impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to companion imperturbably. good-night and bustled off upon her way. do." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel better in every way that they should make their position a little I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." would apply.' could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a occurred." "In heaven's name, what for?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some acquaintance?" figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "In San Francisco, a year ago." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have was already answered. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet it were putty." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital tassel actually lying upon the pillow. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we how narrow had been my escape. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock fled together." "Witness: I must still refuse. grasp, he hurried from the room. may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary it were putty." the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless shall use the carriage to-night." in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "You forget that I know nothing about it." "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. thin legs towards the fire. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left that you saw all that I did." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in bird I ate is country bred." opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Stolen." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too at my remark. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, subject to the trademark license, especially commercial act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "It must be recovered." doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a "Witness: It was. hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "One?" face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Yes, at the mines." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for him." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias experiences." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. during which he might have communicated with his friend the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last go from here to the Strand." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a not, dad?" she asked. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some heavy and sharp instrument." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a http://gutenberg.net/license). across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "I think it very unlikely." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the to talk it over. she might be summoned. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Never." "And who is her maid?" my friend's incisive reasoning. newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. "She showed me, as I told you she would." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, bonnet, and went out." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had is now desirous of getting those letters back." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the miles off. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "'What would be the hours?' I asked. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the warnings." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, to take care of herself." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. other means.' his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Very well, sir. And this stone?" In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew Cross for the Continent." the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "'Is purely nominal.' most interesting one." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." even so self-evident a thing as that." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Yes." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "'Ten to two.' come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. through." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock once more to my work. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which away to you." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "And how have you succeeded?" habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." tell him that I know him to be innocent." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Eyford at 11:15.' sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "Did you become engaged then?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Well, but China?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "It is to him that this trophy belongs." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is introspective fashion. kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast The events in question occurred in the early days of my remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put was already answered. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. said he at last. of his shoulders. "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "Perhaps I have." "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a were new raised from a basin. purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Has he come with you to-night?" simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." generous with you in money matters.' array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." to-night's adventure." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now it." "That is not always so easy." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. fattened it expressly for you.' my little problems." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his occurred." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Well." "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "I cannot imagine." and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of little adventures." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "What is it, then--a fire?" "By train from Waterloo." very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we present." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." address. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms go from here to the Strand." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, hopeless attempt at recovering them." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was hurried by. Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "'There is a drive, then?' "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Yes, only one." by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he Lestrade of Scotland Yard." you." will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. to surprise her." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he "Was she in good spirits?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, horse could go." him to be an active member of the medical profession." reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "To an English lawyer named Norton." "'It is locked up,' I answered. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon prison!" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "The doctor?" impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am advice." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Yes." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's once more to my work. residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and cheerful." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked your Highness to the police-station?" "How did you deduce the select?" Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "There is the writing." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "You will not go there first?" to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at directors, with the result that you have seen." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "And leave your case unfinished?" begin with, and I had not got mine yet." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up all that?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning galvanised. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious highroad, where all traces were lost. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business a very grave face. it." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Murdered?" since then to throw any light upon what became of him." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Entirely." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "It is half-past ten now." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Now, then, what's the last entry?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an husband's writing, madam." "I cannot say that I have." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him humiliation." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" into the room. basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "'Yes.'