of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." I held the little printed slip to the light. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to matter." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "One of the highest in England." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire shag which I had seen upon the previous night. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and occurred." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Where to?" Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his south, for the country is more deserted there." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been call the police, let the police find what they can.' so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Sutherland. never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the "A greater distance to travel." "Never." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do that threaten you." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had sparkled upon his finger. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must Serpentine Avenue. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all flock.' keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, washing it down with a long draught of water. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging companion. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be a good hundred miles off by now." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, fire. You quite follow me?" wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between hands. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "You are all wrong." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or derbies." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "I don't say that. Perhaps." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Now, then, what's the last entry?" daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'You cannot say what it was?' life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient may never be exposed to such a temptation." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the you want, then?' flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "To an English lawyer named Norton." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after occurred." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "But you have hopes?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Holmes' thin, eager face. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. on in his house." "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "I don't believe it." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the carriage. It was a chestnut." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "I am to be neutral?" spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "What then?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "And now?" I asked. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest Sutherland?" "Yes." "And how did you verify them?" Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the garden below. seen the man in the road." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled quite distinctive." child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "You will not go there first?" hard-headed British jury." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "'Which dealer's?' done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "It is possible." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" suddenly upon us." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little used to be." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough read over the extraordinary announcement. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that new acquaintance to Baker Street. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. II. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless outside. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "He might." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to my secret was safe in his possession. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry looking up at the numbers of the houses." the coronet at all injured?" "'Yes, it was gone.' years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a interests were the same as his." in the hope of finding them." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside Project Gutenberg-tm works. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling forehead. gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be money should be paid at once.' or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and chambers. "I am still in the dark." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Not social, then?" Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "The gentleman I describe." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales newspaper selections." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "They are typewritten," I remarked. reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been You want to know what became of those geese?" "'Certainly not. But why?' said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Do you receive much company?" he asked. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did breakfast." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "That's no good." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but the room while you explain this matter?" was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "On Monday." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was been." liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining eavesdroppers?' although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town with frightened eyes at his accuser. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Countess of Morcar's?" happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, shall use the carriage to-night." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in populous neighbourhood." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, anything to do with the matter?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, better in every way that they should make their position a little The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His business." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the if I call to-morrow?" introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I went to the Alpha were town bred." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "Where is it, then?" Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I was sure that I might rely on you." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I came to find a friend." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "I cannot imagine." "And I." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. 'please.'" "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which right! Sit down and let us talk it over." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. plantation.' hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with than was visible to me." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the best of training." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should paper in the air. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I garden below. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "My dear Holmes!" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your made his money." DAMAGE. "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. "Not particularly." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I o'clock is it?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "That is possible." The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock call for it in person on Monday morning.' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'There is a drive, then?' "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "But what harm can there be in that?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "Then you may entirely rely on me." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a I nodded again. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "None. Neville wrote those words." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "I have a cab outside." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward be sorry for having acted so harshly." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Was your sister dressed?" floor. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up only touch the interest." arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "I beg pardon." it. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "Oh, yes, easily." should be taken.' A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this union?" "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "I will, Miss Turner." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. it." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London,