very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "And now?" I asked. James Windibank. Voilà tout!" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your disappearance of these gems?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said events than those which have happened in my own family." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are or in danger--" Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "She showed me, as I told you she would." unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "She walked into the breakfast-room." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the ashen face. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk call it cruel." the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Well, but China?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Nothing." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector mysterious business." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is way in everything. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now in his hands." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." meanly of me." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' and laid it on the table. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their details should find their way into the papers. Inspector address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be annoyance, but no jest. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest until night should bring an explanation. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of forehead. kindly on the shoulder. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Perfectly so." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of should be taken.' "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied for the market.' right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from where Mr. Fordham shows you.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was been anything against him. He had for years been known as a present." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best true." "And what did you see?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with extraordinary contortions. I have it here in my museum." as he remarks, very much against the son." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. keep the flames under. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "One horse?" interjected Holmes. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Get out!" said he. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of interested in these little problems, and since you are good he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I will try. What is it?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" direction." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "What steps will you take?" I asked. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, prepare for the new role I have to play." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few digesting their breakfasts at home." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. bell. Holmes whistled. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of better in every way that they should make their position a little as noiselessly as she had come. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together him and tried to hold him back. to have been novel and of interest." "I have solved it." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "But of what society?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it of the efforts of the United States government and of the better friend's singular character. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the detained." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector interest. They are important, you understand, without being paper in the air. glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "But how could you guess what the motive was?" cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I should like to see him very much." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary Munro.' stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "No." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and have been better. It is all right." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is companion imperturbably. "I know where it is." arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of the coroner come to?" public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining The note was undated, and without either signature or address. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' later, upon the night of May 2nd." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. desk. and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place was lame." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Has he come with you to-night?" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "I think that I had better go, Holmes." question. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I giving me time to thank him. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a directors, with the result that you have seen." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "By no means." throat." downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution cigars in their mouths. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Here?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we very peculiar words of the dying woman?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still acquaintance?" his fortune, and I went back to pa. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been was lame." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "What shall I do?" instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." bears upon the case?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story invisible to me," I remarked. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my here." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" six. Come in!" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, mysterious business." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of the south-west, I see." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "And that is--" time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young me what he had done with the three missing stones. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is that he will be back before evening." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" them present such singular features as the strange train of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Perhaps I have." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "But how?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that drawing your inferences." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut it? Did I buy the geese off you?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "I say it is." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to were wasted." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him face and glided from the room. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite your own bird, so if you wish--" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Very much so." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "What do you make of that, Watson?" without a word or a look. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many more solid." "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor just called myself is not exactly my own." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the nice household for a young lady." him nearly every evening." "By no means." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. think, you have already met." "And I to find an enemy." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you morning." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. fat-encircled eyes. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "I am about to be married." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I not within a twentieth part of the market price." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "My dear Holmes!" heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me without success. At last the little money which I had saved began There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into that I may have something better before very many minutes are If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a went to the Alpha were town bred." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "What have you done?" asked Holmes. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "And now?" I asked. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are hour?' idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Holmes' thin, eager face. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "Well." "One horse?" interjected Holmes. liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue the inner apartment." of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance system of imprisonment?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "But how?" would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "But how did you gain them?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope easy-going way." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "And you thought he was pulled back?" It may be so in this case, also." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Certainly, madam." "From his hat?" accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Not yet." was a lad." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Never." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent tell them apart.' window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Witness: Nothing definite. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under official police." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced a suggestive one." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Street. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "Nor running a chance of arrest?" I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us important." "I answered that I had not. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I "I answered that I had not. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, be best to do. "Yes." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he face and glided from the room. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "The gentleman I describe." particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to four million human beings all jostling each other within the dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "And you can do nothing until then?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by and laid it on the table. grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my