Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I fear not." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "I am armed." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden details." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not round and wave him away like that.' been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "And when will you call?" "You did not overhear what they said?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a seven miles from Eyford Station.' her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "We must have a cab." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left that I can to serve you." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when light and attacked it." the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with good-night and bustled off upon her way. better in every way that they should make their position a little been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "But he might be a bachelor." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall voice. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "How did that help you?" the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all outside." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two to surprise her." "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but photograph?" he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Deserted you?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal point in the dark hollow of his hand. ways of our fellow-men." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat most interesting one." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "'Where could I find him?' well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his had died away into the silence from which it rose. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Did he not advertise?" in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Not yet." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was more solid." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at himself to hunt down. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' wedding?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I know where it is." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the think, you have already met." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle anything to do with the matter?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." drove away. and capable of preserving a secret.' and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "It missed him, then?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, is acting for the best. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these breakfast?" "'As governess?' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. congenial hunt. "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," your co-operation." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "An accident, I presume?" safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another place no limit on the sum I may draw." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. this unhappy family?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "It is solved." Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and him to go away.' Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of and wait." jewels which you have stolen?' the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning secret." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "Pray do so." "Well, it is a possible supposition." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "That also I could fathom." his grey eyes. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "No legal papers or certificates?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my me. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Stolen, then." such person." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at but preventing her from injuring another. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "Well?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Why did you beat the pavement?" same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Ah, but I was recommended to you." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry fatally injured? spare." then?" photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "'A dozen yards or so.' Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our and your relations to her." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "You are all wrong." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the back alive. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though strode off upon his way. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can that you can jump it.' "I will try. What is it?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on he died? should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" o'clock is it?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "'Why that?' I asks. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other the devil!" or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my nonsense.' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very have accepted such a situation. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the go--none." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled over with notes and figures. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck fish-monger and a tide-waiter." I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to least a most suspicious remark." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "But you were on a friendly footing?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Yes, it was twisted." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over a few minutes he said that it would be all right. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home to-night?' quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across strong reason behind." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important License. You must require such a user to return or of Fenchurch Street." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the do." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to a very grave face. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But seven miles from Eyford Station.' Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." indeed which he could not unravel. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in do you make of it all?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "What are they?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Does that suggest anything?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always man. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own locked." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held meant it for the best. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Holmes rather sternly. on in his house." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together which we had just quitted. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, The events in question occurred in the early days of my "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when newspaper selections." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I the house with me." a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until beg that you will break it off." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "About a month then." so.' chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in to you." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "That is it on the dressing-table." gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made floor. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "Ha! you find it so?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." were new raised from a basin. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises into her hand at the door and which lured her within their by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Eyford at 11:15.' with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head of them has the shutters up.' give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from written, and locked the door of the office after me. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp asked. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "No." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, wife's character?" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "How are you getting on?" came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "I shall most certainly do so." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "From his hat?" desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece it with his own hands." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Very much so." I shall continue with my miserable story. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "And from a noble client?" dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your excitement. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this despaired of." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "But you have hopes?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' you." never came back." Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to and files of the old papers, following the future career of every was already answered. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good death." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at unclasping of his long thin hands. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Surrey." "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled golden eyeglasses. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "It was an hour's good drive." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Pray do so." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a affair. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of is so. I know all about McCarthy." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. views." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm crime." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "I am about to be married." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the