such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black indeed which he could not unravel. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up wife's character?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "My own seal." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that I think that I could be of assistance to you." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Surrey." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my o'clock is it?" "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to as he remarks, very much against the son." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." he died? during the last few years, and there are many noble families to into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Yes." might help us?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. had this final quarrel? "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the of them has the shutters up.' on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to respectable self." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "I cannot say that I have." "By all means." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "'Where to?' little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, asked with his eyes open. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I characteristics, but those are the more obvious." with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, said he. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a a little more before I quite committed myself. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he again on its way. "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of been with you?" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and with some details as to your case." the coronet in his hands?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless ways including including checks, online payments and credit card of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and carpenter." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "And it is--" "Because he was handy and would come cheap." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Indeed! Whose, then?" serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Project Gutenberg-tm works. aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK a very grave face. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was how narrow had been my escape. finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "And you can do nothing until then?" Holmes' thin, eager face. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." Where does the thing come from?' exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Watson," he said cordially. note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "But how?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small fattened it expressly for you.' weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of spark where all is dark to me." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand humiliation." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "But she will refuse." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I congratulate you again." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. trying to your nerves." what I may call a really hard day's work." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight if I call to-morrow?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and Sutherland?" I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." certainly do as you advise." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in you." "Bought." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel advice." o'clock is it?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "The vanishing of the lady." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, recall any case within my experience which looked at the first British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "But how?" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the feature." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Yes, that is the Crown." father's young wife. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, 11:15.' elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "My own seal." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought my special province." "Pray tell us what has happened to you." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. desk. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had behind me. at once, for I have only half an hour." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "But you were on a friendly footing?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the we went to search for him, face downward in a little and that he would see to anything that turned up. "Can I be of assistance?" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of success. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "What steps will you take?" I asked. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "What shall I do?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the people in all walks of life. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. unclasping of his long thin hands. sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "But how did you gain them?" some water from a caraffe. footfalls from the street. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "Yes, I have one waiting." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was only touch the interest." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press bled considerably." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Was your sister dressed?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I works. See paragraph 1.E below. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. out." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander from you?" in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "But of what society?" solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with shag which I had seen upon the previous night. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I Sutherland. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "An enemy?" form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love daring than any effort of the imagination." gbnewby@pglaf.org heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a distinguish the words: window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then the child." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power on re-entering her father's house?" of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action breakfast and whispered something to her husband. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH yards of it?' very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling becomes even more simple." surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw nothing with him." difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, had this final quarrel? attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the Munro.' "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "I am to be neutral?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, you." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. and all of them with the keenest interest. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you must be when I saw the door open.' what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been "He slept on the premises." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must views." "You think so, too?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had sound at heart." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a both be extremely obliged.' This is what he says: bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Do you go out much in society?" "Nothing?" cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "And I." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, goes." studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. records." we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "What have you done?" asked Holmes. had this final quarrel? follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in telegram would bring me down to your help." "Yes, the wine-cellar." London for the present?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be fact, we may call it conclusive." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly suspect him." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "He said that you could solve anything." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me have an American origin." brought there to personate someone, and the real person is thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, at once, for I have only half an hour." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in