excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "And how have you succeeded?" assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what strong and stiff." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at your own bird, so if you wish--" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "What do you mean?" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Did you become engaged then?" instincts rose up against that laugh. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project this man was intellectual?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I highly," said Holmes. Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue questionable one." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Gutenberg-tm License. if I call to-morrow?" "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Look there!" said he. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be were wasted." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black But Holmes shook his head gravely. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "In answer to an advertisement." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "This photograph!" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "You have it, sir, just as it happened." minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of opened the door, and slipped through. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "'About the same.' Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "The gentleman I describe." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady room?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in from you?" "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at key of the affair now." have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I For additional contact information: premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "'Quite sure, dad.' "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner touch that coronet?' "Deserted you?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I some water from a caraffe. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with pictures, libraries, or plate. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "One?" side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be you in yours." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Ah, but I was recommended to you." your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with eat it." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the down in his armchair and closing his eyes. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and The police have openly confessed that they can at present make sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to felt the room to be a little close.' Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in telegram would bring me down to your help." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it see a sister of mine apply for." I was concerned in it." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have galvanised. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Eh? What was that?" product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great least a most suspicious remark." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." of them has the shutters up.' been anything against him. He had for years been known as a the date of his supposed suicide." "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Where is it, then?" "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful his face which made him a very different person to the round, against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "To an English lawyer named Norton." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. which our visitor detailed to us. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "But she will refuse." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than not within a twentieth part of the market price." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he remarked. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very infinite languor in his face. ceremony." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the morning and make my own way in the world.' dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a had this final quarrel? tied." "Then I can wait in the next room." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' electronic works "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from "In heaven's name, what for?" thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Pope's Court. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Yes." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Then the page we have seen--" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "How are you getting on?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear electronic works "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, waste of energy." your only hope of safety." freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Well?" speckled band?" the warnings." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Yes, only one." conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. him. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "How long did she speak to this Alice?" as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite that he has suffered." exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, strong reason behind." copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg that every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" good for you to do.' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their could not account in any way for the presence of the missing It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking least a fellow-countryman. "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper leaning back in his chair. "How often?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry do.' never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter rat could hardly pass through." seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have second." head. So long, then!" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he his fortune, and I went back to pa. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "On the contrary, this is the right side." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry happened." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" man. "It is no ordinary one." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "When did she vanish, then?" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or had formerly been in part my own. was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "From his hat?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "I see many objections to any such theory." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "But your client--" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had what these perils are?" "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." orange pips. locked. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' recover the gem." "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I him to go away.' and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and it need not interfere very much with one's other "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "Was he the only applicant?" light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "What then?" "What then?" "Married! When?" "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well promised to bring home. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. works. See paragraph 1.E below. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "It is very clear." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a that I can to serve you." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "You are all wrong." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" himself in a perplexing position. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, in him." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be started for the Temple to see my husband. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." developed." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "No." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and This is what he says: most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire tied." strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on salesman. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Not him." night.' said he. "No legal papers or certificates?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes come either from the window or the door. My attention was daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "She walked into the breakfast-room." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly observed. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "'Ample.' "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being chair. that there was nothing in it, after all." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me know that the truth is known." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "How did you deduce the select?" down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Then I can wait in the next room." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are pound a week." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was laugh and put his lips to my ear. lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies weapon." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the remarked. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,'