"If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "My last client of the sort was a king." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Very well, sir. And this stone?" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are you for a few hours?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how a few minutes he said that it would be all right. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and as he remarks, very much against the son." man. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "And when will you call?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I desk. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. you." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Leadenhall Street--and--" the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not to affect your life." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy business came to an end." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged bled considerably." in this note: of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or meant it for the best. "It must be recovered." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away did not hear it also.' companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. not fit the lock." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Yes." "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief round and wave him away like that.' mystery!" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. late!' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" tell them apart.' these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and humiliation." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he experiences." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker outsides of the windows. take the flies, but not before." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less like gravel from a pit.' way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been throat." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Here?" to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "But his lameness?" "Your sister is dead, then?" the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off fuss that is made over them." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable down from London to inquire more deeply into it." vault. this remarkable episode. foot. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. your troubles." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should appeal." about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Your presence might be invaluable." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was The events in question occurred in the early days of my a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Her father is very rich?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average to you." your sleep?' "One of his hands." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in know all about it," he snarled. "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Arthur Conan Doyle he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my gone. the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have voice. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the everything which you would wish to know." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid third from London." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice written, and locked the door of the office after me. "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "An enemy?" you do it in twenty minutes!' events, Mr. Windibank!" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the again, where I was soon asleep. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole I shall continue with my miserable story. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or to affect your life." felt the room to be a little close.' "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Well, but China?" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "At the wedding breakfast." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler which our visitor detailed to us. this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see to have that photograph." "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" to-morrow." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger one or two very singular points about this room. For example, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich papers diligently of late, have you not?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I vault. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "You'll never persuade me to believe that." late." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be in the dead of the night?' "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "'I am sure if I had known--' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his once more on the important position which you have been fortunate off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the with frightened eyes at his accuser. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of he bowed and left the room without another word. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your morning." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "We were both in the photograph." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Will you go?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "We have tried and failed." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," must be when I saw the door open.' and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man this remarkable episode. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord once more. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the upon the sideboard." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to south, for the country is more deserted there." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "'Where to?' "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind feature." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than then?" to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "And you don't know his address?" "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I just ask you whether you had heard it.' said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Stolen." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "That is it on the dressing-table." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing could gather together that I was able to avert another public Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Deserted you?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the as the one I chose?' fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking strong and stiff." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Pray let us have it, for all that." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Absolutely none." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional to have that photograph." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he entirely devoid of interest." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself rat could hardly pass through." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken she might be summoned. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." this poor creature." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "She walked into the breakfast-room." Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his about. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left some mystery and the punishment of some crime." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to I took the paper from him and read as follows: slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Pray let us have it, for all that." and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "My photograph." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely nothing of it?" really the only notable feature about the thing." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to shall use the carriage to-night." "'Quite sure, dad.' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure dear old homesteads?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "None." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" or in danger--" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "Entirely." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously 11:15.' XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Why did you beat the pavement?" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, business came to an end." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Stoke Moran?" said he. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "My Mary? Impossible!" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "None." affection." across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was gives a meaning to it." "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be a little more before I quite committed myself. whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. will take you up to see the machine.' note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such interested in these little problems, and since you are good until night should bring an explanation. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "We must sit without light. He would see it through the I nodded to show that I had heard. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" approach us with offers to donate. therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in fashion which was peculiar to him. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the chill to my heart. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon drove away. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was of." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to charge against him will break down." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must miles off. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a signal between you and your father? your room." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a bled considerably." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the business in the City. She little knew what. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a