bigout2.txt

THE*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*EBOOK*OF*THE*ADVENTURES*OF*SHERLOCK*HOLMES
BY*SIR*ARTHUR*CONAN*DOYLE
(#15*IN*OUR*SERIES*BY*SIR*ARTHUR*CONAN*DOYLE)

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TITLE:*THE*ADVENTURES*OF*SHERLOCK*HOLMES

AUTHOR:*SIR*ARTHUR*CONAN*DOYLE

RELEASE*DATE:*MARCH,*1999**[EBOOK*#1661]
[MOST*RECENTLY*UPDATED:*NOVEMBER*29,*2002]

EDITION:*12

LANGUAGE:*ENGLISH

CHARACTER*SET*ENCODING:*ASCII

****START*OF*THE*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*EBOOK,*THE*ADVENTURES*OF*SHERLOCK*HOLMES****




(ADDITIONAL*EDITING*BY*JOSE*MENENDEZ)



THE*ADVENTURES*OF
SHERLOCK*HOLMES

BY

SIR*ARTHUR*CONAN*DOYLE

CONTENTS

I.	A*SCANDAL*IN*BOHEMIA
II.	THE*RED-HEADED*LEAGUE
III.	A*CASE*OF*IDENTITY
IV.	THE*BOSCOMBE*VALLEY*MYSTERY
V.	THE*FIVE*ORANGE*PIPS
VI.	THE*MAN*WITH*THE*TWISTED*LIP
VII.	THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*BLUE*CARBUNCLE
VIII.	THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*SPECKLED*BAND
IX.	THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*ENGINEER'S*THUMB
X.	THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*NOBLE*BACHELOR
XI.	THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*BERYL*CORONET
XII.	THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*COPPER*BEECHES


ADVENTURE**I.**A*SCANDAL*IN*BOHEMIA

I.




ONE*NIGHT--IT*WAS*ON*THE*TWENTIETH*OF*MARCH,*1888--I*WAS*RETURNING*FROM*A*JOURNEY*TO*A*PATIENT*(FOR*I*HAD*NOW*RETURNED*TO*CIVIL*PRACTICE),*WHEN*MY*WAY*LED*ME*THROUGH*BAKER*STREET.*AS*I*PASSED*THE*WELL-REMEMBERED*DOOR,*WHICH*MUST*ALWAYS*BE*ASSOCIATED*IN*MY*MIND*WITH*MY*WOOING,*AND*WITH*THE*DARK*INCIDENTS*OF*THE*STUDY*IN*SCARLET,*I*WAS*SEIZED*WITH*A*KEEN*DESIRE*TO*SEE*HOLMES*AGAIN,*AND*TO*KNOW*HOW*HE*WAS*EMPLOYING*HIS*EXTRAORDINARY*POWERS.*HIS*ROOMS*WERE*BRILLIANTLY*LIT,*AND,*EVEN*AS*I*LOOKED*UP,*I*SAW*HIS*TALL,*SPARE*FIGURE*PASS*TWICE*IN*A*DARK*SILHOUETTE*AGAINST*THE*BLIND.*HE*WAS*PACING*THE*ROOM*SWIFTLY,*EAGERLY,*WITH*HIS*HEAD*SUNK*UPON*HIS*CHEST*AND*HIS*HANDS*CLASPED*BEHIND*HIM.*TO*ME,*WHO*KNEW*HIS*EVERY*MOOD*AND*HABIT,*HIS*ATTITUDE*AND*MANNER*TOLD*THEIR*OWN*STORY.*HE*WAS*AT*WORK*AGAIN.*HE*HAD*RISEN*OUT*OF*HIS*DRUG-CREATED*DREAMS*AND*WAS*HOT*UPON*THE*SCENT*OF*SOME*NEW*PROBLEM.*I*RANG*THE*BELL*AND*WAS*SHOWN*UP*TO*THE*CHAMBER*WHICH*HAD*FORMERLY*BEEN*IN*PART*MY*OWN.

HIS*MANNER*WAS*NOT*EFFUSIVE.*IT*SELDOM*WAS;*BUT*HE*WAS*GLAD,*I*THINK,*TO*SEE*ME.*WITH*HARDLY*A*WORD*SPOKEN,*BUT*WITH*A*KINDLY*EYE,*HE*WAVED*ME*TO*AN*ARMCHAIR,*THREW*ACROSS*HIS*CASE*OF*CIGARS,*AND*INDICATED*A*SPIRIT*CASE*AND*A*GASOGENE*IN*THE*CORNER.*THEN*HE*STOOD*BEFORE*THE*FIRE*AND*LOOKED*ME*OVER*IN*HIS*SINGULAR*INTROSPECTIVE*FASHION.

"WEDLOCK*SUITS*YOU,"*HE*REMARKED.*"I*THINK,*WATSON,*THAT*YOU*HAVE*PUT*ON*SEVEN*AND*A*HALF*POUNDS*SINCE*I*SAW*YOU."

"SEVEN!"*I*ANSWERED.

"INDEED,*I*SHOULD*HAVE*THOUGHT*A*LITTLE*MORE.*JUST*A*TRIFLE*MORE,*I*FANCY,*WATSON.*AND*IN*PRACTICE*AGAIN,*I*OBSERVE.*YOU*DID*NOT*TELL*ME*THAT*YOU*INTENDED*TO*GO*INTO*HARNESS."

"THEN,*HOW*DO*YOU*KNOW?"

"I*SEE*IT,*I*DEDUCE*IT.*HOW*DO*I*KNOW*THAT*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*GETTING*YOURSELF*VERY*WET*LATELY,*AND*THAT*YOU*HAVE*A*MOST*CLUMSY*AND*CARELESS*SERVANT*GIRL?"

"MY*DEAR*HOLMES,"*SAID*I,*"THIS*IS*TOO*MUCH.*YOU*WOULD*CERTAINLY*HAVE*BEEN*BURNED,*HAD*YOU*LIVED*A*FEW*CENTURIES*AGO.*IT*IS*TRUE*THAT*I*HAD*A*COUNTRY*WALK*ON*THURSDAY*AND*CAME*HOME*IN*A*DREADFUL*MESS,*BUT*AS*I*HAVE*CHANGED*MY*CLOTHES*I*CAN'T*IMAGINE*HOW*YOU*DEDUCE*IT.*AS*TO*MARY*JANE,*SHE*IS*INCORRIGIBLE,*AND*MY*WIFE*HAS*GIVEN*HER*NOTICE,*BUT*THERE,*AGAIN,*I*FAIL*TO*SEE*HOW*YOU*WORK*IT*OUT."

HE*CHUCKLED*TO*HIMSELF*AND*RUBBED*HIS*LONG,*NERVOUS*HANDS*TOGETHER.

"IT*IS*SIMPLICITY*ITSELF,"*SAID*HE;*"MY*EYES*TELL*ME*THAT*ON*THE*INSIDE*OF*YOUR*LEFT*SHOE,*JUST*WHERE*THE*FIRELIGHT*STRIKES*IT,*THE*LEATHER*IS*SCORED*BY*SIX*ALMOST*PARALLEL*CUTS.*OBVIOUSLY*THEY*HAVE*BEEN*CAUSED*BY*SOMEONE*WHO*HAS*VERY*CARELESSLY*SCRAPED*ROUND*THE*EDGES*OF*THE*SOLE*IN*ORDER*TO*REMOVE*CRUSTED*MUD*FROM*IT.*HENCE,*YOU*SEE,*MY*DOUBLE*DEDUCTION*THAT*YOU*HAD*BEEN*OUT*IN*VILE*WEATHER,*AND*THAT*YOU*HAD*A*PARTICULARLY*MALIGNANT*BOOT-SLITTING*SPECIMEN*OF*THE*LONDON*SLAVEY.*AS*TO*YOUR*PRACTICE,*IF*A*GENTLEMAN*WALKS*INTO*MY*ROOMS*SMELLING*OF*IODOFORM,*WITH*A*BLACK*MARK*OF*NITRATE*OF*SILVER*UPON*HIS*RIGHT*FOREFINGER,*AND*A*BULGE*ON*THE*RIGHT*SIDE*OF*HIS*TOP-HAT*TO*SHOW*WHERE*HE*HAS*SECRETED*HIS*STETHOSCOPE,*I*MUST*BE*DULL,*INDEED,*IF*I*DO*NOT*PRONOUNCE*HIM*TO*BE*AN*ACTIVE*MEMBER*OF*THE*MEDICAL*PROFESSION."

