deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Holmes' face clouded over. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional to change my dress. bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just examine." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "Is he quiet?" sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he unclasping of his long thin hands. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback such person." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander you for a few hours?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Whose house is it?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a yourselves in at night?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "The vanishing of the lady." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it points in connection with it which never have been, and probably and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and o'clock is it?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do troubles have been weighing upon his mind. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "My last client of the sort was a king." best detective that ever lived. know that the truth is known." fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. I nodded again. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'What do you call purely nominal?' beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray orange pips. husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the washing it down with a long draught of water. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "I will do it." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned said he. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here golden eyeglasses. "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about jewels which you have stolen?' "Not in the least." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We indiscretion." Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of dramatic, in fact." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of to tackle the facts." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt you." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and outside." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle prepare for the new role I have to play." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly residence of the great financier. used to be." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his way in everything. tail." appointment with me for six o'clock?" shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he dramatic, in fact." I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "It is solved." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear this unhappy family?" "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was this unhappy family?" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." I approached. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your flock.' Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "No, I had a dozen." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this never will be, entirely cleared up. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the the coronet in his hands?" "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "Then you may be so with me." hands. nonsense.' indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "It may not come to that," said Holmes. too. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as you." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. she to prove their authenticity?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "'You cannot say what it was?' "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My gentleman's clothes. strode off upon his way. as noiselessly as she had come. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, and I shall be with you presently." an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "It is true that I have been generally successful." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It observed. purpose equally well?" "You think that he is dead?" were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a unprofitable." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For be sorry for having acted so harshly." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for colonel looking down at me. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a where Mr. Fordham shows you.' were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "No, my brougham is waiting." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "I don't believe it." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that had picked up in the wood. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that to miss it." to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the room while you explain this matter?" married her." present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face go from here to the Strand." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. footfalls from the street. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private there is a decided draught." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not was used.' your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "This concluded the examination of the witness." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "But what will you do?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "How did that help you?" saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in charged with?" can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "So I have heard." disturbance in my wife." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Then, as to money?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." the ceiling. stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to will he say when he returns?" room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing there has been an enclosure here!" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us been anything against him. He had for years been known as a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor events, Mr. Windibank!" Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and gentleman's clothes. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden brandy and water within his reach. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the girl said." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Was your sister dressed?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with you came in." the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on friends, not even his own brother. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands existence." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "'I have heard so.' in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his some city in a dream. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not occupations.' what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from have established a very serious case against the son of the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Never." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your plantation.' very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been you want, then?' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we affair. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that chance." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning that you saw all that I did." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, strode off upon his way. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "None. Neville wrote those words." "How can you tell that?" the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him of the way of danger. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of on re-entering her father's house?" encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'How far from the body?' in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. tension within him. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how License. You must require such a user to return or rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside main points of my analysis." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs back alive. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to when you have done it." "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Married! When?" "Seven!" I answered. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "We must have a cab." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "Ha! you find it so?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which residence of the great financier. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the is," said he presently: about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and do." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "No, finished." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, His smile broadened. There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies tail." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will shag which I had seen upon the previous night. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he not, dad?" she asked. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this sooner or later she must fall a victim. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the touch that coronet?' "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business London for the present?" 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, least a fellow-countryman. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a lips." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Texas, I think." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Where did he live, then?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "That is it on the dressing-table." American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's in his power. "Yes." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "And Irene Adler?" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "It was an hour's good drive." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "She told me to ask you." of the way of danger. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Then I shall certainly come." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp triumphant cloud from his cigarette. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence