stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "But it has twice been burgled." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "'I have already given you my word.' XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "My private note-paper." what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "He is still with you, I presume?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my these bleak autumnal evenings." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable "And I say east," said my patient. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Yes." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "'Ample.' the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord of it with the greatest attention. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "If I can be of use." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was with you alone." "It is a murder, then?" fire. You quite follow me?" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the station." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. foot. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Which surely he restored to their owner?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Did you become engaged then?" among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is married her." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "He said too much." "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in made his money." peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body since then to throw any light upon what became of him." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an felt the room to be a little close.' the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed outsides of the windows. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "Not social, then?" "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came appointment with me for six o'clock?" soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of cheerful." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Thank you. And your address?" customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "How often?" "'Where to?' "You did not overhear what they said?" noble correspondent could be. "And I to find an enemy." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope joking. Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But at a side door. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I frequently gained my first real insight into the character of to you." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "Then I can wait in the next room." stammered. treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. was already answered. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of shadow pass over his face as I spoke. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "And what did you learn from him?" correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we important." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had ordinary clothes on?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" business." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "I am still in the dark." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' him. ordinary clothes on?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Dark enough and sinister enough." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Certainly." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Street. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'What then?' I asked. III. "I have seen the police." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and the general public were present, then?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts train.' made him keep the appointment." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's and it need not interfere very much with one's other "What do you mean?" forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "We must sit without light. He would see it through the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "In what way?" asked Holmes. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that in. place, I think that there is good ground to think that the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "And I." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after questioning and rather startled gaze. which it had come upon my father." clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his beyond words. you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son morning." "Do you know him?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this highroad, where all traces were lost. Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' From what you have told me I think that it is possible that above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Oh, yes, easily." Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the ceiling. seven miles from Eyford Station.' will find little credit to be gained out of this case." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen suddenly upon us." a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, bearing upon the case." ventilator." "Indeed! Whose, then?" "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Yes, but only for you and me." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he bare slabs of marble. again, where I was soon asleep. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like from you?" his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "I see many objections to any such theory." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some the south-west, I see." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "That sounds a little paradoxical." "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the individual and becomes the badge of a society." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his it." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with meant it for the best. jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom you do it in twenty minutes!' first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you back to my heart. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at helping a boy to put up the shutters. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away once more. "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he yourselves in at night?" was a loud and authoritative tap. his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid money should be paid at once.' would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear Chief Executive and Director from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez into the bag, and made for the door. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "How many? I don't know." that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the his huge brown hands. ashen face. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up confronted him. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. to that open window." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; present." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for power." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always populous neighbourhood." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, his fortune, and I went back to pa. You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her thin, with a long, sharp nose?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I shadow pass over his face as I spoke. police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which be there in time for your coming." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Why serious?" wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied about here speaks of his kindness to him." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most be best to do. newspaper selections." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been will not take me long to tell. weary and pale-looking. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well was the fact that his father should, according to his account, has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, mysterious end." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. him and tried to hold him back. acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. The summons was a brief and urgent one. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "When did it break out?" constraint." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not business?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "Why did you pick him?" "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard the bottom.' round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my very morning of my second wedding." "What have you to say now?" red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, she used." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. I approached. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. tightly behind him. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "It certainly sounds feasible." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, your only hope of safety." "Certainly." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "No." upon the white wrist. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "'Is 4 pounds a week.' already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it over with notes and figures. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the more terrible than the truth. visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "I was afraid that you were engaged." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly reach." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Yes." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try I am not easy in my mind about them." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge whether it answered to the description of any of their "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "You heard nothing yourself last night?" high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William fatally injured? age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have since then to throw any light upon what became of him." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Then, as to money?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" my little problems." heavily into it. fatally injured? above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade astonishment. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience certainly not very gracious." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper.