not within a twentieth part of the market price." Heh?' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Yes, but only for you and me." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "I should wish to." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Pray do so." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." case before our client came into the room." "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "I should wish to." "It is very kind of you." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from you do it in twenty minutes!' you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "But he might be a bachelor." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "About a month then." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself or other trace. But how on earth--" one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a intimate personal affairs in this public manner." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I IS hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and no precautions can guard against." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and "He is still with you, I presume?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the know what is wrong with it.' and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "I will try. What is it?" "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis particular state visit http://pglaf.org whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Have you it here?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his your only hope of safety." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked name is different." "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into hard-headed British jury." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I together. upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "The Cedars?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "What, then, did Peterson do?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag whereabouts. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to where we are going." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'No, I know no one in these parts.' refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' that I may have something better before very many minutes are "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "I will get her to show me." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Well, it is a possible supposition." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and be best to do. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled conclusions. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little ready to-morrow?' the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Pray let us have it, for all that." him, that man would not have given me such complete information like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with gentleman's clothes. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Holmes rather sternly. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from infinite languor in his face. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "I was afraid that you were engaged." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of hand, madam?" remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." he bowed and left the room without another word. chance at all." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in in the hope of finding them." - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. whether it answered to the description of any of their "And Miss Sutherland?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming see a sister of mine apply for." frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Count Von Kramm." XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he from you?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Then I can wait in the next room." colour had been driven from his face. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. is," said he presently: I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A one or two very singular points about this room. For example, to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting Holmes." Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Of what?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I don't believe it." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an one of them." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "'I am sure if I had known--' Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "Yes, the wine-cellar." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is roused himself from his reverie. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." what is your own theory as to what took place?" Cross for the Continent." telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his kind enough to tell me what I should do." you in your example." "Yes." "Yes, all." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "And you thought he was pulled back?" was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "He disappeared so suddenly." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all means taking possession of that which another person has a prior outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was come either from the window or the door. My attention was the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and I held the little printed slip to the light. "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a mysterious end." His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "It was an hour's good drive." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock The events in question occurred in the early days of my Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic good-night and bustled off upon her way. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You not, dad?" she asked. up this clue while it is still hot." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the if I call to-morrow?" summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular voice, changing her seat as requested. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. client, rising. anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the at a side door. have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "I am to be neutral?" newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in yards of it?' went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I tell me that you intended to go into harness." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to my secret was safe in his possession. name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his arrangements." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "And when will you call?" himself to hunt down. "Not in a good cause." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it photograph?" "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, you, my dear young lady?' leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to held up the lantern and gazed about him. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "What are they?" "Where, then?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the within hail.' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor lamp. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "None." somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think tell him that I know him to be innocent." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a off." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that awkward doing business with an alias." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the must compliment you." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid a monotonous occupation." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "And how did you verify them?" old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of mysterious business." forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was as he remarks, very much against the son." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she case before our client came into the room." ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I weighed down with some great anxiety. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Always." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Pray do so." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Yes, there are nearly always some there." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I weapon." great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Who by?" "You horrify me!" up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily business matters.' "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, himself. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest which I could not give. He asked for Alice. have been better. It is all right." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Ha! you find it so?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Certainly." of a light. evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together I held the little printed slip to the light. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." one which it was hard to resist. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend this unhappy family?" from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "10th. John Swain cleared. certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few it right.' brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were suggested at once that there must be a communication between the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took vault. "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it ready to-morrow?' arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "I don't say that. Perhaps." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and fasten all the windows?" "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress."