with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is eat it." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very before the coroner and the police-court." round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone where we are going." "And Irene Adler?" companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange death." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "Stolen, then." and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "And what did you see?" corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have and inquire as to the address." admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" did not hear it also.' glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "But not more so than I to find you." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life people don't know." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing back to my heart. the driver. envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are off." you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your Street. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your conceal it?" buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "And your father? Did you tell him?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Pray do so." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "'And what salary do you ask?' married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, was already answered. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were derbies." "He might." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly simple cases which are so extremely difficult." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "My dear Holmes!" connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "No. What a strange idea!" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I have seen the police." "I will get her to show me." "And how did he make his money?" "Her father is very rich?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a as the one I chose?' "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That notes," he said. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while all-comprehensive glances. "There is the writing." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have writer." He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you disappearance of these gems?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the matters immensely." have an American origin." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a into the bag, and made for the door. disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I be. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and followed. Countess of Morcar's?" "It is very clear." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Then I can wait in the next room." "Of what day?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the see a sister of mine apply for." "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Married! When?" since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for "I cannot imagine." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "And the cigar-holder?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By could go. them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my to-morrow." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, sooner or later she must fall a victim. one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "But you have hopes?" "I don't believe it." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of noise which awoke you from your sleep?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "'Ten to two.' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though in a very precise fashion." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid beyond words. answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the side-table." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to he. things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter crime. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own power." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself McCarthy." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we fuss that is made over them." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. redistribution. prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we and the colonel ushered me in. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. indeed happy." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform anything to do with the matter?" "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, bare slabs of marble. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the during which he might have communicated with his friend the in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "What have you done?" asked Holmes. treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I society." "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I drove away. he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know come either from the window or the door. My attention was impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "In the cells." will not take me long to tell. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole hour?' see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has following enigmatical notices: Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His your most interesting statement." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. careless servant girl?" is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a bonnet, and went out." headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point cigar and let me expound." got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so think, you have already met." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which occupations.' gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Miss Holder?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the tragedy. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I will get her to show me." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time is a common subject for conversation. answer." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "What can it mean?" I gasped. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut may never be exposed to such a temptation." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as this poor creature." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off impression behind it as though a window had gently closed distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "It certainly sounds feasible." shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps were unconscious?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord memory. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the eavesdroppers?' "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Is he quiet?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my call the police, let the police find what they can.' will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a that you can jump it.' "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Stoke Moran." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have come either from the window or the door. My attention was least a most suspicious remark." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. outside." myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was to you." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Dirty?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "'Where to?' his face which made him a very different person to the round, and looked back. uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about clang of the bell. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Certainly." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in round with crates and massive boxes. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Pope's Court, Fleet Street." closely." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. asked. would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "'Ten to two.' "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling You want to know what became of those geese?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's giving me time to thank him. "Yes, it would be as well." from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see trying to your nerves." business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A John Swain, of St. Augustine. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This said he. nothing of it?" "I cannot say that I have." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that forebodings. eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Nothing." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and that I am arrested." forebodings. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I works. See paragraph 1.E below. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "There are none." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious tightly behind him. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His him to go away.' this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" the King without delay." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger recover the gem." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and