cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner this remarkable episode. late!' "None. Neville wrote those words." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." nights." about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Young McCarthy must be got off, however." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the security.' would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "Breckinridge is his name." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more indeed happy." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, is acting for the best. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? more terrible than the truth. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "That is possible." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come likely to be some crony of the landlady's." was a loud and authoritative tap. "No." strong reason behind." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "What, then, did Peterson do?" most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third take the flies, but not before." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "What! You do not mean bodies?" quite distinctive." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Then you may entirely rely on me." introspective fashion. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you as noiselessly as she had come. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Not him." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" get her out of the way." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a with frightened eyes at his accuser. train.' utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord was it brought him the coronet? firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, papers." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Surrey." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "'Which dealer's?' outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in His name is Francis Prosper." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been do." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I You want to know what became of those geese?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, copied or distributed: shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "Why? What do you mean?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Did you become engaged then?" the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe me." "I answered that I had not. be there in time for your coming." weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me nonsense.' late." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather just ask you whether you had heard it.' "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work a little more before I quite committed myself. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done humiliation." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "9th. McCauley cleared. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "The King of Scandinavia." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried went to the Alpha were town bred." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, remarked. "What is it, then--a fire?" country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'Certainly,' I answered. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and promised to bring home. enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their as noiselessly as she had come. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey have accepted such a situation. really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming as this. Pray let me have the details." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their together. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that was shining brightly. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney plantation.' lectures into a series of tales." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable used to be." "How did you trace it, then?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. to take care of herself." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her felt the room to be a little close.' coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "In the cells." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do woman." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most mysterious end." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down charged with?" and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was I nodded to show that I had heard. "You horrify me!" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a results." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were lips." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, feature." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "The King of Scandinavia." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley is worth.' her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked to surprise her." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' the little opening for the ventilator is." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "You have carte blanche." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "The knees of his trousers." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly distinguish the words: "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in you in your example." "Married! When?" away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you round with crates and massive boxes. anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Leadenhall Street--and--" Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "You horrify me!" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. 1.E.9. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." see me here to avoid scandal." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical there!' the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are know all about it," he snarled. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Pray let us have it, for all that." ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds tied." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." signal between you and your father? have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "And I say east," said my patient. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "And Miss Sutherland?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these what these perils are?" day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not of it with the greatest attention. "At what time?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Very truly yours, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of call for protection in the marriage market, for the present people don't know." for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, Miss Holder?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of one of them." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the had formerly been in part my own. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person 1.E.9. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker are, and they are waiting for us." footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been province." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could to arrive at through this?" landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to putting in the horse. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he shall use the carriage to-night." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged the one as in the other." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "I see many objections to any such theory." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "It was." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "I will, Miss Turner." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. public press." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "No bad?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a indiscretion." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES The events in question occurred in the early days of my highly," said Holmes. "What office?" sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of ventilator." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its on in his house." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a never to learn it at all." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had best detective that ever lived. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup see me here to avoid scandal." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES you." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be opened the door, and slipped through. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. a room. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "I should like to see him very much." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "That's no good." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "How did that help you?" upon the white wrist. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the sparkled upon his finger. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the is acting for the best. "Yes, it would be as well." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "And Irene Adler?" "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there shoulder. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other following enigmatical notices: willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Young McCarthy must be got off, however." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." hair?' window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "You'll never persuade me to believe that." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. to a more successful conclusion." once more for Briony Lodge. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. have accepted such a situation. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. the Assizes." the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch to affect your life." Where does the thing come from?' eavesdroppers?' "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get hands. way in." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his