gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the charged with?" surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is excitement. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "I will, Miss Turner." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was returning from some small jollification and was making his way always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "Here?" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," waste of energy." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end papers diligently of late, have you not?" lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and to affect your life." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he other lovers by making love himself." the general public were present, then?" "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. works. See paragraph 1.E below. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four quick march!" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, purpose equally well?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so down. what I may call a really hard day's work." open." "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to congratulate you again." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and carriage. It was a chestnut." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than than was visible to me." details." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found to-night?" I asked. or other trace. But how on earth--" Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Deserted you?" man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources thin, with a long, sharp nose?" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of get her out of the way." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "But you have hopes?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the foot. photograph?" home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. asked with his eyes open. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "How did you trace it, then?" "No, my brougham is waiting." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you do you make of it all?" the very morning of the wedding." chemical work which was so dear to him. He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "To ruin me." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, intrusion of other matters." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, lumber-room." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Dark enough and sinister enough." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "When did she vanish, then?" should be so warm over such a trifle." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's forbidden door. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "I should be immensely obliged to you." "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have night.' said he. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. said he. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "And Miss Sutherland?" and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Yes, I have one waiting." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most head. So long, then!" And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, coat-tails." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I the bed, and you in that chair." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his figure." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Well, but China?" at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. that you saw all that I did." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; vanished into the darkness. at home. over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son speckled band?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "I will do it." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. During two years I have had three consultations and one small God! What an exposure! What can I do?" story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "No." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Yes, at the mines." signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "In the cells." wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Why, it's a dummy," said he. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I row." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Nothing?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between opened a pocket-book and took out a note. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'Ample.' frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim Dr. Gregory B. Newby against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for garden below. "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand said I. practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "But his left-handedness." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Did he not advertise?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the is worth.' what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from thirty. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire Holmes' face clouded over. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice speckled band?" "Yes." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; will not take me long to tell. the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "But his left-handedness." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "You were travelling in the States?" walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "No good news?" reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "How often?" stepfather?" "But the mystery?" "Has he come with you to-night?" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge over with notes and figures. "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are prison!" my little problems." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. and inquire as to the address." "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as gives a meaning to it." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled in. greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "You forget that I know nothing about it." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "May I see it?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you get the tickets." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. them?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been for securing the situation." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "Which surely he restored to their owner?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES true." problems help me to do so." Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his make me his representative both with the servants and with the But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "I was mad--insane." am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" investigation." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Nothing?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, even of instruction." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." knowledge of the world." latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which you came in." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous Holmes' thin, eager face. stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Yes, that is the Crown." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from families. Now for the facts. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. peculiar to him. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the investigation." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the shaken than I had ever seen him. other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I never came back." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "That is possible." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, very peculiar words of the dying woman?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "How often?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "And why?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "But you have hopes?" the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "Then I can wait in the next room." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you awaited us upon the table. other means.' without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, the station." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Then the page we have seen--" William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both residence of the great financier. "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down bird I ate is country bred." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a prison!" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I extraordinary contortions. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "'It is locked up,' I answered. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. do.' Chief Executive and Director feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman once more. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those business matters.' girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have made him keep the appointment." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their