I*COULD*NOT*HELP*LAUGHING*AT*THE*EASE*WITH*WHICH*HE*EXPLAINED*HIS*PROCESS*OF*DEDUCTION.*"WHEN*I*HEAR*YOU*GIVE*YOUR*REASONS,"*I*REMARKED,*"THE*THING*ALWAYS*APPEARS*TO*ME*TO*BE*SO*RIDICULOUSLY*SIMPLE*THAT*I*COULD*EASILY*DO*IT*MYSELF,*THOUGH*AT*EACH*SUCCESSIVE*INSTANCE*OF*YOUR*REASONING*I*AM*BAFFLED*UNTIL*YOU*EXPLAIN*YOUR*PROCESS.*AND*YET*I*BELIEVE*THAT*MY*EYES*ARE*AS*GOOD*AS*YOURS."

"QUITE*SO,"*HE*ANSWERED,*LIGHTING*A*CIGARETTE,*AND*THROWING*HIMSELF*DOWN*INTO*AN*ARMCHAIR.*"YOU*SEE,*BUT*YOU*DO*NOT*OBSERVE.*THE*DISTINCTION*IS*CLEAR.*FOR*EXAMPLE,*YOU*HAVE*FREQUENTLY*SEEN*THE*STEPS*WHICH*LEAD*UP*FROM*THE*HALL*TO*THIS*ROOM."

"FREQUENTLY."

"HOW*OFTEN?"

"WELL,*SOME*HUNDREDS*OF*TIMES."

"THEN*HOW*MANY*ARE*THERE?"

"HOW*MANY?*I*DON'T*KNOW."

"QUITE*SO!*YOU*HAVE*NOT*OBSERVED.*AND*YET*YOU*HAVE*SEEN.*THAT*IS*JUST*MY*POINT.*NOW,*I*KNOW*THAT*THERE*ARE*SEVENTEEN*STEPS,*BECAUSE*I*HAVE*BOTH*SEEN*AND*OBSERVED.*BY*THE*WAY,*SINCE*YOU*ARE*INTERESTED*IN*THESE*LITTLE*PROBLEMS,*AND*SINCE*YOU*ARE*GOOD*ENOUGH*TO*CHRONICLE*ONE*OR*TWO*OF*MY*TRIFLING*EXPERIENCES,*YOU*MAY*BE*INTERESTED*IN*THIS."*HE*THREW*OVER*A*SHEET*OF*THICK,*PINK-TINTED*NOTEPAPER*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*LYING*OPEN*UPON*THE*TABLE.*"IT*CAME*BY*THE*LAST*POST,"*SAID*HE.*"READ*IT*ALOUD."

THE*NOTE*WAS*UNDATED,*AND*WITHOUT*EITHER*SIGNATURE*OR*ADDRESS.

"THERE*WILL*CALL*UPON*YOU*TO-NIGHT,*AT*A*QUARTER*TO*EIGHT*O'CLOCK,"*IT*SAID,*"A*GENTLEMAN*WHO*DESIRES*TO*CONSULT*YOU*UPON*A*MATTER*OF*THE*VERY*DEEPEST*MOMENT.*YOUR*RECENT*SERVICES*TO*ONE*OF*THE*ROYAL*HOUSES*OF*EUROPE*HAVE*SHOWN*THAT*YOU*ARE*ONE*WHO*MAY*SAFELY*BE*TRUSTED*WITH*MATTERS*WHICH*ARE*OF*AN*IMPORTANCE*WHICH*CAN*HARDLY*BE*EXAGGERATED.*THIS*ACCOUNT*OF*YOU*WE*HAVE*FROM*ALL*QUARTERS*RECEIVED.*BE*IN*YOUR*CHAMBER*THEN*AT*THAT*HOUR,*AND*DO*NOT*TAKE*IT*AMISS*IF*YOUR*VISITOR*WEAR*A*MASK."

"THIS*IS*INDEED*A*MYSTERY,"*I*REMARKED.*"WHAT*DO*YOU*IMAGINE*THAT*IT*MEANS?"

"I*HAVE*NO*DATA*YET.*IT*IS*A*CAPITAL*MISTAKE*TO*THEORISE*BEFORE*ONE*HAS*DATA.*INSENSIBLY*ONE*BEGINS*TO*TWIST*FACTS*TO*SUIT*THEORIES,*INSTEAD*OF*THEORIES*TO*SUIT*FACTS.*BUT*THE*NOTE*ITSELF.*WHAT*DO*YOU*DEDUCE*FROM*IT?"

I*CAREFULLY*EXAMINED*THE*WRITING,*AND*THE*PAPER*UPON*WHICH*IT*WAS*WRITTEN.

"THE*MAN*WHO*WROTE*IT*WAS*PRESUMABLY*WELL*TO*DO,"*I*REMARKED,*ENDEAVOURING*TO*IMITATE*MY*COMPANION'S*PROCESSES.*"SUCH*PAPER*COULD*NOT*BE*BOUGHT*UNDER*HALF*A*CROWN*A*PACKET.*IT*IS*PECULIARLY*STRONG*AND*STIFF."

"PECULIAR--THAT*IS*THE*VERY*WORD,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"IT*IS*NOT*AN*ENGLISH*PAPER*AT*ALL.*HOLD*IT*UP*TO*THE*LIGHT."

I*DID*SO,*AND*SAW*A*LARGE*"E"*WITH*A*SMALL*"G,"*A*"P,"*AND*A*LARGE*"G"*WITH*A*SMALL*"T"*WOVEN*INTO*THE*TEXTURE*OF*THE*PAPER.

"WHAT*DO*YOU*MAKE*OF*THAT?"*ASKED*HOLMES.

"THE*NAME*OF*THE*MAKER,*NO*DOUBT;*OR*HIS*MONOGRAM,*RATHER."

"NOT*AT*ALL.*THE*'G'*WITH*THE*SMALL*'T'*STANDS*FOR*'GESELLSCHAFT,'*WHICH*IS*THE*GERMAN*FOR*'COMPANY.'*IT*IS*A*CUSTOMARY*CONTRACTION*LIKE*OUR*'CO.'*'P,'*OF*COURSE,*STANDS*FOR*'PAPIER.'*NOW*FOR*THE*'EG.'*LET*US*GLANCE*AT*OUR*CONTINENTAL*GAZETTEER."*HE*TOOK*DOWN*A*HEAVY*BROWN*VOLUME*FROM*HIS*SHELVES.*"EGLOW,*EGLONITZ--HERE*WE*ARE,*EGRIA.*IT*IS*IN*A*GERMAN-SPEAKING*COUNTRY--IN*BOHEMIA,*NOT*FAR*FROM*CARLSBAD.*'REMARKABLE*AS*BEING*THE*SCENE*OF*THE*DEATH*OF*WALLENSTEIN,*AND*FOR*ITS*NUMEROUS*GLASS-FACTORIES*AND*PAPER-MILLS.'*HA,*HA,*MY*BOY,*WHAT*DO*YOU*MAKE*OF*THAT?"*HIS*EYES*SPARKLED,*AND*HE*SENT*UP*A*GREAT*BLUE*TRIUMPHANT*CLOUD*FROM*HIS*CIGARETTE.

