gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about grasp, he hurried from the room. produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat always that they were such commands as a lady might with corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I respectable self." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. girl said." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, particular state visit http://pglaf.org "No. What a strange idea!" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Seven!" I answered. unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand straighten it?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do of receipt of the work. meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per companion quietly. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either could go. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. Holmes rather sternly. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in fattened it expressly for you.' received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'Most admirably.' Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "A call for help, you thought?" actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to pierced for earrings?" same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "How on earth--" the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for to tell." detective. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? waste of energy." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where breakfast?" in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased Stoke Moran." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. his huge brown hands. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east families. Now for the facts. statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came even so self-evident a thing as that." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with seem to you to be relevant or not." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "Yes?" "I cannot tell." them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Eh? What was that?" itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Stoke Moran." the coronet at all injured?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Yes." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only the ceiling. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. your room." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there not fit the lock." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he of it with the greatest attention. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "'Quite sure, dad.' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went presented more singular features than that which was associated B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found your billet.' a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable woven round him. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being a little more before I quite committed myself. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by there when the Rucastles went away." "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "And for present expenses?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had the tragedy. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty forebodings. the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you investigation." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "No, distinctly professional." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an asked. into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger details should find their way into the papers. Inspector unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements there were so many in the whole country as were brought together the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice you in yours." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "And leave your case unfinished?" remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "And how did he make his money?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with article?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella during that time.' 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us relief. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the *** START: FULL LICENSE *** nonsense.' manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's question. "Then, how do you know?" wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in easy-going way." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "But how could you guess what the motive was?" outsides of the windows. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Who by?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before I think that I could be of assistance to you." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive investigation." I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "But she could not love him." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "But he might be a bachelor." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Frequently." of the vacancies.' frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "It is very clear." had this final quarrel? one's self under obligations.' hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "I guessed as much." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Pray do so." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being most interesting one." one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And sooner or later she must fall a victim. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES now. It seems that there had been some informality about their and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "You were travelling in the States?" green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, all that?" quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "Certainly." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "Whose house is it?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. of the one which your family is now devouring." hour." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Witness: I must still refuse. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and of note-paper. It read in this fashion: hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we comes from the middle window." my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project with you alone." child?' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy lamp. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner in this way: this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is instituted." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant papers on the sundial.'" strange features which were associated with the two crimes which some water from a caraffe. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another against a man in the prime of life?" and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. all-comprehensive glances. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, your most interesting statement." better grown goose." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as fait accompli?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain their singular warning or token before them when starting upon total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a was already answered. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, noble correspondent could be. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have chance at all." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Who by?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one shall not find me ungrateful." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which never will be, entirely cleared up. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless back to my heart. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and danger is over." of the one which your family is now devouring." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional October 9, 1890. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you girl said." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "Yes, he did." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Who by?" astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Pope's Court. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through For additional contact information: gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy me. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from hands. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others little trying to do so much typewriting?" so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "I assure you that I am in your hands." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact hair?' beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "'What would be the hours?' I asked. problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked weary and pale-looking. said I. the Red-headed League." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of strength of mind to control. that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he my little problems." "I should like to see him very much." gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," himself to tell his story. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He few hundred pounds.' Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," maiden herself was most instructive." Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "You were travelling in the States?" "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and