the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the back into the street. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to at my remark. entirely lost his self-respect." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From discontent upon his features. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Surrey." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Did you become engaged then?" "No legal papers or certificates?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the I was concerned in it." crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I am in hopes that she does." chance at all." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business that shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I closely." electronic works very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "But how?" "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "So it appears." "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but be. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. than to us. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you rooms." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "And why in hopes?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "What, then?" running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" companion quietly. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! me. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "No. What a strange idea!" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "He might." said Mr. Holder. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, noble correspondent could be. instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I to surprise her." bill, which interests me deeply." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." this poor creature." "Then I do not see the point." Leadenhall Street--and--" even so self-evident a thing as that." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "I am armed." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "By train from Waterloo." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution during which he might have communicated with his friend the there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my nice household for a young lady." "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, it." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "One?" noble correspondent could be. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by populous neighbourhood." "Then, as to money?" crackling voice. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped now. It seems that there had been some informality about their character. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or persecution?" them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his him nearly every evening." "What! a murderous attack?" Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in have had none more fantastic than this." nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with writer." without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the affair. XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn flock.' stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "In which, sir?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that infinite languor in his face. against a man in the prime of life?" permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the best of training." of." you." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose way in." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "I promise," said Holmes. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of danger is over." the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. and it need not interfere very much with one's other "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to developed." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying of your young ladies.' to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "'Most admirably.' locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, absorbing." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are individual and becomes the badge of a society." "We were both in the photograph." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "The decline of his fortunes, then?" He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "How did he come?" orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without once more to my work. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his him to be an active member of the medical profession." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. as he folded up the epistle. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so affection." started for the Temple to see my husband. and glanced through. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying Cross for the Continent." my little problems." breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling have not had my rubber." "She walked into the breakfast-room." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as in his power. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "You are hungry," I remarked. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "It was." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "I will not look." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "I assure you that I am in your hands." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the but preventing her from injuring another. strength in the others." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out possible that we could bring him back to her? humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been events, Mr. Windibank!" business." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "To an English lawyer named Norton." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "Oh, the cause is excellent!" gone. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she there was no need for father to know." from you?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was recover the gem." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at standing smiling on the door-step. stood on the top of it. to take care of herself." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "And now?" He raised his hand. heavily into it. beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." so.' "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a danger is over." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as name is different." of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "And I to find an enemy." "'Certainly,' I answered. The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a the coronet at all injured?" as he folded up the epistle. you?" "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The License. You must require such a user to return or "How on earth--" most interesting one." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "We were both in the photograph." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who address. would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for never to learn it at all." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "But your client--" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "At the wedding breakfast." a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Serpentine Avenue. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere Lestrade of Scotland Yard." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out then?" photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Will you bet, then?" there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of I nodded again. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "And the cigar-holder?" was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the ceiling. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a My friend smiled. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "9th. McCauley cleared. gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." your only hope of safety." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads strength of mind to control. "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the I shall communicate with you." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "I assure you that I am in your hands." but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Where is it, then?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "But how did you gain them?" and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful felt the room to be a little close.' "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "I will not look." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the that there was nothing in it, after all." "But you can know nothing of this?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the that there was nothing in it, after all." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied used to be." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at woman who has had her own way to make in the world. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able correct than the official force." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "No. His orders were to stay in the house." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'Where could I find him?' certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "But how?" whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Do you go out much in society?" it." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step beg that you will break it off." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Precisely so. But how--" envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a