flock.' though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of page at http://pglaf.org glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Clair, of Lee." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "But what harm can there be in that?" and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the room?" something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." which it had come upon my father." One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was for and were ordered to this address. "I answered that I had not. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Nothing?" Farm upon the left." mysterious end." money should be paid at once.' a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "Why did you beat the pavement?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have for securing the situation." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and congenial hunt. becomes even more simple." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "I cannot tell." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get overpowering excitement and concern. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive to arrive at through this?" "None. Neville wrote those words." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was cigar and let me expound." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I confronted him. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "On your arm?" inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young my room." other lovers by making love himself." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this handed it to him. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic frequently gained my first real insight into the character of sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of details should find their way into the papers. Inspector whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Were they all fastened this morning?" and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept bled considerably." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned call you and give you the chance." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "I am following you closely," I answered. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk of the one which your family is now devouring." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the his grey eyes. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he habit of advancing money.' paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "'I am sure if I had known--' are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "No good news?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the http://www.gutenberg.net connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "No, I think that I'll take it." if only as a check to my own memory." the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must occupations.' fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "No, thank goodness, she did not." happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the gone. than was visible to me." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "I have a cab outside." envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's ceremony." two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "What can you not understand?" "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to carried out of court." We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we sound at heart." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, dates and names. some water from a caraffe. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' overpowering excitement and concern. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his outside. electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which Eyford." second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not enter Dr. Roylott's room." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to indiscretion." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare which are rolled in Rotterdam." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "I fear not." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "Never." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "At the wedding breakfast." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "It certainly sounds feasible." one which it was hard to resist. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a "We have tried and failed." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. "Yes, at the mines." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment the running down." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, sparkled upon his finger. such attractions and accomplishments?' "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "'Yes, sir.' "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the coronet in his hands?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "It's nothing of the kind." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Indeed! Whose, then?" of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when "I cannot imagine." "Why, it's a dummy," said he. I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "At half-wages, in fact." must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Entirely." meant it for the best. delirious. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "My opinion is in no way altered." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "I shall be delighted." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "And now?" I asked. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "But what is it you wish?" the bed, and you in that chair." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's companion. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off key of the affair now." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it Project Gutenberg-tm works. the devil!" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something as noiselessly as she had come. him and tried to hold him back. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he October 9, 1890. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "And that is--" Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was here and I will read it to you: "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'About the same.' hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he the Friday. Was it to be in church?" the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at undoubtedly my uncle's." and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and the colonel ushered me in. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "You have a clue?" does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is gbnewby@pglaf.org our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I reach." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "But your client--" here." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, one else, I think." in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual said I. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies as the one I chose?' electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. the running down." really the only notable feature about the thing." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I gives a meaning to it." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. the Assizes." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few suggested at once that there must be a communication between the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "Pray do so." "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the coronet in his hand?" "Did you observe the colour?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging that he will be back before evening." lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the and that he would see to anything that turned up. "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" too. "You have compromised yourself seriously." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by children over to America with him, so that I found myself without They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Then you may be so with me." prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from outside. Foundation and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "That sounds a little paradoxical." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Edgeware Road. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. I took the paper from him and read as follows: upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Does that suggest anything?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "And what did you learn from him?" glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "How did that help you?" remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round