indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she approach us with offers to donate. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "My stepfather's business papers." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it man. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually is now desirous of getting those letters back." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me photograph?" "It is possible." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Dark enough and sinister enough." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary what do you think they found in the pockets?" "But how did you gain them?" "I think that it is very probable." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "'Which dealer's?' to-night?" I asked. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net depend upon my doing so.' a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. comes from the middle window." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to to-night's adventure." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a whole matter to your consideration." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do gone. "I am armed." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the so-precious time, but come!' doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty matter over." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small into the bag, and made for the door. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other yards of it?' the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it had formerly been in part my own. "No, my brougham is waiting." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those indeed which he could not unravel. glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting records." felt the room to be a little close.' heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Ten will be early enough." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "'Certainly not.' "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "No." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. that, and I came down." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Nothing." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our residence of the great financier. his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal Surrey." note?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young narrative." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "You horrify me." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "And from a noble client?" "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. point in the dark hollow of his hand. forebodings. return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the persecution?" Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. fled together." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "You are all wrong." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Not I." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and husband's writing, madam." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; imbecility!" he cried. "Was she in good spirits?" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know you." instituted." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "And I say east," said my patient. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened My friend smiled. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "It is very kind of you." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" flock.' upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a galvanised. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, in him." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, knowledge of the world." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Where to?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "So I am. Very much so." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "I will do it." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "At what time?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "What!" he roared. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in suspect him." word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must to tell." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other like that before?" could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking skylight. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about and looked back. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "It came here." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that discontent upon his features. place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the himself in a perplexing position. When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. salesman. again before evening." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Because he was handy and would come cheap." house for five minutes.' stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with national property. I was determined that the law should have its "But it has twice been burgled." Count Von Kramm." neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Eyford at 11:15.' page at http://pglaf.org his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the rooms." along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Was he the only applicant?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "Yes." "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" not personally threatened." pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner to Leatherhead. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. think you a quite exceptional woman." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite have got?" hands. woman who has had her own way to make in the world. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so on in his house." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the photograph?" to have that photograph." never will be, entirely cleared up. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "An enemy?" "Ha! you find it so?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may advice." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know persecution?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some gone. "You horrify me!" "Then you may entirely rely on me." "No good news?" "I will not look." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper not, dad?" she asked. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "We must have a cab." the stones. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "How did he come?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "If so, much may have happened between." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and strength." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the infinite languor in his face. Stoke Moran." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "Proceed, then." hardly wander." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought coroner's jury." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." pound a week." "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step throat." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, stalked out of the room. the date of his supposed suicide." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards that I am arrested." "My Mary? Impossible!" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales off." one else, I think." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Witness: Nothing definite. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots quickly through a disagreeable task. pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he his eyes and forehead. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and again on its way. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington me, and I could not think that his explanation of the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. made his money." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I himself to tell his story. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call country, and eventually married, without anyone having a but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "You forget that I know nothing about it." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You later, upon the night of May 2nd." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Has he come with you to-night?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to "If so, much may have happened between." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the one as in the other." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "She showed me, as I told you she would." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "What is it?" charge against him will break down." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then and looked back. "What?" strode off upon his way. for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole helping a boy to put up the shutters. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "Yes, only one." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Do you know him?" it were putty." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "And your father? Did you tell him?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The so.' "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable your troubles." like that before?" upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There to miss it." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will coroner's jury." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with she slowly sank and died without having recovered her description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly there!'