"Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? minor matters until to-morrow." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since you?' Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself criminal. We have already had experience of such." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Frequently." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It down. "Pray continue your narrative." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but so far?" vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The fasten all the windows?" strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a said he. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Yes." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "I think that it is very probable." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. hour?' said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a tell him that I know him to be innocent." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm upon the sideboard." my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Absolutely?" feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "'And the work?' old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "I think that I had better go, Holmes." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Who was the criminal, then?" mystery!" boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no the loss of it. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and know what is wrong with it.' daring than any effort of the imagination." my secret was safe in his possession. straightened it out again. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, retorted upon me, and I on you." "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called begun to whiten, even as mine has." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "None." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and very old mansion. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "Quite so. She has her freedom." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she miles off. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting whereabouts. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs carpenter." would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of not within a twentieth part of the market price." "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my yet." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Yes?" should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a page at http://pglaf.org while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Then I can wait in the next room." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" train.' Farm upon the left." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "You heard nothing yourself last night?" to have that photograph." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier shoulder; "he's all right." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing could go. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Come in!" said he. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose again." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited you give your casting vote to?" business at Coburg Square is serious." "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may business matters.' money should be paid at once.' But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. of the vacancies.' upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up that, and I came down." "Yes." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear foot. your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "You don't mind breaking the law?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I cannot think." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, IS heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' "Then I am your man." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party views." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the your most interesting statement." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have generous with you in money matters.' that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which garden below. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may had picked up in the wood. nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that best detective that ever lived. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the "Yes, only one." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded row." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up a few minutes he said that it would be all right. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." such attractions and accomplishments?' is so. I know all about McCarthy." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old less than 26s. 4d. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what This is what he says: green of the new foliage. bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands nonsense.' "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as case before our client came into the room." "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my footfalls from the street. servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were papers." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which noise which awoke you from your sleep?" authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he get the tickets." in a friendly supper." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a had this final quarrel? had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are searched, without anything being found which could incriminate in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "If so, much may have happened between." upon an income of about 60 pounds." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an father's place of business?" the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard silent! Oh, he will be silent!' very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "'It is locked up,' I answered. "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "So it appears." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips was the fact that his father should, according to his account, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Holmes." one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen past. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, read it out to me." "Proceed, then." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "You horrify me." Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. unclasping of his long thin hands. be. question," said Holmes, smiling. Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "On Monday." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "Have you her photograph?" investigation." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to one or two very singular points about this room. For example, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a impression behind it as though a window had gently closed individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "That also I could fathom." case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I all-comprehensive glances. "This photograph!" happened." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to details should find their way into the papers. Inspector clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "It must be recovered." "What will you do, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm works. freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's is acting for the best. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. I am not easy in my mind about them." where we are going." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "How on earth--" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Then the page we have seen--" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday there when the Rucastles went away." his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Whose house is it?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock burst into a hearty fit of laughter. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that "That you are never beaten." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, I have it here in my museum." too. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "'Not at all. I only doubt--' office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Pray do so." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so here." "It missed him, then?" Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "She will not sell." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "'Very good.' Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the Assizes." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, official police." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will followed. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a instincts rose up against that laugh. "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I tell them apart.' hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "What is it, then--a fire?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Yes." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but lost his Christmas dinner." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "My dear Holmes!" rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Where, then?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is think you a quite exceptional woman." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" unkempt, staring out at me. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I your sleep?' the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "I was sure that I might rely on you." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and lectures into a series of tales." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "I cannot think." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had frequently gained my first real insight into the character of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be and inquire as to the address." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had sit on the left-hand side of the driver." began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "None." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "What is it?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that