"You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short memory. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases should be taken.' contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Your French gold?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "Oh, yes, easily." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the coroner come to?" for and were ordered to this address. upon the white wrist. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his way in." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial arrested. You then--" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I just ask you whether you had heard it.' criminal. We have already had experience of such." "But his lameness?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, straighten it?" in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "No, distinctly professional." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "My dear Holmes!" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and at home. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle matter." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I and glanced through. my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "'Very good.' upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have about here speaks of his kindness to him." emerged. "On Monday." "He said too much." would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to Mary, has deserted me." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "We have tried and failed." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Mary, has deserted me." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "And why in hopes?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "But she will refuse." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy must compliment you." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "I am in hopes that she does." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Yesterday." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers really the only notable feature about the thing." was it brought him the coronet? buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but there was no need for father to know." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few help us in this matter." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have o'clock is it?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand depend upon my doing so.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "She will not sell." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We rat could hardly pass through." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Of what?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a companion. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to newspaper selections." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when of note-paper. It read in this fashion: leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "No, thank goodness, she did not." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows I shall continue with my miserable story. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a better grown goose." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is never to learn it at all." for the market.' profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." undoubtedly my uncle's." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and dear old homesteads?" "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Where did he live, then?" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "That is it on the dressing-table." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper case before our client came into the room." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Were they all fastened this morning?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your appeal." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. meant." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences returned to France?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my quickly through a disagreeable task. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is in a very precise fashion." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and http://www.gutenberg.net after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I that I am arrested." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "9th. McCauley cleared. said I. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by know what is wrong with it.' time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "I should wish to." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was in a friendly supper." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "And your father? Did you tell him?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "My photograph." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a washing it down with a long draught of water. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret hurried away. "'Certainly not. But why?' 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the make me his representative both with the servants and with the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "'Entirely.' to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and it need not interfere very much with one's other to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she all that?" "It is very clear." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you remarked. "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's shaken than I had ever seen him. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant bird of prey. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child head. So long, then!" kindly on the shoulder. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I details." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his national property. I was determined that the law should have its "Yes, it would be as well." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "But the mystery?" "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "That is possible." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "By no means." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you you understand?" deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. one of them." "Then I shall certainly come." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. least a fellow-countryman. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most of Mr. Rucastle's." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'Very good.' "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very way in." with the outside air!" said he at last. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace come either from the window or the door. My attention was lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "One horse?" interjected Holmes. in the port of London." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and character. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were a room. excitement. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. never to learn it at all." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet prove to be little relation between the different incidents of attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into digesting their breakfasts at home." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his wife's character?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Not social, then?" weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary something of him before." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those interests were the same as his." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "What, then?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Entirely." McCarthy." that I can to serve you." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the "I promise," said Holmes. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. child?' But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" and effective." the house with me." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and at home. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "No legal papers or certificates?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "You did not overhear what they said?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "He said too much." twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: touch that coronet?' "Was she in good spirits?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "'Yes, I promise.' Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to not personally threatened." "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "So I am. Very much so." yet." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." tear off another piece?' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should the stable lane now." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "They are typewritten," I remarked. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Oh, the cause is excellent!" deduce something from that?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said such person." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another the bed, and you in that chair." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a