"THE*PAPER*WAS*MADE*IN*BOHEMIA,"*I*SAID.

"PRECISELY.*AND*THE*MAN*WHO*WROTE*THE*NOTE*IS*A*GERMAN.*DO*YOU*NOTE*THE*PECULIAR*CONSTRUCTION*OF*THE*SENTENCE--'THIS*ACCOUNT*OF*YOU*WE*HAVE*FROM*ALL*QUARTERS*RECEIVED.'*A*FRENCHMAN*OR*RUSSIAN*COULD*NOT*HAVE*WRITTEN*THAT.*IT*IS*THE*GERMAN*WHO*IS*SO*UNCOURTEOUS*TO*HIS*VERBS.*IT*ONLY*REMAINS,*THEREFORE,*TO*DISCOVER*WHAT*IS*WANTED*BY*THIS*GERMAN*WHO*WRITES*UPON*BOHEMIAN*PAPER*AND*PREFERS*WEARING*A*MASK*TO*SHOWING*HIS*FACE.*AND*HERE*HE*COMES,*IF*I*AM*NOT*MISTAKEN,*TO*RESOLVE*ALL*OUR*DOUBTS."

AS*HE*SPOKE*THERE*WAS*THE*SHARP*SOUND*OF*HORSES'*HOOFS*AND*GRATING*WHEELS*AGAINST*THE*CURB,*FOLLOWED*BY*A*SHARP*PULL*AT*THE*BELL.*HOLMES*WHISTLED.

"A*PAIR,*BY*THE*SOUND,"*SAID*HE.*"YES,"*HE*CONTINUED,*GLANCING*OUT*OF*THE*WINDOW.*"A*NICE*LITTLE*BROUGHAM*AND*A*PAIR*OF*BEAUTIES.*A*HUNDRED*AND*FIFTY*GUINEAS*APIECE.*THERE'S*MONEY*IN*THIS*CASE,*WATSON,*IF*THERE*IS*NOTHING*ELSE."

"I*THINK*THAT*I*HAD*BETTER*GO,*HOLMES."

"NOT*A*BIT,*DOCTOR.*STAY*WHERE*YOU*ARE.*I*AM*LOST*WITHOUT*MY*BOSWELL.*AND*THIS*PROMISES*TO*BE*INTERESTING.*IT*WOULD*BE*A*PITY*TO*MISS*IT."

"BUT*YOUR*CLIENT--"

"NEVER*MIND*HIM.*I*MAY*WANT*YOUR*HELP,*AND*SO*MAY*HE.*HERE*HE*COMES.*SIT*DOWN*IN*THAT*ARMCHAIR,*DOCTOR,*AND*GIVE*US*YOUR*BEST*ATTENTION."

A*SLOW*AND*HEAVY*STEP,*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*HEARD*UPON*THE*STAIRS*AND*IN*THE*PASSAGE,*PAUSED*IMMEDIATELY*OUTSIDE*THE*DOOR.*THEN*THERE*WAS*A*LOUD*AND*AUTHORITATIVE*TAP.

"COME*IN!"*SAID*HOLMES.


"YOU*HAD*MY*NOTE?"*HE*ASKED*WITH*A*DEEP*HARSH*VOICE*AND*A*STRONGLY*MARKED*GERMAN*ACCENT.*"I*TOLD*YOU*THAT*I*WOULD*CALL."*HE*LOOKED*FROM*ONE*TO*THE*OTHER*OF*US,*AS*IF*UNCERTAIN*WHICH*TO*ADDRESS.

"PRAY*TAKE*A*SEAT,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"THIS*IS*MY*FRIEND*AND*COLLEAGUE,*DR.*WATSON,*WHO*IS*OCCASIONALLY*GOOD*ENOUGH*TO*HELP*ME*IN*MY*CASES.*WHOM*HAVE*I*THE*HONOUR*TO*ADDRESS?"

"YOU*MAY*ADDRESS*ME*AS*THE*COUNT*VON*KRAMM,*A*BOHEMIAN*NOBLEMAN.*I*UNDERSTAND*THAT*THIS*GENTLEMAN,*YOUR*FRIEND,*IS*A*MAN*OF*HONOUR*AND*DISCRETION,*WHOM*I*MAY*TRUST*WITH*A*MATTER*OF*THE*MOST*EXTREME*IMPORTANCE.*IF*NOT,*I*SHOULD*MUCH*PREFER*TO*COMMUNICATE*WITH*YOU*ALONE."

I*ROSE*TO*GO,*BUT*HOLMES*CAUGHT*ME*BY*THE*WRIST*AND*PUSHED*ME*BACK*INTO*MY*CHAIR.*"IT*IS*BOTH,*OR*NONE,"*SAID*HE.*"YOU*MAY*SAY*BEFORE*THIS*GENTLEMAN*ANYTHING*WHICH*YOU*MAY*SAY*TO*ME."

THE*COUNT*SHRUGGED*HIS*BROAD*SHOULDERS.*"THEN*I*MUST*BEGIN,"*SAID*HE,*"BY*BINDING*YOU*BOTH*TO*ABSOLUTE*SECRECY*FOR*TWO*YEARS;*AT*THE*END*OF*THAT*TIME*THE*MATTER*WILL*BE*OF*NO*IMPORTANCE.*AT*PRESENT*IT*IS*NOT*TOO*MUCH*TO*SAY*THAT*IT*IS*OF*SUCH*WEIGHT*IT*MAY*HAVE*AN*INFLUENCE*UPON*EUROPEAN*HISTORY."

"I*PROMISE,"*SAID*HOLMES.

"AND*I."

"YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*THIS*MASK,"*CONTINUED*OUR*STRANGE*VISITOR.*"THE*AUGUST*PERSON*WHO*EMPLOYS*ME*WISHES*HIS*AGENT*TO*BE*UNKNOWN*TO*YOU,*AND*I*MAY*CONFESS*AT*ONCE*THAT*THE*TITLE*BY*WHICH*I*HAVE*JUST*CALLED*MYSELF*IS*NOT*EXACTLY*MY*OWN."

"I*WAS*AWARE*OF*IT,"*SAID*HOLMES*DRYLY.

"THE*CIRCUMSTANCES*ARE*OF*GREAT*DELICACY,*AND*EVERY*PRECAUTION*HAS*TO*BE*TAKEN*TO*QUENCH*WHAT*MIGHT*GROW*TO*BE*AN*IMMENSE*SCANDAL*AND*SERIOUSLY*COMPROMISE*ONE*OF*THE*REIGNING*FAMILIES*OF*EUROPE.*TO*SPEAK*PLAINLY,*THE*MATTER*IMPLICATES*THE*GREAT*HOUSE*OF*ORMSTEIN,*HEREDITARY*KINGS*OF*BOHEMIA."

"I*WAS*ALSO*AWARE*OF*THAT,"*MURMURED*HOLMES,*SETTLING*HIMSELF*DOWN*IN*HIS*ARMCHAIR*AND*CLOSING*HIS*EYES.

OUR*VISITOR*GLANCED*WITH*SOME*APPARENT*SURPRISE*AT*THE*LANGUID,*LOUNGING*FIGURE*OF*THE*MAN*WHO*HAD*BEEN*NO*DOUBT*DEPICTED*TO*HIM*AS*THE*MOST*INCISIVE*REASONER*AND*MOST*ENERGETIC*AGENT*IN*EUROPE.*HOLMES*SLOWLY*REOPENED*HIS*EYES*AND*LOOKED*IMPATIENTLY*AT*HIS*GIGANTIC*CLIENT.

"IF*YOUR*MAJESTY*WOULD*CONDESCEND*TO*STATE*YOUR*CASE,"*HE*REMARKED,*"I*SHOULD*BE*BETTER*ABLE*TO*ADVISE*YOU."

