out!" for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Sutherland. despair." Stoke Moran." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her happened." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the down. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a garden below. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. your sleep?' and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a gone before you can get him to hospital." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to some city in a dream. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "A confidential servant?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "In San Francisco, a year ago." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" possible that we could bring him back to her? first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I have solved it." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his brandy and water within his reach. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination it." looking up at the numbers of the houses." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "It is very clear." "What then?" had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means I nodded again. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, eavesdroppers?' the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any intrusion of other matters." your co-operation." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were but preventing her from injuring another. league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "It is very clear." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "To ruin me." "It's nothing of the kind." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in of receipt of the work. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "No legal papers or certificates?" him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may official police." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "And you thought he was pulled back?" "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant http://www.gutenberg.net "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Here?" "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very characteristics, but those are the more obvious." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry his eyes and forehead. chance." foresight and the moral retrogression?" "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to had picked up in the wood. a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "I beg pardon." thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see and inquire as to the address." anything to do with the matter?" matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He discontent upon his features. "Stolen." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "And on what day did he meet his death?" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" is worth.' brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "But your client--" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was matter over." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "But she could not love him." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel States. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Where, indeed?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." four million human beings all jostling each other within the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! directors, with the result that you have seen." the driver. "Yes?" turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "My dear Holmes!" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw hopeless attempt at recovering them." to surprise her." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "Very well, sir. And this stone?" now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "And from a noble client?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes train.' greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "He is dead," cried several voices. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "It is possible." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "Then the page we have seen--" truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both the room while you explain this matter?" occupations.' following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the morning." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between ready to-morrow?' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It certainly sounds feasible." and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under if only as a check to my own memory." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of had no one to advise her at such a crisis." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley "How did you deduce the select?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." opportunities to fix the problem. dead, shall be safe with us." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could amused." "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Ha! you find it so?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much soul! here is her carriage at the door." perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes there." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with