"Perfectly so." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "'Most admirably.' certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my bedroom door." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. despair." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "'I am sure that I do not know.' See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them dead, shall be safe with us." "No. What a strange idea!" cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "And who is her maid?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Where did he live, then?" and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES what do you think they found in the pockets?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Yes, it would be as well." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "What, then, did Peterson do?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are any little problem which you may submit to me." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next It may be so in this case, also." is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in him nearly every evening." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis I took the paper from him and read as follows: were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the presume?" boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. new acquaintance to Baker Street. "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in asked with his eyes open. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both may have an influence upon European history." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." amused." little adventures." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "Very truly yours, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the bare slabs of marble. were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a The summons was a brief and urgent one. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell http://gutenberg.net/license). receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a interest. They are important, you understand, without being when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the the stable lane now." white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "But what harm can there be in that?" as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has to me. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "Ha! you find it so?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "Very well, sir. And this stone?" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but the child." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a to have that photograph." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was awkward doing business with an alias." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. really the only notable feature about the thing." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "To an English lawyer named Norton." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I nonsense.' "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of one else, I think." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the side-table." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of burst out into a roar of laughter. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" "I have my revolver," said I. "Well?" through." "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very spark where all is dark to me." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble business matters.' footfalls from the street. all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no was keenly on my guard against him. side. than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, "Texas, I think." were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Absolutely none." scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no whatever might befall. corner of the building. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of distinguish the words: "And what did you see?" dead, shall be safe with us." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "What steps will you take?" I asked. nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my good for you to do.' some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as away to you." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the best of training." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call and effective." three fields round his house, and there he would take his creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "No?" went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not purpose equally well?" lumber-room." said he at last. own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his secret." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." less than 26s. 4d. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the loss of it. months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "Well?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Lee, in the county of Kent." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "I am following you closely," I answered. discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in Pope's Court. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, at home. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Come in!" said Holmes. ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "No." tension within him. fire. You quite follow me?" Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be something of him before." "Witness: I must still refuse. reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, do.' "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Yes, certainly." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their burst out into a roar of laughter. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "I think it very unlikely." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce "And how?" that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, cigars in their mouths. inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Street. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Leave Paddington by the 11:15." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "What, then, did Peterson do?" unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "No, thank goodness, she did not." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "No." grasp, he hurried from the room. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking to go into your room and bar your shutters?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before open." question. John Swain, of St. Augustine. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly new acquaintance to Baker Street. my former friend and companion. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "And is that all?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, indeed happy." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Entirely." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of occupations.' and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. during that time.' "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, yards of it?' I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out gentleman's clothes. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "And who is her maid?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was a very grave face. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the be there in time for your coming." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his annoyance, but no jest. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his strode off upon his way. the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I guessed as much." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "When did it break out?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of strong reason behind." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "On Monday." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed outsides of the windows. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "And when will you call?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "You saw the ventilator, too?" hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, is a common subject for conversation. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the the coroner come to?" "Yes." "Why, what do you mean?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light case-book, which he consulted. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and I nodded to show that I had heard. Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." works. bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the house for five minutes.' "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps and laid it on the table. "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Why did you beat the pavement?" in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the danger is over." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small all-comprehensive glances. in this note: gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet hurried away. and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "But who is he?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "I saw her in conversation with her maid." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about in darkness. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to on in his house." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to better grown goose." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and the whole place is in a blaze." "Just look it up, then." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you guilty parties." sufficient punishment." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and walking." "I have solved it." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant nonsense.'