THE*MAN*SPRANG*FROM*HIS*CHAIR*AND*PACED*UP*AND*DOWN*THE*ROOM*IN*UNCONTROLLABLE*AGITATION.*THEN,*WITH*A*GESTURE*OF*DESPERATION,*HE*TORE*THE*MASK*FROM*HIS*FACE*AND*HURLED*IT*UPON*THE*GROUND.*"YOU*ARE*RIGHT,"*HE*CRIED;*"I*AM*THE*KING.*WHY*SHOULD*I*ATTEMPT*TO*CONCEAL*IT?"

"WHY,*INDEED?"*MURMURED*HOLMES.*"YOUR*MAJESTY*HAD*NOT*SPOKEN*BEFORE*I*WAS*AWARE*THAT*I*WAS*ADDRESSING*WILHELM*GOTTSREICH*SIGISMOND*VON*ORMSTEIN,*GRAND*DUKE*OF*CASSEL-FELSTEIN,*AND*HEREDITARY*KING*OF*BOHEMIA."

"BUT*YOU*CAN*UNDERSTAND,"*SAID*OUR*STRANGE*VISITOR,*SITTING*DOWN*ONCE*MORE*AND*PASSING*HIS*HAND*OVER*HIS*HIGH*WHITE*FOREHEAD,*"YOU*CAN*UNDERSTAND*THAT*I*AM*NOT*ACCUSTOMED*TO*DOING*SUCH*BUSINESS*IN*MY*OWN*PERSON.*YET*THE*MATTER*WAS*SO*DELICATE*THAT*I*COULD*NOT*CONFIDE*IT*TO*AN*AGENT*WITHOUT*PUTTING*MYSELF*IN*HIS*POWER.*I*HAVE*COME*INCOGNITO*FROM*PRAGUE*FOR*THE*PURPOSE*OF*CONSULTING*YOU."

"THEN,*PRAY*CONSULT,"*SAID*HOLMES,*SHUTTING*HIS*EYES*ONCE*MORE.

"THE*FACTS*ARE*BRIEFLY*THESE:*SOME*FIVE*YEARS*AGO,*DURING*A*LENGTHY*VISIT*TO*WARSAW,*I*MADE*THE*ACQUAINTANCE*OF*THE*WELL-KNOWN*ADVENTURESS,*IRENE*ADLER.*THE*NAME*IS*NO*DOUBT*FAMILIAR*TO*YOU."

"KINDLY*LOOK*HER*UP*IN*MY*INDEX,*DOCTOR,"*MURMURED*HOLMES*WITHOUT*OPENING*HIS*EYES.*FOR*MANY*YEARS*HE*HAD*ADOPTED*A*SYSTEM*OF*DOCKETING*ALL*PARAGRAPHS*CONCERNING*MEN*AND*THINGS,*SO*THAT*IT*WAS*DIFFICULT*TO*NAME*A*SUBJECT*OR*A*PERSON*ON*WHICH*HE*COULD*NOT*AT*ONCE*FURNISH*INFORMATION.*IN*THIS*CASE*I*FOUND*HER*BIOGRAPHY*SANDWICHED*IN*BETWEEN*THAT*OF*A*HEBREW*RABBI*AND*THAT*OF*A*STAFF-COMMANDER*WHO*HAD*WRITTEN*A*MONOGRAPH*UPON*THE*DEEP-SEA*FISHES.

"LET*ME*SEE!"*SAID*HOLMES.*"HUM!*BORN*IN*NEW*JERSEY*IN*THE*YEAR*1858.*CONTRALTO--HUM!*LA*SCALA,*HUM!*PRIMA*DONNA*IMPERIAL*OPERA*OF*WARSAW--YES!*RETIRED*FROM*OPERATIC*STAGE--HA!*LIVING*IN*LONDON--QUITE*SO!*YOUR*MAJESTY,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND,*BECAME*ENTANGLED*WITH*THIS*YOUNG*PERSON,*WROTE*HER*SOME*COMPROMISING*LETTERS,*AND*IS*NOW*DESIROUS*OF*GETTING*THOSE*LETTERS*BACK."

"PRECISELY*SO.*BUT*HOW--"

"WAS*THERE*A*SECRET*MARRIAGE?"

"NONE."

"NO*LEGAL*PAPERS*OR*CERTIFICATES?"

"NONE."

"THEN*I*FAIL*TO*FOLLOW*YOUR*MAJESTY.*IF*THIS*YOUNG*PERSON*SHOULD*PRODUCE*HER*LETTERS*FOR*BLACKMAILING*OR*OTHER*PURPOSES,*HOW*IS*SHE*TO*PROVE*THEIR*AUTHENTICITY?"

"THERE*IS*THE*WRITING."

"POOH,*POOH!*FORGERY."

"MY*PRIVATE*NOTE-PAPER."

"STOLEN."

"MY*OWN*SEAL."

"IMITATED."

"MY*PHOTOGRAPH."

"BOUGHT."

"WE*WERE*BOTH*IN*THE*PHOTOGRAPH."

"OH,*DEAR!*THAT*IS*VERY*BAD!*YOUR*MAJESTY*HAS*INDEED*COMMITTED*AN*INDISCRETION."

"I*WAS*MAD--INSANE."

"YOU*HAVE*COMPROMISED*YOURSELF*SERIOUSLY."

"I*WAS*ONLY*CROWN*PRINCE*THEN.*I*WAS*YOUNG.*I*AM*BUT*THIRTY*NOW."

"IT*MUST*BE*RECOVERED."

"WE*HAVE*TRIED*AND*FAILED."

"YOUR*MAJESTY*MUST*PAY.*IT*MUST*BE*BOUGHT."

"SHE*WILL*NOT*SELL."

"STOLEN,*THEN."

"FIVE*ATTEMPTS*HAVE*BEEN*MADE.*TWICE*BURGLARS*IN*MY*PAY*RANSACKED*HER*HOUSE.*ONCE*WE*DIVERTED*HER*LUGGAGE*WHEN*SHE*TRAVELLED.*TWICE*SHE*HAS*BEEN*WAYLAID.*THERE*HAS*BEEN*NO*RESULT."

"NO*SIGN*OF*IT?"

"ABSOLUTELY*NONE."

HOLMES*LAUGHED.*"IT*IS*QUITE*A*PRETTY*LITTLE*PROBLEM,"*SAID*HE.

"BUT*A*VERY*SERIOUS*ONE*TO*ME,"*RETURNED*THE*KING*REPROACHFULLY.

"VERY,*INDEED.*AND*WHAT*DOES*SHE*PROPOSE*TO*DO*WITH*THE*PHOTOGRAPH?"

"TO*RUIN*ME."

"BUT*HOW?"

"I*AM*ABOUT*TO*BE*MARRIED."

"SO*I*HAVE*HEARD."

"TO*CLOTILDE*LOTHMAN*VON*SAXE-MENINGEN,*SECOND*DAUGHTER*OF*THE*KING*OF*SCANDINAVIA.*YOU*MAY*KNOW*THE*STRICT*PRINCIPLES*OF*HER*FAMILY.*SHE*IS*HERSELF*THE*VERY*SOUL*OF*DELICACY.*A*SHADOW*OF*A*DOUBT*AS*TO*MY*CONDUCT*WOULD*BRING*THE*MATTER*TO*AN*END."

"AND*IRENE*ADLER?"

"THREATENS*TO*SEND*THEM*THE*PHOTOGRAPH.*AND*SHE*WILL*DO*IT.*I*KNOW*THAT*SHE*WILL*DO*IT.*YOU*DO*NOT*KNOW*HER,*BUT*SHE*HAS*A*SOUL*OF*STEEL.*SHE*HAS*THE*FACE*OF*THE*MOST*BEAUTIFUL*OF*WOMEN,*AND*THE*MIND*OF*THE*MOST*RESOLUTE*OF*MEN.*RATHER*THAN*I*SHOULD*MARRY*ANOTHER*WOMAN,*THERE*ARE*NO*LENGTHS*TO*WHICH*SHE*WOULD*NOT*GO--NONE."

"YOU*ARE*SURE*THAT*SHE*HAS*NOT*SENT*IT*YET?"

"I*AM*SURE."

"AND*WHY?"

"BECAUSE*SHE*HAS*SAID*THAT*SHE*WOULD*SEND*IT*ON*THE*DAY*WHEN*THE*BETROTHAL*WAS*PUBLICLY*PROCLAIMED.*THAT*WILL*BE*NEXT*MONDAY."

"OH,*THEN*WE*HAVE*THREE*DAYS*YET,"*SAID*HOLMES*WITH*A*YAWN.*"THAT*IS*VERY*FORTUNATE,*AS*I*HAVE*ONE*OR*TWO*MATTERS*OF*IMPORTANCE*TO*LOOK*INTO*JUST*AT*PRESENT.*YOUR*MAJESTY*WILL,*OF*COURSE,*STAY*IN*LONDON*FOR*THE*PRESENT?"

"CERTAINLY.*YOU*WILL*FIND*ME*AT*THE*LANGHAM*UNDER*THE*NAME*OF*THE*COUNT*VON*KRAMM."

"THEN*I*SHALL*DROP*YOU*A*LINE*TO*LET*YOU*KNOW*HOW*WE*PROGRESS."

"PRAY*DO*SO.*I*SHALL*BE*ALL*ANXIETY."

"THEN,*AS*TO*MONEY?"

"YOU*HAVE*CARTE*BLANCHE."

"ABSOLUTELY?"

"I*TELL*YOU*THAT*I*WOULD*GIVE*ONE*OF*THE*PROVINCES*OF*MY*KINGDOM*TO*HAVE*THAT*PHOTOGRAPH."

"AND*FOR*PRESENT*EXPENSES?"

THE*KING*TOOK*A*HEAVY*CHAMOIS*LEATHER*BAG*FROM*UNDER*HIS*CLOAK*AND*LAID*IT*ON*THE*TABLE.

"THERE*ARE*THREE*HUNDRED*POUNDS*IN*GOLD*AND*SEVEN*HUNDRED*IN*NOTES,"*HE*SAID.

HOLMES*SCRIBBLED*A*RECEIPT*UPON*A*SHEET*OF*HIS*NOTE-BOOK*AND*HANDED*IT*TO*HIM.

"AND*MADEMOISELLE'S*ADDRESS?"*HE*ASKED.

"IS*BRIONY*LODGE,*SERPENTINE*AVENUE,*ST.*JOHN'S*WOOD."

HOLMES*TOOK*A*NOTE*OF*IT.*"ONE*OTHER*QUESTION,"*SAID*HE.*"WAS*THE*PHOTOGRAPH*A*CABINET?"

"IT*WAS."

"THEN,*GOOD-NIGHT,*YOUR*MAJESTY,*AND*I*TRUST*THAT*WE*SHALL*SOON*HAVE*SOME*GOOD*NEWS*FOR*YOU.*AND*GOOD-NIGHT,*WATSON,"*HE*ADDED,*AS*THE*WHEELS*OF*THE*ROYAL*BROUGHAM*ROLLED*DOWN*THE*STREET.*"IF*YOU*WILL*BE*GOOD*ENOUGH*TO*CALL*TO-MORROW*AFTERNOON*AT*THREE*O'CLOCK*I*SHOULD*LIKE*TO*CHAT*THIS*LITTLE*MATTER*OVER*WITH*YOU."

II.


AT*THREE*O'CLOCK*PRECISELY*I*WAS*AT*BAKER*STREET,*BUT*HOLMES*HAD*NOT*YET*RETURNED.*THE*LANDLADY*INFORMED*ME*THAT*HE*HAD*LEFT*THE*HOUSE*SHORTLY*AFTER*EIGHT*O'CLOCK*IN*THE*MORNING.*I*SAT*DOWN*BESIDE*THE*FIRE,*HOWEVER,*WITH*THE*INTENTION*OF*AWAITING*HIM,*HOWEVER*LONG*HE*MIGHT*BE.*I*WAS*ALREADY*DEEPLY*INTERESTED*IN*HIS*INQUIRY,*FOR,*THOUGH*IT*WAS*SURROUNDED*BY*NONE*OF*THE*GRIM*AND*STRANGE*FEATURES*WHICH*WERE*ASSOCIATED*WITH*THE*TWO*CRIMES*WHICH*I*HAVE*ALREADY*RECORDED,*STILL,*THE*NATURE*OF*THE*CASE*AND*THE*EXALTED*STATION*OF*HIS*CLIENT*GAVE*IT*A*CHARACTER*OF*ITS*OWN.*INDEED,*APART*FROM*THE*NATURE*OF*THE*INVESTIGATION*WHICH*MY*FRIEND*HAD*ON*HAND,*THERE*WAS*SOMETHING*IN*HIS*MASTERLY*GRASP*OF*A*SITUATION,*AND*HIS*KEEN,*INCISIVE*REASONING,*WHICH*MADE*IT*A*PLEASURE*TO*ME*TO*STUDY*HIS*SYSTEM*OF*WORK,*AND*TO*FOLLOW*THE*QUICK,*SUBTLE*METHODS*BY*WHICH*HE*DISENTANGLED*THE*MOST*INEXTRICABLE*MYSTERIES.*SO*ACCUSTOMED*WAS*I*TO*HIS*INVARIABLE*SUCCESS*THAT*THE*VERY*POSSIBILITY*OF*HIS*FAILING*HAD*CEASED*TO*ENTER*INTO*MY*HEAD.

IT*WAS*CLOSE*UPON*FOUR*BEFORE*THE*DOOR*OPENED,*AND*A*DRUNKEN-LOOKING*GROOM,*ILL-KEMPT*AND*SIDE-WHISKERED,*WITH*AN*INFLAMED*FACE*AND*DISREPUTABLE*CLOTHES,*WALKED*INTO*THE*ROOM.*ACCUSTOMED*AS*I*WAS*TO*MY*FRIEND'S*AMAZING*POWERS*IN*THE*USE*OF*DISGUISES,*I*HAD*TO*LOOK*THREE*TIMES*BEFORE*I*WAS*CERTAIN*THAT*IT*WAS*INDEED*HE.*WITH*A*NOD*HE*VANISHED*INTO*THE*BEDROOM,*WHENCE*HE*EMERGED*IN*FIVE*MINUTES*TWEED-SUITED*AND*RESPECTABLE,*AS*OF*OLD.*PUTTING*HIS*HANDS*INTO*HIS*POCKETS,*HE*STRETCHED*OUT*HIS*LEGS*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*FIRE*AND*LAUGHED*HEARTILY*FOR*SOME*MINUTES.

"WELL,*REALLY!"*HE*CRIED,*AND*THEN*HE*CHOKED*AND*LAUGHED*AGAIN*UNTIL*HE*WAS*OBLIGED*TO*LIE*BACK,*LIMP*AND*HELPLESS,*IN*THE*CHAIR.

"WHAT*IS*IT?"

"IT'S*QUITE*TOO*FUNNY.*I*AM*SURE*YOU*COULD*NEVER*GUESS*HOW*I*EMPLOYED*MY*MORNING,*OR*WHAT*I*ENDED*BY*DOING."

"I*CAN'T*IMAGINE.*I*SUPPOSE*THAT*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*WATCHING*THE*HABITS,*AND*PERHAPS*THE*HOUSE,*OF*MISS*IRENE*ADLER."

