it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there believe that I should never have any practice at all. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Does that suggest anything?" a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist were new raised from a basin. him, that man would not have given me such complete information propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "And did you observe any change in her then?" without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and window when the police appeared." "'I have already given you my word.' "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, This is what he says: and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for married her." wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. in the port of London." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster was shining brightly. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to good-night and bustled off upon her way. is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then main points of my analysis." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. what do you think they found in the pockets?" your bag." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was is a common subject for conversation. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in train from Paddington which would bring you there at about advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free one's self under obligations.' the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not wedding?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' be best to do. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a IS twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'Never.' that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There not interfere, come what may. You understand?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "And you thought he was pulled back?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "But what is it you wish?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She even of instruction." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it him. Clair, of Lee." and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now if I call to-morrow?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I chance." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers who was a member of your goose club." key of the affair now." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the in this note: "'Ten to two.' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" gone before you can get him to hospital." before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "What do you mean?" providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "I think that I had better go, Holmes." when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Precisely." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or opportunities to fix the problem. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I ready to-morrow?' observed. recover the gem." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to a monotonous occupation." his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern The summons was a brief and urgent one. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "At what time?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but she might be summoned. and the whole place is in a blaze." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by held up the lantern and gazed about him. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Certainly, madam." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. see me here to avoid scandal." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in fat-encircled eyes. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too a very grave face. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "And I to find an enemy." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "We were both in the photograph." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, think that any burglar could have done. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a throat." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over have not had my rubber." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time together. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Why did you beat the pavement?" this man was intellectual?" business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend Gutenberg-tm License. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is arms and began to sob in a high treble key. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal of this gang." have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it of note-paper. It read in this fashion: assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your looking up at the numbers of the houses." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "And I say east," said my patient. "No?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "No legal papers or certificates?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "I have a cab outside." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and just called myself is not exactly my own." thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than was the fact that his father should, according to his account, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." DAMAGE. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the see a sister of mine apply for." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat Gutenberg-tm License. fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "Will you go?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Precisely so. But how--" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all easy-going way." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "No, I am descending." something of him before." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Nothing." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable off." "Did you become engaged then?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining than to us. Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at prison!" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." shall not find me ungrateful." probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight he died? "We must sit without light. He would see it through the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to simple cases which are so extremely difficult." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away papers must be those that are destroyed.' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is correct than the official force." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known invisible to me," I remarked. true." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must crackling voice. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'Never.' "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, photograph?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the so.' And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again straightened it out again. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting been." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" respectable self." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Come in!" said he. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something IS Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." that I am arrested." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my the side-table." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." I was concerned in it." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "You are certainly joking, Holmes." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of in his power. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "In what way?" asked Holmes. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that results." remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Perfectly so." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "On the contrary, this is the right side." introspective fashion. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an Eyford at 11:15.' going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a chambers. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" other lovers by making love himself." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your drawing your inferences." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I shall use the carriage to-night." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I shall be delighted." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away address. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "But who is he?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it voice, changing her seat as requested. "In heaven's name, what for?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute lamp in his hand. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny