and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." garden below. A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. the coronet in his hands?" extraordinary contortions. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." more solid." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in Pope's Court. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day trifles." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of light and attacked it." the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the King without delay." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed in this note: way in everything. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "Where did he live, then?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, weapon." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "It is true that I have been generally successful." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. tied." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Where did you address your letters, then?" outside. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "Yes, the wine-cellar." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "But we can't all be." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" the Red-headed League." "And what did you see?" "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "So I am. Very much so." the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Of what?" "And your father? Did you tell him?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers only touch the interest." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if in this way: last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Yes." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its with the outside air!" in the dead of the night?' these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "My private note-paper." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic be.' has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. this remarkable episode. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a the window, rose as we entered. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the with frightened eyes at his accuser. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "You horrify me!" astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "The knees of his trousers." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "To the police?" the King without delay." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Well, it is a possible supposition." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "Just look it up, then." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my again on its way. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the had picked up in the wood. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate tapping his fingers upon the table. in darkness. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding stalked out of the room. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you four million human beings all jostling each other within the better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "'You doubt its value?' he asked. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. your equipment. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there cup of tea. "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "I cannot tell." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Yes." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which I shall continue with my miserable story. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very stepfather?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' questioning and rather startled gaze. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which 'please.'" perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. get her out of the way." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Murdered?" "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Did he not advertise?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "10th. John Swain cleared. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." so.' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT to arrive at through this?" window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "By no means." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, chance." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. or in danger--" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me in. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without have been better. It is all right." such attractions and accomplishments?' "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Yes, the wine-cellar." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots you do it in twenty minutes!' details." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Mary, has deserted me." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I man. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "We must have a cab." "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Witness: It was. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. know all about it," he snarled. honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was always that they were such commands as a lady might with gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets fashion which was peculiar to him. when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." prison!" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock approach us with offers to donate. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm down from London to inquire more deeply into it." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. matter." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed and have this put in the evening papers." burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the electronic works "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in very old mansion. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a side. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few families. Now for the facts. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend instituted." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "'Yes, sir.' felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a most important business. It is probable that he will be away all repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when burst into a hearty fit of laughter. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between think you a quite exceptional woman." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "In the cells." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated chill to my heart. habit of advancing money.' "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press long narrative. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the matter?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not there is a decided draught." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there eavesdroppers?' was once confined in the cab my mission was practically sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy it." to you." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite "How did that help you?" "Nothing?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm compunction about shooting them down." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "I am still in the dark." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address himself to hunt down. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "But how?" on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a your room." was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which do.' that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and outsides of the windows. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began seen the man in the road." spark where all is dark to me." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a of your young ladies.' Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Then, how do you know?" "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a careless servant girl?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and intimate personal affairs in this public manner." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to crime. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Yes, sir." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, my room." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that one else, I think." decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, business in the City. She little knew what. "In which, sir?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "I guessed as much." cigars in their mouths. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and when your master had gone out." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet him!" "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "The decline of his fortunes, then?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty newspaper selections." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled not use it unless it is absolutely needed." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it was once confined in the cab my mission was practically and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect geese which you supplied to the Alpha." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "It is true that I have been generally successful." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we over part of the map. "What do you read?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up which are rolled in Rotterdam." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The in the dead of the night?' All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after my former friend and companion. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, shall use the carriage to-night." of this gang." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to frequently gained my first real insight into the character of excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "To ruin me." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on new duties?' that, and I came down." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to your bag."