"QUITE*SO;*BUT*THE*SEQUEL*WAS*RATHER*UNUSUAL.*I*WILL*TELL*YOU,*HOWEVER.*I*LEFT*THE*HOUSE*A*LITTLE*AFTER*EIGHT*O'CLOCK*THIS*MORNING*IN*THE*CHARACTER*OF*A*GROOM*OUT*OF*WORK.*THERE*IS*A*WONDERFUL*SYMPATHY*AND*FREEMASONRY*AMONG*HORSEY*MEN.*BE*ONE*OF*THEM,*AND*YOU*WILL*KNOW*ALL*THAT*THERE*IS*TO*KNOW.*I*SOON*FOUND*BRIONY*LODGE.*IT*IS*A*BIJOU*VILLA,*WITH*A*GARDEN*AT*THE*BACK,*BUT*BUILT*OUT*IN*FRONT*RIGHT*UP*TO*THE*ROAD,*TWO*STORIES.*CHUBB*LOCK*TO*THE*DOOR.*LARGE*SITTING-ROOM*ON*THE*RIGHT*SIDE,*WELL*FURNISHED,*WITH*LONG*WINDOWS*ALMOST*TO*THE*FLOOR,*AND*THOSE*PREPOSTEROUS*ENGLISH*WINDOW*FASTENERS*WHICH*A*CHILD*COULD*OPEN.*BEHIND*THERE*WAS*NOTHING*REMARKABLE,*SAVE*THAT*THE*PASSAGE*WINDOW*COULD*BE*REACHED*FROM*THE*TOP*OF*THE*COACH-HOUSE.*I*WALKED*ROUND*IT*AND*EXAMINED*IT*CLOSELY*FROM*EVERY*POINT*OF*VIEW,*BUT*WITHOUT*NOTING*ANYTHING*ELSE*OF*INTEREST.

"I*THEN*LOUNGED*DOWN*THE*STREET*AND*FOUND,*AS*I*EXPECTED,*THAT*THERE*WAS*A*MEWS*IN*A*LANE*WHICH*RUNS*DOWN*BY*ONE*WALL*OF*THE*GARDEN.*I*LENT*THE*OSTLERS*A*HAND*IN*RUBBING*DOWN*THEIR*HORSES,*AND*RECEIVED*IN*EXCHANGE*TWOPENCE,*A*GLASS*OF*HALF-AND-HALF,*TWO*FILLS*OF*SHAG*TOBACCO,*AND*AS*MUCH*INFORMATION*AS*I*COULD*DESIRE*ABOUT*MISS*ADLER,*TO*SAY*NOTHING*OF*HALF*A*DOZEN*OTHER*PEOPLE*IN*THE*NEIGHBOURHOOD*IN*WHOM*I*WAS*NOT*IN*THE*LEAST*INTERESTED,*BUT*WHOSE*BIOGRAPHIES*I*WAS*COMPELLED*TO*LISTEN*TO."

"AND*WHAT*OF*IRENE*ADLER?"*I*ASKED.

"OH,*SHE*HAS*TURNED*ALL*THE*MEN'S*HEADS*DOWN*IN*THAT*PART.*SHE*IS*THE*DAINTIEST*THING*UNDER*A*BONNET*ON*THIS*PLANET.*SO*SAY*THE*SERPENTINE-MEWS,*TO*A*MAN.*SHE*LIVES*QUIETLY,*SINGS*AT*CONCERTS,*DRIVES*OUT*AT*FIVE*EVERY*DAY,*AND*RETURNS*AT*SEVEN*SHARP*FOR*DINNER.*SELDOM*GOES*OUT*AT*OTHER*TIMES,*EXCEPT*WHEN*SHE*SINGS.*HAS*ONLY*ONE*MALE*VISITOR,*BUT*A*GOOD*DEAL*OF*HIM.*HE*IS*DARK,*HANDSOME,*AND*DASHING,*NEVER*CALLS*LESS*THAN*ONCE*A*DAY,*AND*OFTEN*TWICE.*HE*IS*A*MR.*GODFREY*NORTON,*OF*THE*INNER*TEMPLE.*SEE*THE*ADVANTAGES*OF*A*CABMAN*AS*A*CONFIDANT.*THEY*HAD*DRIVEN*HIM*HOME*A*DOZEN*TIMES*FROM*SERPENTINE-MEWS,*AND*KNEW*ALL*ABOUT*HIM.*WHEN*I*HAD*LISTENED*TO*ALL*THEY*HAD*TO*TELL,*I*BEGAN*TO*WALK*UP*AND*DOWN*NEAR*BRIONY*LODGE*ONCE*MORE,*AND*TO*THINK*OVER*MY*PLAN*OF*CAMPAIGN.

"THIS*GODFREY*NORTON*WAS*EVIDENTLY*AN*IMPORTANT*FACTOR*IN*THE*MATTER.*HE*WAS*A*LAWYER.*THAT*SOUNDED*OMINOUS.*WHAT*WAS*THE*RELATION*BETWEEN*THEM,*AND*WHAT*THE*OBJECT*OF*HIS*REPEATED*VISITS?*WAS*SHE*HIS*CLIENT,*HIS*FRIEND,*OR*HIS*MISTRESS?*IF*THE*FORMER,*SHE*HAD*PROBABLY*TRANSFERRED*THE*PHOTOGRAPH*TO*HIS*KEEPING.*IF*THE*LATTER,*IT*WAS*LESS*LIKELY.*ON*THE*ISSUE*OF*THIS*QUESTION*DEPENDED*WHETHER*I*SHOULD*CONTINUE*MY*WORK*AT*BRIONY*LODGE,*OR*TURN*MY*ATTENTION*TO*THE*GENTLEMAN'S*CHAMBERS*IN*THE*TEMPLE.*IT*WAS*A*DELICATE*POINT,*AND*IT*WIDENED*THE*FIELD*OF*MY*INQUIRY.*I*FEAR*THAT*I*BORE*YOU*WITH*THESE*DETAILS,*BUT*I*HAVE*TO*LET*YOU*SEE*MY*LITTLE*DIFFICULTIES,*IF*YOU*ARE*TO*UNDERSTAND*THE*SITUATION."

"I*AM*FOLLOWING*YOU*CLOSELY,"*I*ANSWERED.

"I*WAS*STILL*BALANCING*THE*MATTER*IN*MY*MIND*WHEN*A*HANSOM*CAB*DROVE*UP*TO*BRIONY*LODGE,*AND*A*GENTLEMAN*SPRANG*OUT.*HE*WAS*A*REMARKABLY*HANDSOME*MAN,*DARK,*AQUILINE,*AND*MOUSTACHED--EVIDENTLY*THE*MAN*OF*WHOM*I*HAD*HEARD.*HE*APPEARED*TO*BE*IN*A*GREAT*HURRY,*SHOUTED*TO*THE*CABMAN*TO*WAIT,*AND*BRUSHED*PAST*THE*MAID*WHO*OPENED*THE*DOOR*WITH*THE*AIR*OF*A*MAN*WHO*WAS*THOROUGHLY*AT*HOME.

"HE*WAS*IN*THE*HOUSE*ABOUT*HALF*AN*HOUR,*AND*I*COULD*CATCH*GLIMPSES*OF*HIM*IN*THE*WINDOWS*OF*THE*SITTING-ROOM,*PACING*UP*AND*DOWN,*TALKING*EXCITEDLY,*AND*WAVING*HIS*ARMS.*OF*HER*I*COULD*SEE*NOTHING.*PRESENTLY*HE*EMERGED,*LOOKING*EVEN*MORE*FLURRIED*THAN*BEFORE.*AS*HE*STEPPED*UP*TO*THE*CAB,*HE*PULLED*A*GOLD*WATCH*FROM*HIS*POCKET*AND*LOOKED*AT*IT*EARNESTLY,*'DRIVE*LIKE*THE*DEVIL,'*HE*SHOUTED,*'FIRST*TO*GROSS*&*HANKEY'S*IN*REGENT*STREET,*AND*THEN*TO*THE*CHURCH*OF*ST.*MONICA*IN*THE*EDGEWARE*ROAD.*HALF*A*GUINEA*IF*YOU*DO*IT*IN*TWENTY*MINUTES!'

"AWAY*THEY*WENT,*AND*I*WAS*JUST*WONDERING*WHETHER*I*SHOULD*NOT*DO*WELL*TO*FOLLOW*THEM*WHEN*UP*THE*LANE*CAME*A*NEAT*LITTLE*LANDAU,*THE*COACHMAN*WITH*HIS*COAT*ONLY*HALF-BUTTONED,*AND*HIS*TIE*UNDER*HIS*EAR,*WHILE*ALL*THE*TAGS*OF*HIS*HARNESS*WERE*STICKING*OUT*OF*THE*BUCKLES.*IT*HADN'T*PULLED*UP*BEFORE*SHE*SHOT*OUT*OF*THE*HALL*DOOR*AND*INTO*IT.*I*ONLY*CAUGHT*A*GLIMPSE*OF*HER*AT*THE*MOMENT,*BUT*SHE*WAS*A*LOVELY*WOMAN,*WITH*A*FACE*THAT*A*MAN*MIGHT*DIE*FOR.

"*'THE*CHURCH*OF*ST.*MONICA,*JOHN,'*SHE*CRIED,*'AND*HALF*A*SOVEREIGN*IF*YOU*REACH*IT*IN*TWENTY*MINUTES.'

"THIS*WAS*QUITE*TOO*GOOD*TO*LOSE,*WATSON.*I*WAS*JUST*BALANCING*WHETHER*I*SHOULD*RUN*FOR*IT,*OR*WHETHER*I*SHOULD*PERCH*BEHIND*HER*LANDAU*WHEN*A*CAB*CAME*THROUGH*THE*STREET.*THE*DRIVER*LOOKED*TWICE*AT*SUCH*A*SHABBY*FARE,*BUT*I*JUMPED*IN*BEFORE*HE*COULD*OBJECT.*'THE*CHURCH*OF*ST.*MONICA,'*SAID*I,*'AND*HALF*A*SOVEREIGN*IF*YOU*REACH*IT*IN*TWENTY*MINUTES.'*IT*WAS*TWENTY-FIVE*MINUTES*TO*TWELVE,*AND*OF*COURSE*IT*WAS*CLEAR*ENOUGH*WHAT*WAS*IN*THE*WIND.

"MY*CABBY*DROVE*FAST.*I*DON'T*THINK*I*EVER*DROVE*FASTER,*BUT*THE*OTHERS*WERE*THERE*BEFORE*US.*THE*CAB*AND*THE*LANDAU*WITH*THEIR*STEAMING*HORSES*WERE*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*DOOR*WHEN*I*ARRIVED.*I*PAID*THE*MAN*AND*HURRIED*INTO*THE*CHURCH.*THERE*WAS*NOT*A*SOUL*THERE*SAVE*THE*TWO*WHOM*I*HAD*FOLLOWED*AND*A*SURPLICED*CLERGYMAN,*WHO*SEEMED*TO*BE*EXPOSTULATING*WITH*THEM.*THEY*WERE*ALL*THREE*STANDING*IN*A*KNOT*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*ALTAR.*I*LOUNGED*UP*THE*SIDE*AISLE*LIKE*ANY*OTHER*IDLER*WHO*HAS*DROPPED*INTO*A*CHURCH.*SUDDENLY,*TO*MY*SURPRISE,*THE*THREE*AT*THE*ALTAR*FACED*ROUND*TO*ME,*AND*GODFREY*NORTON*CAME*RUNNING*AS*HARD*AS*HE*COULD*TOWARDS*ME.

"*'THANK*GOD,'*HE*CRIED.*'YOU'LL*DO.*COME!*COME!'

"*'WHAT*THEN?'*I*ASKED.

"*'COME,*MAN,*COME,*ONLY*THREE*MINUTES,*OR*IT*WON'T*BE*LEGAL.'

"I*WAS*HALF-DRAGGED*UP*TO*THE*ALTAR,*AND*BEFORE*I*KNEW*WHERE*I*WAS*I*FOUND*MYSELF*MUMBLING*RESPONSES*WHICH*WERE*WHISPERED*IN*MY*EAR,*AND*VOUCHING*FOR*THINGS*OF*WHICH*I*KNEW*NOTHING,*AND*GENERALLY*ASSISTING*IN*THE*SECURE*TYING*UP*OF*IRENE*ADLER,*SPINSTER,*TO*GODFREY*NORTON,*BACHELOR.*IT*WAS*ALL*DONE*IN*AN*INSTANT,*AND*THERE*WAS*THE*GENTLEMAN*THANKING*ME*ON*THE*ONE*SIDE*AND*THE*LADY*ON*THE*OTHER,*WHILE*THE*CLERGYMAN*BEAMED*ON*ME*IN*FRONT.*IT*WAS*THE*MOST*PREPOSTEROUS*POSITION*IN*WHICH*I*EVER*FOUND*MYSELF*IN*MY*LIFE,*AND*IT*WAS*THE*THOUGHT*OF*IT*THAT*STARTED*ME*LAUGHING*JUST*NOW.*IT*SEEMS*THAT*THERE*HAD*BEEN*SOME*INFORMALITY*ABOUT*THEIR*LICENSE,*THAT*THE*CLERGYMAN*ABSOLUTELY*REFUSED*TO*MARRY*THEM*WITHOUT*A*WITNESS*OF*SOME*SORT,*AND*THAT*MY*LUCKY*APPEARANCE*SAVED*THE*BRIDEGROOM*FROM*HAVING*TO*SALLY*OUT*INTO*THE*STREETS*IN*SEARCH*OF*A*BEST*MAN.*THE*BRIDE*GAVE*ME*A*SOVEREIGN,*AND*I*MEAN*TO*WEAR*IT*ON*MY*WATCH*CHAIN*IN*MEMORY*OF*THE*OCCASION."

"THIS*IS*A*VERY*UNEXPECTED*TURN*OF*AFFAIRS,"*SAID*I;*"AND*WHAT*THEN?"

"WELL,*I*FOUND*MY*PLANS*VERY*SERIOUSLY*MENACED.*IT*LOOKED*AS*IF*THE*PAIR*MIGHT*TAKE*AN*IMMEDIATE*DEPARTURE,*AND*SO*NECESSITATE*VERY*PROMPT*AND*ENERGETIC*MEASURES*ON*MY*PART.*AT*THE*CHURCH*DOOR,*HOWEVER,*THEY*SEPARATED,*HE*DRIVING*BACK*TO*THE*TEMPLE,*AND*SHE*TO*HER*OWN*HOUSE.*'I*SHALL*DRIVE*OUT*IN*THE*PARK*AT*FIVE*AS*USUAL,'*SHE*SAID*AS*SHE*LEFT*HIM.*I*HEARD*NO*MORE.*THEY*DROVE*AWAY*IN*DIFFERENT*DIRECTIONS,*AND*I*WENT*OFF*TO*MAKE*MY*OWN*ARRANGEMENTS."

"WHICH*ARE?"

"SOME*COLD*BEEF*AND*A*GLASS*OF*BEER,"*HE*ANSWERED,*RINGING*THE*BELL.*"I*HAVE*BEEN*TOO*BUSY*TO*THINK*OF*FOOD,*AND*I*AM*LIKELY*TO*BE*BUSIER*STILL*THIS*EVENING.*BY*THE*WAY,*DOCTOR,*I*SHALL*WANT*YOUR*CO-OPERATION."

"I*SHALL*BE*DELIGHTED."

"YOU*DON'T*MIND*BREAKING*THE*LAW?"

"NOT*IN*THE*LEAST."

"NOR*RUNNING*A*CHANCE*OF*ARREST?"

"NOT*IN*A*GOOD*CAUSE."

