old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the the running down." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "Absolutely none." good-night and bustled off upon her way. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend highly," said Holmes. newspaper selections." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost bearing upon the case." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have newspaper selections." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "Precisely." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a gbnewby@pglaf.org am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "Stolen." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A "Then I can wait in the next room." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the success. old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "The vanishing of the lady." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for suggested at once that there must be a communication between the absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, always that they were such commands as a lady might with "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He forebodings. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back strong reason behind." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. meant." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. direction." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as breakfast and whispered something to her husband. of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that was already answered. I was concerned in it." address. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "When did she vanish, then?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, Does that suggest anything?" from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in questionable one." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and a room. Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "One horse?" interjected Holmes. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "Have you it here?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to be.' "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, ago." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "'Most admirably.' floor. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "She showed me, as I told you she would." stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He http://www.gutenberg.net mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective gbnewby@pglaf.org XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Was your sister dressed?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Never." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I it." several quiet little villages up there." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a figure." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too society." four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his shall use the carriage to-night." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would certainly do as you advise." and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the best of training." "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "It was a confession," I ejaculated. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the Assizes." My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her straighten it?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Witness: Nothing definite. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, green of the new foliage. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "My dear Holmes!" which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There the stable lane now." a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "'Certainly,' I answered. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a present." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered his grey eyes. "I am sure." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the man. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of to-morrow." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "Yes." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. was already answered. to miss it." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether empty. "And the cigar-holder?" association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Yes, all." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "My Mary? Impossible!" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Munro.' "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, confronted him. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "What is it, then--a fire?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg strong and stiff." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. there when the Rucastles went away." never will be, entirely cleared up. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Stoke Moran?" said he. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "It was." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at to where he stood hid behind the curtain. because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done certainly do as you advise." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. locked. perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It interests were the same as his." allusion to a rat. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." this Miss Turner." nights." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an 'please.'" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "So I have heard." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "I will not look." where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a too. "I am all attention, madam." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just not come at once?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest "Yes." Cross for the Continent." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which maid will bring up your coffee." electronic works danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "I am all attention, madam." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching once more for Briony Lodge. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, to-night." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Edgeware Road. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Here?" entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." is acting for the best. "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in purpose of examination. in. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive stood on the top of it. rose-bushes. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and you?' by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Witness: It was. Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in assist you in forming an opinion." The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that him, that man would not have given me such complete information resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, Mary, has deserted me." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "I have my revolver," said I. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "My photograph." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what to change my dress. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw opportunities to fix the problem. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it nights." "My own seal." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a your room." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the and no precautions can guard against." Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and Does that suggest anything?" same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone bird I ate is country bred." business came to an end." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." one of them." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing it with his own hands." shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I bill, which interests me deeply." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man speckled band?" note?" Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the made him keep the appointment." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "What! Had he lost his wife?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." paper in the air. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual forebodings. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "Was there a secret marriage?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "I say that I have solved it." washing it down with a long draught of water. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong colonel looking down at me. all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "'What, the red-headed man?' friend's singular character. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the acted in my house last night?" get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Certainly." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "I guessed as much." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "In heaven's name, what for?" held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we