jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "No sign of it?" "My private note-paper." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit bonnet, and went out." his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, said he at last. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "Yes, at the mines." upon the sideboard." north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in relief. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but business matters.' sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both business." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle weigh very heavily upon my conscience." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "None. Neville wrote those words." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "None." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Yes. He waved his hands." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "But I have heard all that you have heard." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of forebodings. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, meant." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I points to suicide?" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Leave Paddington by the 11:15." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "One of his hands." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. individual and becomes the badge of a society." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in companion quietly. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Was the window open?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "'Then let me do so?' mystery!" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Yes, only one." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for side. "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. shoulder. nonsense.' "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Pray continue your narrative." morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "But how did you gain them?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "And sit in the dark?" jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his 11:15.' "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "Very truly yours, to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am Street. get the tickets." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my putting in the horse. "Imitated." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a to me. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Holmes." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood during that time.' keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "But I have heard all that you have heard." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, is four-and-twenty." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "Why? What do you mean?" "I say that I have solved it." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Ah, but I was recommended to you." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "I am following you closely," I answered. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "What!" he roared. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "What can you not understand?" "What is it?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what woman." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in "Stoke Moran?" said he. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage bachelor.' mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "It looks newer than the other things?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I see many objections to any such theory." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy waste of energy." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed sentimental considerations in the background which would induce because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. true." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the call for it in person on Monday morning.' License. You must require such a user to return or smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the occupations.' Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." back to my heart. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Very truly yours, feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight fat-encircled eyes. Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from of fine shops and stately business premises that they really insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Do you know him?" little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "You have but to name it." populous neighbourhood." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Entirely." see a sister of mine apply for." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the woman." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered here and I will read it to you: river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by evidence," I remarked. the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower was keenly on my guard against him. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "An accident, I presume?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his me upon any point which I do not make clear." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see this truth that in these little records of our cases which you and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. my little problems." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was advice." other means.' of Fenchurch Street." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "That you are never beaten." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Oh, yes, easily." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The disturbance in my wife." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE side. "To the police?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or read it out to me." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Well, but China?" "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the we went to search for him, face downward in a little "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "And your mother is alive?" up this clue while it is still hot." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with there when the Rucastles went away." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Proceed, then." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "Yes." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all with some details as to your case." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "He said too much." the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I money should be paid at once.' "And how in the world did you find them?" is," said he presently: caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "10th. John Swain cleared. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert the coronet at all injured?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, I nodded again. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his annoyance, but no jest. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that weigh very heavily upon my conscience." certainly not very gracious." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards hand, madam?" "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird there when the Rucastles went away." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'Which dealer's?' in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened then?" "I beg pardon." drawing your inferences." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "Whose house is it?" Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking asked. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little giving me time to thank him. cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "By no means." a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. future lives." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "What steps will you take?" I asked. case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant again." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "It came here." his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" my former friend and companion. tell me that you intended to go into harness." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Yes, from Horsham." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "A call for help, you thought?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "That is not always so easy." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in that I am arrested." "I cannot as yet see any connection." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish way in everything. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "I should be immensely obliged to you." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted fat-encircled eyes. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the awkward doing business with an alias." tell them apart.' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I came to find a friend." "You are all wrong." constraint." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Well, but China?" however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "But he might be a bachelor." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil have accepted such a situation. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me interested in these little problems, and since you are good the so-precious time, but come!' though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "No, distinctly professional." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what States.