looking up at the numbers of the houses." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the station." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. sneer upon his pale face. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to do." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having records." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. interests were the same as his." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his heavily into it. miles off. him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." photograph?" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, do.' thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I should be immensely obliged to you." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "He might." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people mystery may be cleared along those lines." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Munro.' affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "'You cannot say what it was?' long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw attention." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for did not hear it also.' exactly what you advise." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to chambers. constraint." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Was there a secret marriage?" mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' photograph?" be sorry for having acted so harshly." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did man. I know him from the photograph." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as assist you in forming an opinion." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. to his chemical studies. which are rolled in Rotterdam." knowledge of the world." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never me. You must get home instantly and act." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your felt?" Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing Holmes' room. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the more terrible than the truth. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the present." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached go--none." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "My opinion is in no way altered." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy that I can to serve you." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging my room." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each the side-table." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was and a shock of very red hair. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort green of the new foliage. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of for securing the situation." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste and laid it on the table. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "What office?" "The vanishing of the lady." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of and a shock of very red hair. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can friends, not even his own brother. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "But she could not love him." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Nothing?" '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your woven round him. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that locked." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "Where, then?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, public press." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the iron safe, which he closed upon it. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "In the cells." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on fattened it expressly for you.' breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an unkempt, staring out at me. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes himself in a perplexing position. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "But she could not love him." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his tear off another piece?' quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "I should wish to." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out you." never will be, entirely cleared up. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Then, how do you know?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "What steps will you take?" I asked. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "What shall I do?" Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been there." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up again before evening." and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he relation between them, and what the object of his repeated my room." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Lee, in the county of Kent." constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and ways of our fellow-men." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest believe that I should never have any practice at all. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "You have compromised yourself seriously." "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Well, it is a possible supposition." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. wife's character?" "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty do.' wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and 1.F. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted will he say when he returns?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, he bowed and left the room without another word. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he or in danger--" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had highroad, where all traces were lost. "I promise," said Holmes. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "'Stolen!' he cried. brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil DAMAGE. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage disappearance of the bride.'" line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'About the same.' wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I have hopes." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush roused himself from his reverie. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the wedding?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "The murder was done with it." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The handed it to him. washing it down with a long draught of water. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day definite end. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "Certainly." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was Have you good authority for what you say?" "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, and capable of preserving a secret.' crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies question," said Holmes, smiling. "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would problems help me to do so." is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should there is a decided draught." cigars in their mouths. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "'And the work?' instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my yards of it?' over here." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, their singular warning or token before them when starting upon learned something! Where are the gems?" "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is helping a boy to put up the shutters. said I. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "Nothing." Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated will find little credit to be gained out of this case." with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the following enigmatical notices: "But we can't all be." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "I cannot tell." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "'Not at all. I only doubt--' blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as foot. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" there is a decided draught." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a business." that, and I came down." and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "You have carte blanche." back into the street. sufficient punishment." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no brought there to personate someone, and the real person is said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his peculiar to him. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she there!' astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you for its centre. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Texas, I think." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached to you." be.' when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her in the dead of the night?' to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had enter into my head. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter