from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I never have." have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Is he quiet?" no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to which was all perfectly true. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Dirty?" hour?' "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "'What, the red-headed man?' "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "How are you getting on?" "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "The gentleman I describe." his wife has ceased to love him." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in awkward doing business with an alias." "At the wedding breakfast." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was States. "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, disappearance of the bride.'" few hundred pounds.' one of them." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "She walked into the breakfast-room." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "What then?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my Holmes' room. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Nothing." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick in the hope of finding them." "That also I could fathom." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "Why? What do you mean?" One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Pray continue your narrative." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, Lee, in the county of Kent." outsides of the windows. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." "Yes." "That was it, sir." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," second." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "You have but to name it." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Was she in good spirits?" against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "'What do you call purely nominal?' India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a call for it in person on Monday morning.' shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "The doctor?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, humiliation." hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of national property. I was determined that the law should have its have I gained?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Was he the only applicant?" orange pips. I approached. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the to his chemical studies. "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing security.' At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my his fortune, and I went back to pa. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Then I do not see the point." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face way in." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in could not have written that. It is the German who is so My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "That is also quite modern," said the lady. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. nonsense.' been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "I shall be delighted." "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "And how in the world did you find them?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not their singular warning or token before them when starting upon jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "In which, sir?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. taking in every detail of the apartment. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Street. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I assure you that I am in your hands." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I your Highness to the police-station?" "I would pay ten." "That sounds a little paradoxical." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you shag which I had seen upon the previous night. to-morrow." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Literary Archive Foundation "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only upon an income of about 60 pounds." this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately photograph?" over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be directors, with the result that you have seen." eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' held up the lantern and gazed about him. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and everything which you would wish to know." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had leaning back in his chair. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side business?" "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the is worth.' Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they so.' street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Who by?" something of him before." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain papers diligently of late, have you not?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a existence." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "Pray tell us what has happened to you." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my call for it in person on Monday morning.' chemical work which was so dear to him. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his train from Paddington which would bring you there at about come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Eyford at 11:15.' side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "I should like to see him very much." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Then I shall certainly come." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a of this gang." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch be.' "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "When did it break out?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" green of the new foliage. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added shoulder. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Yes, only one." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Yes." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were the little opening for the ventilator is." "Not him." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow feature." this man was intellectual?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. purpose of examination. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. face and glided from the room. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She good-night and bustled off upon her way. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite walking." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I am sure." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice congratulate you again." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for weapon." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove relation between them, and what the object of his repeated to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently interested in these little problems, and since you are good "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "Yes, certainly." "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Proceed, then." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my fasten all the windows?" "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an Edgeware Road. wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry strange features which were associated with the two crimes which grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Lestrade of Scotland Yard." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "I think it very unlikely." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, dear old homesteads?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "Then, as to money?" the coronet in his hand?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made danger is over." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" fluttered off among the others. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by completely overtopped every other consideration that we both of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "I answered that I had not. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At passage and a tap at the door. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a this Miss Turner." one's self under obligations.' firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "But she could not love him." "What! You do not mean bodies?" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless where Mr. Fordham shows you.' receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced troubles have been weighing upon his mind. reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when likely to be some crony of the landlady's." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "'Ample.' "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, to where he stood hid behind the curtain. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I standing smiling on the door-step. "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking carried out of court." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "This concluded the examination of the witness." impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "'Entirely.' seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "In heaven's name, what for?" prepare for the new role I have to play." a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "What of the rat, then?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "By no means." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money became a certainty. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "I guessed as much." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social to you." drawing your inferences." "The knees of his trousers." "And you can do nothing until then?" "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Yes." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Did you observe the colour?" "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Really! You surprise me." "Your French gold?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There already been minutely examined." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the deduce something from that?" for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all from the brougham. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, will be renamed. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed weigh very heavily upon my conscience." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, depend upon your compliance." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced