caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Yes?" indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "Yes." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of away to you." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is right! Sit down and let us talk it over." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from I. "Yesterday." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and there!' "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Not in the least." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as answer." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying detained." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship gigantic client. Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this in darkness. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His a good hundred miles off by now." life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their Foundation empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And and prosperity to your house. Good-night." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a later, upon the night of May 2nd." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "It is true that I have been generally successful." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "Was your sister dressed?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the thin legs towards the fire. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through beyond words. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "I should wish to." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in hereditary King of Bohemia." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who been able to understand it, in a very few words. questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? away in different directions, and I went off to make my own where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "Ah, but I was recommended to you." yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general his huge brown hands. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate look upon these things in a different way." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." this as likely?" As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "And why?" "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Then I do not see the point." other, as fresh and trim as possible. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black quickly through a disagreeable task. and looked back. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Tired-looking or fresh?" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "And is that all?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not whatever might befall. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "He said too much." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "'Why that?' I asks. casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "And when will you call?" although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Doctor, of the paper and the date." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a it means?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is gone. held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my "I will try. What is it?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Yes, only one." "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom purpose equally well?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I himself to tell his story. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "It is possible." a good hundred miles off by now." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "It is no ordinary one." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Pray do so." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to as this. Pray let me have the details." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "That is easily got." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor I am not easy in my mind about them." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which geese which you supplied to the Alpha." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out where Mr. Fordham shows you.' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Just look it up, then." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she through." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "Stoke Moran?" said he. that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the roots. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Street. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I am following you closely," I answered. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'Never,' said I. "On the contrary, this is the right side." "How did you deduce the select?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his what do you think they found in the pockets?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "There are none." "So I heard. You have him here?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see what I may call a really hard day's work." suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "What will you do, then?" despaired of." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to desk. "Then you may be so with me." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "I don't believe it." to have that photograph." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are will not take me long to tell. practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "And I." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed gone. "Is he quiet?" of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the was a lad." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause brain must have something in it." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the allusion to a rat. Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "Absolutely?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us me what he had done with the three missing stones. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you point our research must commence, and we will begin it by As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, manager. sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "I am sure." loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "And how have you succeeded?" "It is no ordinary one." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. Count Von Kramm." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his it." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "How do you know, then?" back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic side. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is only touch the interest." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith bill, which interests me deeply." There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of it." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see might have a private word with us. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing business matters.' pictures, libraries, or plate. of this gang." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Come in!" said Holmes. is," said he presently: to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the letters?" from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I prison!" ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the "Of what?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I any." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were do you make of it all?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, she to prove their authenticity?" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen His smile broadened. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and chair. crime." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of you?" "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Mrs. Toller serenely. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." I nodded again. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "What then?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and promised to bring home. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard at my remark. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. new duties?' "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "And you don't know his address?" lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of shoulder. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap heavy and sharp instrument." answer." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "But his lameness?" "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "9th. McCauley cleared. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Why did you beat the pavement?" "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst wall." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of more terrible than the truth. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become take the flies, but not before." several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that already been minutely examined." "At what time?" made his money." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to side. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled despair." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the affection." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid."