the tragedy. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose indeed happy." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands when you have done it." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Absolutely?" as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too one of the states of the Union." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady read over the extraordinary announcement. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud hand, madam?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which thin legs towards the fire. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I would apply.' the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Very truly yours, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Texas, I think." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Holmes. "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number ourselves in the office." "Yes." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded trying to your nerves." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was man. I know him from the photograph." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his is," said he presently: in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of brandy and water within his reach. think that any burglar could have done. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Is he quiet?" seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At desk. anything to do with the matter?" Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the them?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in The summons was a brief and urgent one. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can McCarthy's innocence. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms 'please.'" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, take the flies, but not before." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which remarked. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "The best possible." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did what is your own theory as to what took place?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry might have a private word with us. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the morning." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to License. You must require such a user to return or streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three of them has the shutters up.' helping a boy to put up the shutters. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like stood on the top of it. the child." his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not such person." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Not in a good cause." have had none more fantastic than this." is worth.' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "'Tell me all about it,' said I. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, direction." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round place of silver." is worth.' Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only your sleep?' in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us you want, then?' have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so gone before you can get him to hospital." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that wedding?" continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes rose-bushes. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Where, then, is my wife?" chambers. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from lips." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland companion. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite again on its way. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin following enigmatical notices: the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "'Ample.' sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "The gentleman I describe." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the voice, changing her seat as requested. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are intrusion of other matters." "Could he throw no light?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of feature." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may papers must be those that are destroyed.' We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll points to suicide?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Yes." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of himself in a perplexing position. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. presented more singular features than that which was associated Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "By no means." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had look dissatisfied." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it we went to search for him, face downward in a little he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, himself to hunt down. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Certainly." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of 1.F. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. voice. when you have done it." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece house for five minutes.' smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "There are none." the room while you explain this matter?" furiously. you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "Where to?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this ventilator." seen the man in the road." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." fact, we may call it conclusive." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him if I call to-morrow?" maiden herself was most instructive." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the to-night's adventure." "Your sister is dead, then?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making just called myself is not exactly my own." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging 'please.'" roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an asked. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "If I can be of use." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my Doctor, of the paper and the date." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right advice." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, purpose of examination. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "None. Neville wrote those words." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll see me here to avoid scandal." drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'Where to?' simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the tail." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. suspect him." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Certainly." morning." black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the think you a quite exceptional woman." little trying to do so much typewriting?" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced arrested. You then--" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" Count Von Kramm." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out written, and locked the door of the office after me. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a you want, then?' of Mr. Rucastle's." of Fenchurch Street." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; mysterious end." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to The summons was a brief and urgent one. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "By train from Waterloo." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to to-night's adventure." you in your example." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the stable lane now." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of good-night and bustled off upon her way. discontent upon his features. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I were new raised from a basin. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the all that?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then events than those which have happened in my own family." success. forehead. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "You horrify me." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "And did you observe any change in her then?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first enough to aid us in our search." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "The landlord of the Alpha." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little six. Come in!" indiscretion." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle morning." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the as yours." ordinary clothes on?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" fear." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "No, I am descending." upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the me. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would said he. I leave." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "'I am sure if I had known--' Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever once more for Briony Lodge. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it coat-tails." is four-and-twenty." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "Dr. Becher's." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" bears upon the case?" warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in few hundred pounds.' tear off another piece?' the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the