black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "So it appears." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, night.' said he. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good experiences." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "And now?" I asked. that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I assure you that I am in your hands." hour." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'Yes, I promise.' he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in of them has the shutters up.' to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "I warn you that they are very incomplete." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in spare." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain with you?" be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "But his left-handedness." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "I have seen the police." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." excitement. to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "And your father? Did you tell him?" passage and a tap at the door. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had rat could hardly pass through." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass someone who had been in Australia." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London she to prove their authenticity?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Lee, in the county of Kent." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down chemical work which was so dear to him. served to weaken the effect. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I will, Miss Turner." your billet.' which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "I have a cab outside." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted "What office?" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the is entirely a question of barometric pressure." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger of it with the greatest attention. "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was to where he stood hid behind the curtain. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the returning from some small jollification and was making his way overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's danger is over." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "You think that he is dead?" maiden herself was most instructive." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." look upon these things in a different way." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the good-night and bustled off upon her way. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his him to be an active member of the medical profession." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "To an English lawyer named Norton." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately my room." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "How did that help you?" directly by questioning you." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "How do you know, then?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Not yet." Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "The gentleman I describe." some terrible trap for her." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which disturbance in my wife." there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round papers on the sundial.'" abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "And from a noble client?" "It certainly sounds feasible." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Where, indeed?" other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see business." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that British peeress.'" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire until night should bring an explanation. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to answered with a sidelong glance. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. certainly not very gracious." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may fattened it expressly for you.' came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "What?" lectures into a series of tales." "They are typewritten," I remarked. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what fait accompli?" I nodded again. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a formed some opinion?" back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the fact, we may call it conclusive." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Then I can wait in the next room." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left or other trace. But how on earth--" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "Then how many are there?" view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "And when will you call?" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me without a word or a look. "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and upon the white wrist. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler forbidden door. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "You think that he is dead?" compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as villagers almost as much as their master. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "And for present expenses?" to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "No bad?" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Yes, but only for you and me." III. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Not in a good cause." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to easy-going way." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to which we had just quitted. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Holmes' face clouded over. golden eyeglasses. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "Stolen." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the one of the states of the Union." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "Yes, he did." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "Yes, it was twisted." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Was he the only applicant?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are man. At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last of his shoulders. whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "And is that all?" Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than Young McCarthy must be got off, however." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "He is dead," cried several voices. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'Most admirably.' should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar morning." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." outsides of the windows. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Yes, sir." questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Yesterday." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "That is unusual in a young girl." "And how have you succeeded?" At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I him to go away.' the inner apartment." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, prisoner's face. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were sneer upon his pale face. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "And did you observe any change in her then?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. rat could hardly pass through." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the matter." centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "And leave your case unfinished?" d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "Never." I leave." dear old homesteads?" of the vacancies.' "I saw her in conversation with her maid." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Yes, sir." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, bachelor.' and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "On Monday." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "Eh? What was that?" tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "I came to find a friend." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where could not have written that. It is the German who is so the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to asked. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so