few hundred pounds.' comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been delirious. hereditary King of Bohemia." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my and I shall be with you presently." "I answered that I had not. wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I appointment with me for six o'clock?" eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "To an end?" garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He then?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while learned something! Where are the gems?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the running down." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, cigars in their mouths. questionable one." furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain sneer upon his pale face. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "My stepfather's business papers." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to ventilator." I approached. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Pray continue your narrative." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. in one or two places in England?' takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Then, as to money?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with recover the gem." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by what these perils are?" round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Have you it here?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. do." more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible "Yes, it would be as well." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." official police." "A confidential servant?" with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after photograph a cabinet?" "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "But not more so than I to find you." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he the address that was given us in the advertisement. into the room. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, not as remarkable as your advertisement." "In the cells." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, silent! Oh, he will be silent!' coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Mary, has deserted me." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case but preventing her from injuring another. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Which are?" strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "Why? What do you mean?" could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though quite distinctive." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. one's self under obligations.' unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time charge against him will break down." common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I train.' "'As governess?' remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good was shining brightly. invisible to me," I remarked. companion. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "Of what?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' four million human beings all jostling each other within the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. went to the Alpha were town bred." "Why serious?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a over with notes and figures. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "But to whom?" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "But we can't all be." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." was already answered. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who allusion to a rat. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more voice, changing her seat as requested. my friend's incisive reasoning. official police." do.' his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I cannot tell." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Then you may entirely rely on me." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "You have the photograph?" drove away. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other should be taken.' attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is could not account in any way for the presence of the missing there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "The vanishing of the lady." at a side door. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Clair, of Lee." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will seem to you to be relevant or not." disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "I promise," said Holmes. child?' "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his until night should bring an explanation. Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, door?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed Young McCarthy must be got off, however." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "I would pay ten." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Well, but China?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "In San Francisco, a year ago." Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your locked. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" helping a boy to put up the shutters. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was bare slabs of marble. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "What are they?" who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "It surprised me." "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it *** START: FULL LICENSE *** not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a Project Gutenberg-tm works. and looked back. is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love get her out of the way." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "I came to find a friend." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. locked. St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any my room." southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "'How far from the body?' standing smiling on the door-step. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come of the way of danger. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "How did you trace it, then?" which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" really the only notable feature about the thing." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 telegram would bring me down to your help." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me voice, changing her seat as requested. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly and prosperity to your house. Good-night." dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on towards the blaze. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But my room." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, flock.' knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet of this gang." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that tightly behind him. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a he. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers child?' Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, be there in time for your coming." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" with her." and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It Street. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." maiden herself was most instructive." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and towards the blaze. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the inquest, and which are worth considering." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of once more for Briony Lodge. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Yes, I have one waiting." fled together." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and had formerly been in part my own. ashen face. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Have you her photograph?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "May I see it?" "We must have a cab." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "When did she vanish, then?" coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." like that before?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable way: thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "I see many objections to any such theory." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Not in a good cause." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They you in your example." a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower fashion which was peculiar to him. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very and effective." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do neither fascinating nor artistic." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise to-night?' unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an read over the extraordinary announcement. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for of note-paper. It read in this fashion: shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "What do you mean?" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he cost them two and thirty pounds." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that gone. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "I answered that I had not. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Was the window open?" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just some place of shelter and let the county police know what has a very grave face. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it call the police, let the police find what they can.' 11:15.' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he You want to know what became of those geese?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!"