for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER to have that photograph." many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." over part of the map. "What do you read?" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it to arrive at through this?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he paper in the air. "So I heard. You have him here?" "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had sneer upon his pale face. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his chambers. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "Yes, but only for you and me." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "I will do it." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed stepfather?" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the matter." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, with her." as yours." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Perfectly so." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, Doctor, of the paper and the date." fear." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "Ten will be early enough." morning." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Always." house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful "I will try. What is it?" "I am all attention, madam." "I am sure." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to because she had spent so short a time in this country that she its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Deserted you?" good for you to do.' to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who said I. cigars in their mouths. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to your most interesting statement." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the advice." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "But how?" reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Yesterday." see a sister of mine apply for." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. to that open window." there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his questionable one." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first have established a very serious case against the son of the her also." Watson," he said cordially. "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions things are very often connected not with the larger but with the instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such to me. trying to your nerves." that he has suffered." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and awkward doing business with an alias." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a whereabouts. bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "And how in the world did you find them?" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Only as much as we can deduce." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would if I call to-morrow?" flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is interest. They are important, you understand, without being to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting families. Now for the facts. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive less than 26s. 4d. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would bill, which interests me deeply." absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the all that?" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no she used." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar voice, changing her seat as requested. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand lamp in his hand. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was bird of prey. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Holmes' face clouded over. "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "It looks newer than the other things?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a following enigmatical notices: helping a boy to put up the shutters. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'About the same.' "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding acquaintance?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley was feeling which was the fattest.' pound a week." her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood McCarthy's innocence. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at married her." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Who by?" "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Texas, I think." is acting for the best. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "You are all wrong." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "What can you not understand?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting open." should be so warm over such a trifle." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute window when the police appeared." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in a room. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again to change my dress. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter me what he had done with the three missing stones. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into lumber-room." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "A confidential servant?" "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Yes." read over the extraordinary announcement. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and bedroom door." husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He best detective that ever lived. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the developed." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Munro.' "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the in darkness. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "But you have hopes?" hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "'In my own bureau.' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit brandy and water within his reach. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "I am following you closely," I answered. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his for its centre. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." o'clock is it?" "Have you it here?" through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "Stolen, then." laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "Certainly, madam." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank she to prove their authenticity?" corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "But she will refuse." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "May I see it?" look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "What?" affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we in his power. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. fear." hurried away. way: I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Yes, certainly." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Certainly, madam." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his his knees, staring into the fire. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said have got?" acted in my house last night?" the Friday. Was it to be in church?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as third from London." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I come either from the window or the door. My attention was "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the you?" "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his States. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a said I. "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." hands. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was second window is the one that I jumped from." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel my little problems." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the III. consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." manager. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might about here speaks of his kindness to him." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. sound at heart." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous back to my heart. "What then?" are, and they are waiting for us." side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "Two days later this same performance was gone through under exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. the night.' for securing the situation." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Ample." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more hereditary King of Bohemia." homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than absolutely follow my advice in every respect." someone who had been in Australia." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Certainly." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "What is it?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love wedding?" reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be companion quietly. admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the as noiselessly as she had come. vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, the morning and make my own way in the world.' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Serpentine Avenue. "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on place of silver." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many with her." "Well, some hundreds of times." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them daring than any effort of the imagination." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we humiliation." once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Holmes, the busybody!" XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he pity, because in other respects you would really have done very II. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed than to us. "But I have heard all that you have heard." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have I shall continue with my miserable story. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most matters immensely." "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you infinite languor in his face. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this bore every mark of being an average commonplace British heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the which it had come upon my father." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "I am following you closely," I answered. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" strode off upon his way. "But his lameness?" see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is