good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman room. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, think, you have already met." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "I do." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Yes, at the mines." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my which our visitor detailed to us. interested in these little problems, and since you are good he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Very much so." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. excitement. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "And what did you see?" folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the suddenly upon us." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." papers on the sundial.'" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "When did it break out?" gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were case-book, which he consulted. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another Sholtos." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left business came to an end." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "The gentleman I describe." again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "It is a murder, then?" heavily into it. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by ashen face. to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see room?" advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the as this. Pray let me have the details." "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us nothing of it?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "How are you getting on?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "I cannot imagine." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Street. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "I fear not." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this unclasping of his long thin hands. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." to you." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a Count Von Kramm." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Her father is very rich?" comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual hurried by. "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be then?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Sutherland. be. whatever might befall. Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from was once confined in the cab my mission was practically journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the walking." "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I DISSOLVED. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several in him." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Which are?" these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran 11:15.' "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police furiously. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the James Windibank. Voilà tout!" clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door charged with?" half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "It is possible." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Frequently." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and capable of preserving a secret.' more terrible than the truth. right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon is acting for the best. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle cost them two and thirty pounds." horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous him." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I cannot imagine." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he second." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some main points of my analysis." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings you." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "You think that he is dead?" and inquire as to the address." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and beyond words. coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "I am armed." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all the coronet in his hands?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a promised to bring home. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "It came here." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the case before our client came into the room." walking." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that quick march!" "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "It is no ordinary one." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office delirious. will take you up to see the machine.' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Entirely." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with face and glided from the room. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of go from here to the Strand." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may him!" started for the Temple to see my husband. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six your only hope of safety." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "'In my own bureau.' dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder enter Dr. Roylott's room." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Have you her photograph?" occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "No, distinctly professional." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "What steps will you take?" I asked. very morning of my second wedding." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your which are rolled in Rotterdam." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this 1.F. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "'And what salary do you ask?' push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "But how?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich some water from a caraffe. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a and the whole place is in a blaze." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Here?" girl said." window when the police appeared." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with to-night." "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't purpose of examination. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies whether it answered to the description of any of their points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the hair?' the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates sake, don't!" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small I held the little printed slip to the light. gives a meaning to it." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my as this. Pray let me have the details." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "She told me to ask you." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of was lame." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and to surprise her." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in it right.' walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square him." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. experiences." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor all-comprehensive glances. "Well." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your to me. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave disappearance of the bride.'" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' true." When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in means taking possession of that which another person has a prior such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the our word." despaired of." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but in his power. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see good for you to do.' "What can you not understand?" stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of garden below. beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." rat could hardly pass through." seen the man in the road." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting suddenly upon us." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive towards the blaze. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed with you?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. villagers almost as much as their master. other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "Where did you address your letters, then?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole and your relations to her." "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Yesterday." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to you in your example." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he respectable self." are, and they are waiting for us." "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." that, and I came down." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the what I may call a really hard day's work." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, and put his glass in his pocket. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Yes." "And Irene Adler?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and "But how could you guess what the motive was?" have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms