and put his glass in his pocket. "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "Oh, yes, easily." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. them, and came down just as you departed. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I was a loud and authoritative tap. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? It was close upon four before the door opened, and a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "In what way?" asked Holmes. "Always." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his brandy and water within his reach. metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and better in every way that they should make their position a little "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we yet." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the tear off another piece?' it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. help us in this matter." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "What is it, then--a fire?" one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "The best possible." the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." records." "That is possible." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the page at http://pglaf.org head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to some water from a caraffe. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." there was no need for father to know." despair." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; 1.E.9. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' case-book, which he consulted. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a to a light-house. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. to you." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "This concluded the examination of the witness." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Texas, I think." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there again on its way. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the chair. should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "My own seal." "Then, as to money?" "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my the Red-headed League." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg business in the City. She little knew what. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his dear old homesteads?" error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my question. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her noble correspondent could be. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "The vanishing of the lady." these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah have had none more fantastic than this." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of voice, changing her seat as requested. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police business came to an end." and the church but not where the lady lived." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional bare slabs of marble. why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note the Assizes." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but even of instruction." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I his wife has ceased to love him." know that the truth is known." charge against him will break down." heavy and sharp instrument." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him may never be exposed to such a temptation." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are call it cruel." "Do you know him?" received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either just called myself is not exactly my own." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love hopeless attempt at recovering them." "They are typewritten," I remarked. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "If I can be of use." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' London for the present?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "Entirely." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to residence of the great financier. "Why? What do you mean?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "So I heard. You have him here?" He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "Then what has happened to him?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and lost nothing by them." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the villagers almost as much as their master. feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect do.' "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of compunction about shooting them down." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped learned something! Where are the gems?" the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished important." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Well, but China?" believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. of the vacancies.' "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may the salesman. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "The Coroner: What do you mean? this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly child?' my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "What is it?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "On Monday." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived true." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a nothing of it?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "My photograph." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, gentleman's clothes. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very bell. Holmes whistled. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Was he the only applicant?" had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! true." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Yes, only one." carpenter." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger should be so warm over such a trifle." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "Pray do so." soul! here is her carriage at the door." good-night and bustled off upon her way. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, already referred to. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary outsides of the windows. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which my room." "I think that it is very probable." faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend his forehead." signal between you and your father? and effective." Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it train.' schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "No." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the thin legs towards the fire. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Very well, sir. And this stone?" and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from letters?" merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "I promise," said Holmes. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case His name is Francis Prosper." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Then he might have called to you?" which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it disappearance of the bride.'" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place Mrs. Toller serenely. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "No." customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "To ruin me." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George off." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, waste of energy." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "No?" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "Your presence might be invaluable." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from the armchair which I pushed forward for him. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "The murder was done with it." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such over here." manager. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock with some details as to your case." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. instincts rose up against that laugh. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "Perhaps I have." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf this poor creature." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I clanging. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Which are?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "But who is he?" She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they My friend smiled. at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for developed." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry soul! here is her carriage at the door." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Pool. copied or distributed: not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the to some other building. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call new acquaintance to Baker Street. "'And the work?' "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a my room." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, photograph a cabinet?" my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of for securing the situation." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "Your French gold?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Nothing?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' thought that she would have been so carried away." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Ah!" and all of them with the keenest interest. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists careless servant girl?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Then you may be so with me." caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Have you it here?" said Mr. Holder. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" all that?" "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. more terrible than the truth. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers absolutely follow my advice in every respect." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming