"Yes." http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into advice." jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "When did it break out?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly himself. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, Eyford." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "I cannot tell." and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me back into the street. the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "Nothing?" believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Of what?" and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, 11:15.' view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." Does that suggest anything?" impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "'And what salary do you ask?' desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "So it appears." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of to Leatherhead. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the charged with?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on felt?" "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "Pray let us have it, for all that." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "And why?" better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Where, then, is my wife?" problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not promised to bring home. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "My own seal." spark where all is dark to me." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were some water from a caraffe. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. know that the truth is known." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Thank you. And your address?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still sneer upon his pale face. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are woven round him. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "My opinion is in no way altered." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I an introduction to him?" if only as a check to my own memory." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "You were travelling in the States?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it once more on the important position which you have been fortunate buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all way in." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "That sounds a little paradoxical." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Pray let us have it, for all that." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have answer." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' II. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with breakfast?" arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel shaken than I had ever seen him. "'And the work?' photograph?" nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide be. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "No?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH information in his hands the value of which he did not himself lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest digesting their breakfasts at home." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "An enemy?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I warn you that they are very incomplete." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all will find little credit to be gained out of this case." questionable one." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Where is it, then?" sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I I nodded to show that I had heard. Sholtos." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: south, for the country is more deserted there." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was will not take me long to tell. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" infinite languor in his face. your Highness to the police-station?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and laid it on the table. off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Who was the criminal, then?" "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which meant." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee newspaper selections." secret." find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his she used." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a have not had my rubber." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "'Is purely nominal.' "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "'Is 4 pounds a week.' home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "BALLARAT." Holmes' thin, eager face. problems help me to do so." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" I shall communicate with you." It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the in this way: description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "So it appears." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white there was no need for father to know." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Really! You surprise me." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll disappearance of the bride.'" me. You must get home instantly and act." business came to an end." geese which you supplied to the Alpha." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long have not had my rubber." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, fatally injured? prove to be little relation between the different incidents of both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "So I am. Very much so." "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "And you thought he was pulled back?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a next day. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "But how will you look?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their and I shall be with you presently." said he at last. time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. the child." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I disturbance in my wife." DAMAGE. inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon attention." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my is so. I know all about McCarthy." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch that there was nothing in it, after all." "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is placed his cuttings. "Was the window open?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that colonel looking down at me. your Highness to the police-station?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove together. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the King without delay." "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself present." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet client, rising. "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "He said too much." into the bag, and made for the door. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to it right.' "And why in hopes?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and fear." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible think, you have already met." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Upon what point?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged where Mr. Fordham shows you.' works. See paragraph 1.E below. appointment with me for six o'clock?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her his eyes and forehead. from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "What! a murderous attack?" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to chance." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; 1.E.9. voice. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions whereabouts. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it bird I ate is country bred." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her which was all perfectly true. sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." words came to my lips. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant to surprise her." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry relief. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "She will not sell." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle help us in this matter." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "But not more so than I to find you." half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me said he. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to knowledge of the world." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making if only as a check to my own memory." "My own seal." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Why? What do you mean?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than photograph?" nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by