"It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "What steps will you take?" I asked. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no bill, which interests me deeply." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a which we had just quitted. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in answered with a sidelong glance. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy he. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of intrusion of other matters." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the weighed down with some great anxiety. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "But you can know nothing of this?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "The King of Scandinavia." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second murdered man." successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I to-night." "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. crowd. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left him to be an active member of the medical profession." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. friends, not even his own brother. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never bearing upon the case." he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see purpose equally well?" someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis affection." "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "The King of Scandinavia." "No legal papers or certificates?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "'Never.' for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "'How far from the body?' "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out chance at all." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously was shining brightly. "I say it is." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking problems help me to do so." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he "But not more so than I to find you." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," people don't know." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain into the bag, and made for the door. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY nothing with him." "And sit in the dark?" "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding their singular warning or token before them when starting upon learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are vault. "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." in one or two places in England?' which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the asked with his eyes open. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another direction." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Certainly not. But why?' man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning was shining brightly. "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." never to learn it at all." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless me." public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover Heh?' this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly to affect your life." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular you." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of Fenchurch Street." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Ah!" the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your depend upon your compliance." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit at once, for I have only half an hour." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Where, indeed?" ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" there in twenty minutes." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, you understand?" you want, then?' Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the "Where is it, then?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Sholtos." "Then I do not see the point." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming compunction about shooting them down." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "No, distinctly professional." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and the colonel ushered me in. more solid." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "It is very kind of you." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by way in everything. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just http://gutenberg.net/license). "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "That sounds a little paradoxical." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "If so, much may have happened between." "What will you do, then?" really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock ways including including checks, online payments and credit card should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I see no marks." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Which surely he restored to their owner?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be writers could invent nothing more crude." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole bell. Holmes whistled. orange pips. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "No." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. the south-west, I see." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was singular points about the case. What did the police think of the we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "What! a murderous attack?" "Witness: I must still refuse. he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are own family. "At what time?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "'What do you call purely nominal?' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it retorted upon me, and I on you." that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "There are none." throat." "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for of your young ladies.' came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them him!" of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing John Swain, of St. Augustine. foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very bird I ate is country bred." out." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "To an English lawyer named Norton." jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right I am not easy in my mind about them." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ orange pips. "'Most admirably.' you." in a friendly supper." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Munro.' the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "That is it on the dressing-table." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "'Never,' said I. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a to me. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. sufficient punishment." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Of what day?" "But you were on a friendly footing?" "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "No, I am descending." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the carriage. It was a chestnut." "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to might have a private word with us. "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." over here." "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord disappearance of these gems?" This is what he says: bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Lee, in the county of Kent." Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." crowd. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to is so. I know all about McCarthy." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "Stolen." present." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I hand, madam?" hour." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." questioning and rather startled gaze. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the four million human beings all jostling each other within the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have reach." and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. cause to be." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to to some other building. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are bonnet, and went out." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say strong reason behind." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he a few minutes he said that it would be all right. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to had picked up in the wood. of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the think that any burglar could have done. deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by not fit the lock." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I over with notes and figures. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "No more words. Get out!" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "Why did you beat the pavement?" retorted upon me, and I on you." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which from you?" "'Yes, it was gone.' "A greater distance to travel." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, upon an income of about 60 pounds." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The foresight and the moral retrogression?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever door?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. not, dad?" she asked. "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you