"you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. indeed which he could not unravel. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "None. Neville wrote those words." he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." works. "But how will you look?" all that?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to gives a meaning to it." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the if I call to-morrow?" Sutherland. shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of you." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in other, as fresh and trim as possible. colonel looking down at me. existence." "She walked into the breakfast-room." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, stammered. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close call for protection in the marriage market, for the present his grey eyes. "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. upon a handsome competence. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "Really! You surprise me." least a fellow-countryman. as the one I chose?' that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "What! a murderous attack?" which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely will not take me long to tell. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have upon the shelf for the interim." "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the back into the street. before the coroner and the police-court." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Always." "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade means taking possession of that which another person has a prior thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove three of the beryls in it, was missing. "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you your own bird, so if you wish--" furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it time." be. "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes States. near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'Entirely.' "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of be best to do. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Nearly eleven." enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Yes?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a lumber-room." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "You have compromised yourself seriously." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." the Assizes." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon yards of it?' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "And what did you see?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My on in his house." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was fashion which was peculiar to him. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf arrangements." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained right! Sit down and let us talk it over." been." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the man. him, that man would not have given me such complete information closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these or other trace. But how on earth--" would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. look dissatisfied." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." unprofitable." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very DAMAGE. eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and to-night?' 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of copied or distributed: and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst success. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to than to us. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the walking." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a with you?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so in this way: it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Will you go?" thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying is now desirous of getting those letters back." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "In San Francisco, a year ago." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. prepare for the new role I have to play." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has said I. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, page at http://pglaf.org shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' the inner apartment." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, lumber-room." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. second window is the one that I jumped from." newspaper selections." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he face and glided from the room. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the know what is wrong with it.' papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. past. you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Not yet." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work golden eyeglasses. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." politicians who had been sent down from the North. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting anything to do with the matter?" "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened death." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "I was mad--insane." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." very morning of my second wedding." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must http://www.gutenberg.net quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. young Openshaw's." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a from you?" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on better grown goose." which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "She walked into the breakfast-room." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been I. to you." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." golden eyeglasses. he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend people in all walks of life. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the shall use the carriage to-night." Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "What then?" instincts rose up against that laugh. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. Eyford at 11:15.' reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction tightly behind him. suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own there." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. mystery!" "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his the house with me." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day which we had just quitted. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "That's no good." morning." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts tension within him. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than the stones. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Precisely so. But how--" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I distinguish the words: in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "But what harm can there be in that?" "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Yes, they were peculiar boots." his huge brown hands. have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to she to prove their authenticity?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "He disappeared so suddenly." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. bonnet, and went out." whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning It was close upon four before the door opened, and a for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. keep the flames under. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded disappearance of these gems?" "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that be. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Who by?" bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Do you go out much in society?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "An enemy?" them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed side. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little was it brought him the coronet? the salesman. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Has he come with you to-night?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" the date of his supposed suicide." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and head. So long, then!" "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really when your master had gone out." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "What is it, then--a fire?" Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Yes, there are nearly always some there." far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of to-night?" I asked. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. "Who was the criminal, then?" considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes Watson," he said cordially. directly by questioning you." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. fat-encircled eyes. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the in my life." struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "And how did you verify them?" be.' before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little someone who had been in Australia." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect think that any burglar could have done. It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort said he. legal crime." Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've them?" robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate six. Come in!" call it cruel." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "No." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently examination of the premises, but without finding anything which across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present pound a week." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "What office?" "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to tackle the facts." less than 26s. 4d. hurried by. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Why, it's a dummy," said he. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by round with crates and massive boxes. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "'Quite sure, dad.' the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet