his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in views." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' cost them two and thirty pounds." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out them?" "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Stoke Moran?" said he. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "What then?" is acting for the best. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Indeed! Whose, then?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. maiden herself was most instructive." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. horse could go." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the in one or two places in England?' "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Have you it here?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Yes. He waved his hands." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for that threaten you." "That is possible." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "But I have heard all that you have heard." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a it." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "If so, much may have happened between." past. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The to that open window." be best to do. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she been deceived." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple some water from a caraffe. ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "In answer to an advertisement." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "No legal papers or certificates?" "What will you say?" Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "And now?" I asked. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the garden below. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had straighten it?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the coronet in his hand?" "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with done what I asked you, Jones?" clang of the bell. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Not in the least." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "From his hat?" characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "There is the writing." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this never came back." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "What steps will you take?" I asked. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "Come in!" said he. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in was shining brightly. fact, we may call it conclusive." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the again on its way. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was and I shall be with you presently." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and case before our client came into the room." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't was already answered. I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "What have you to say now?" light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a less than 26s. 4d. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but him, that man would not have given me such complete information however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how had picked up in the wood. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or depend upon my doing so.' "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a McCarthy's innocence. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand outbreak?" and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" have got?" there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of works. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "And why?" combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "The murder was done with it." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "'Never,' said I. his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have would apply.' reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return families. Now for the facts. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "How many? I don't know." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "You will not go there first?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Pray continue your narrative." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I warn you that they are very incomplete." wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as prepare for the new role I have to play." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of down in his armchair and closing his eyes. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine fear." am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at the devil!" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Here?" question," said Holmes, smiling. your room." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of ways of our fellow-men." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes to a light-house. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love and files of the old papers, following the future career of every to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "And now?" I asked. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered chance at all." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and used to be." have accepted such a situation. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution money should be paid at once.' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical the coronet at all injured?" terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a be.' said he. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "And the cigar-holder?" into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and have I gained?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "It is half-past ten now." "Frequently." again." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' I have it here in my museum." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "One horse?" interjected Holmes. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "'Where could I find him?' "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "At half-wages, in fact." hair?' sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the a suggestive one." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he you." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "Yes, it was twisted." Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Here?" coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "He said that you could solve anything." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned pound a week." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have away to you." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do hard-headed British jury." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: that you wished to speak to me?' "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed done what I asked you, Jones?" emerged. "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, and a shock of very red hair. me." and glanced through. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Seven!" I answered. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the made him keep the appointment." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the night.' before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. where she found matters as described by the last witness. fat-encircled eyes. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I cannot tell." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "I warn you that they are very incomplete." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly young Openshaw's." "That is unusual in a young girl." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "She walked into the breakfast-room." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my exactly what you advise." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One have established a very serious case against the son of the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and children over to America with him, so that I found myself without afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "You think so, too?" unclasping of his long thin hands. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at his eyes and forehead. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders "And you thought he was pulled back?" something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which will take you up to see the machine.' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in head. So long, then!" "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "And help." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then case before our client came into the room." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be details should find their way into the papers. Inspector directly by questioning you." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given