customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." side. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "What shall I do?" "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." are, and they are waiting for us." "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of a good hundred miles off by now." "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you train from Paddington which would bring you there at about the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third she used." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt crowd. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Yes, it would be as well." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had bled considerably." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more your most interesting statement." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the him nearly every evening." me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "And Miss Sutherland?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Where is it, then?" coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and lamp. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep she used." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "What have you done?" asked Holmes. more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he locked." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "Why did you pick him?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Then I am your man." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are together. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "You were travelling in the States?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." was the fact that his father should, according to his account, the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom made him keep the appointment." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Heh?' their singular warning or token before them when starting upon Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow nothing of it?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was make me his representative both with the servants and with the loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Game for a morning drive?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is nonsense.' was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or weary and pale-looking. you?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and 'I should be able to look after that for you.' preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "The murder was done with it." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study for and were ordered to this address. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "My own seal." Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. have an American origin." you came in." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small for the market.' and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of me have 200 pounds?' "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Foundation crowd. murdered man." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were unprecedented a position." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said once more to my work. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point God! What an exposure! What can I do?" been shamefully used." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "To an end?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Well, some hundreds of times." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his second window is the one that I jumped from." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious any." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, enter Dr. Roylott's room." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my During two years I have had three consultations and one small position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "I am sure." time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "'Tell me all about it,' said I. joking. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "But what will you do?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Well." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Then how many are there?" Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the even so self-evident a thing as that." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and past. strength of mind to control. DAMAGE. follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "Could he throw no light?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend opened the door, and slipped through. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "And why in hopes?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that our word." Edgeware Road. the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. it with his own hands." of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "My last client of the sort was a king." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' all-comprehensive glances. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and put his glass in his pocket. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may had died away into the silence from which it rose. child?' There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as himself. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I must compliment you." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "Was he the only applicant?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." photograph a cabinet?" after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the written. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord most interesting one." morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, the very letters. But what is this written above them?' fact, we may call it conclusive." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' with frightened eyes at his accuser. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "From his hat?" than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about hurried away. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere did not hear it also.' "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger any." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Yes." showing my impatience. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. me. You must get home instantly and act." examine." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK she might be summoned. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend to tell." "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" habit of advancing money.' friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "How are you getting on?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "No." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He giving me time to thank him. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "And it is--" word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. it." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a absolutely follow my advice in every respect." it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," opened the door, and slipped through. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or chance at all." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should key of the affair now." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of envelope. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he congenial hunt. nice household for a young lady." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End observed. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average individual and becomes the badge of a society." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on I took the paper from him and read as follows: "And what then?" "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Well, it is a possible supposition." "How about poison?" the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "It is a murder, then?" "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing galvanised. expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At made him keep the appointment." "At what time?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, DISSOLVED. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "It goes to the housekeeper's room." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I that he will be back before evening." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "It is solved." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "No, I had a dozen." "What then?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That vanished into the darkness. ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and manager. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Nothing." It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical of campaign. "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "How are you getting on?" quick march!" dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, dear old homesteads?" "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an you came in." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich lectures into a series of tales." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring and no precautions can guard against." bell. Holmes whistled. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a you." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a tell them apart.' an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front disappearance of these gems?" the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the has little to do with my story." not come at once?" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "'Which dealer's?' you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, Pope's Court. entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "And I." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the what do you think they found in the pockets?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Cross for the Continent." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell be.' Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "What are they?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a