"OH,*THE*CAUSE*IS*EXCELLENT!"

"THEN*I*AM*YOUR*MAN."

"I*WAS*SURE*THAT*I*MIGHT*RELY*ON*YOU."

"BUT*WHAT*IS*IT*YOU*WISH?"

"WHEN*MRS.*TURNER*HAS*BROUGHT*IN*THE*TRAY*I*WILL*MAKE*IT*CLEAR*TO*YOU.*NOW,"*HE*SAID*AS*HE*TURNED*HUNGRILY*ON*THE*SIMPLE*FARE*THAT*OUR*LANDLADY*HAD*PROVIDED,*"I*MUST*DISCUSS*IT*WHILE*I*EAT,*FOR*I*HAVE*NOT*MUCH*TIME.*IT*IS*NEARLY*FIVE*NOW.*IN*TWO*HOURS*WE*MUST*BE*ON*THE*SCENE*OF*ACTION.*MISS*IRENE,*OR*MADAME,*RATHER,*RETURNS*FROM*HER*DRIVE*AT*SEVEN.*WE*MUST*BE*AT*BRIONY*LODGE*TO*MEET*HER."

"AND*WHAT*THEN?"

"YOU*MUST*LEAVE*THAT*TO*ME.*I*HAVE*ALREADY*ARRANGED*WHAT*IS*TO*OCCUR.*THERE*IS*ONLY*ONE*POINT*ON*WHICH*I*MUST*INSIST.*YOU*MUST*NOT*INTERFERE,*COME*WHAT*MAY.*YOU*UNDERSTAND?"

"I*AM*TO*BE*NEUTRAL?"

"TO*DO*NOTHING*WHATEVER.*THERE*WILL*PROBABLY*BE*SOME*SMALL*UNPLEASANTNESS.*DO*NOT*JOIN*IN*IT.*IT*WILL*END*IN*MY*BEING*CONVEYED*INTO*THE*HOUSE.*FOUR*OR*FIVE*MINUTES*AFTERWARDS*THE*SITTING-ROOM*WINDOW*WILL*OPEN.*YOU*ARE*TO*STATION*YOURSELF*CLOSE*TO*THAT*OPEN*WINDOW."

"YES."

"YOU*ARE*TO*WATCH*ME,*FOR*I*WILL*BE*VISIBLE*TO*YOU."

"YES."

"AND*WHEN*I*RAISE*MY*HAND--SO--YOU*WILL*THROW*INTO*THE*ROOM*WHAT*I*GIVE*YOU*TO*THROW,*AND*WILL,*AT*THE*SAME*TIME,*RAISE*THE*CRY*OF*FIRE.*YOU*QUITE*FOLLOW*ME?"

"ENTIRELY."

"IT*IS*NOTHING*VERY*FORMIDABLE,"*HE*SAID,*TAKING*A*LONG*CIGAR-SHAPED*ROLL*FROM*HIS*POCKET.*"IT*IS*AN*ORDINARY*PLUMBER'S*SMOKE-ROCKET,*FITTED*WITH*A*CAP*AT*EITHER*END*TO*MAKE*IT*SELF-LIGHTING.*YOUR*TASK*IS*CONFINED*TO*THAT.*WHEN*YOU*RAISE*YOUR*CRY*OF*FIRE,*IT*WILL*BE*TAKEN*UP*BY*QUITE*A*NUMBER*OF*PEOPLE.*YOU*MAY*THEN*WALK*TO*THE*END*OF*THE*STREET,*AND*I*WILL*REJOIN*YOU*IN*TEN*MINUTES.*I*HOPE*THAT*I*HAVE*MADE*MYSELF*CLEAR?"

"I*AM*TO*REMAIN*NEUTRAL,*TO*GET*NEAR*THE*WINDOW,*TO*WATCH*YOU,*AND*AT*THE*SIGNAL*TO*THROW*IN*THIS*OBJECT,*THEN*TO*RAISE*THE*CRY*OF*FIRE,*AND*TO*WAIT*YOU*AT*THE*CORNER*OF*THE*STREET."

"PRECISELY."

"THEN*YOU*MAY*ENTIRELY*RELY*ON*ME."

"THAT*IS*EXCELLENT.*I*THINK,*PERHAPS,*IT*IS*ALMOST*TIME*THAT*I*PREPARE*FOR*THE*NEW*ROLE*I*HAVE*TO*PLAY."

HE*DISAPPEARED*INTO*HIS*BEDROOM*AND*RETURNED*IN*A*FEW*MINUTES*IN*THE*CHARACTER*OF*AN*AMIABLE*AND*SIMPLE-MINDED*NONCONFORMIST*CLERGYMAN.*HIS*BROAD*BLACK*HAT,*HIS*BAGGY*TROUSERS,*HIS*WHITE*TIE,*HIS*SYMPATHETIC*SMILE,*AND*GENERAL*LOOK*OF*PEERING*AND*BENEVOLENT*CURIOSITY*WERE*SUCH*AS*MR.*JOHN*HARE*ALONE*COULD*HAVE*EQUALLED.*IT*WAS*NOT*MERELY*THAT*HOLMES*CHANGED*HIS*COSTUME.*HIS*EXPRESSION,*HIS*MANNER,*HIS*VERY*SOUL*SEEMED*TO*VARY*WITH*EVERY*FRESH*PART*THAT*HE*ASSUMED.*THE*STAGE*LOST*A*FINE*ACTOR,*EVEN*AS*SCIENCE*LOST*AN*ACUTE*REASONER,*WHEN*HE*BECAME*A*SPECIALIST*IN*CRIME.

IT*WAS*A*QUARTER*PAST*SIX*WHEN*WE*LEFT*BAKER*STREET,*AND*IT*STILL*WANTED*TEN*MINUTES*TO*THE*HOUR*WHEN*WE*FOUND*OURSELVES*IN*SERPENTINE*AVENUE.*IT*WAS*ALREADY*DUSK,*AND*THE*LAMPS*WERE*JUST*BEING*LIGHTED*AS*WE*PACED*UP*AND*DOWN*IN*FRONT*OF*BRIONY*LODGE,*WAITING*FOR*THE*COMING*OF*ITS*OCCUPANT.*THE*HOUSE*WAS*JUST*SUCH*AS*I*HAD*PICTURED*IT*FROM*SHERLOCK*HOLMES'*SUCCINCT*DESCRIPTION,*BUT*THE*LOCALITY*APPEARED*TO*BE*LESS*PRIVATE*THAN*I*EXPECTED.*ON*THE*CONTRARY,*FOR*A*SMALL*STREET*IN*A*QUIET*NEIGHBOURHOOD,*IT*WAS*REMARKABLY*ANIMATED.*THERE*WAS*A*GROUP*OF*SHABBILY*DRESSED*MEN*SMOKING*AND*LAUGHING*IN*A*CORNER,*A*SCISSORS-GRINDER*WITH*HIS*WHEEL,*TWO*GUARDSMEN*WHO*WERE*FLIRTING*WITH*A*NURSE-GIRL,*AND*SEVERAL*WELL-DRESSED*YOUNG*MEN*WHO*WERE*LOUNGING*UP*AND*DOWN*WITH*CIGARS*IN*THEIR*MOUTHS.

"YOU*SEE,"*REMARKED*HOLMES,*AS*WE*PACED*TO*AND*FRO*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*HOUSE,*"THIS*MARRIAGE*RATHER*SIMPLIFIES*MATTERS.*THE*PHOTOGRAPH*BECOMES*A*DOUBLE-EDGED*WEAPON*NOW.*THE*CHANCES*ARE*THAT*SHE*WOULD*BE*AS*AVERSE*TO*ITS*BEING*SEEN*BY*MR.*GODFREY*NORTON,*AS*OUR*CLIENT*IS*TO*ITS*COMING*TO*THE*EYES*OF*HIS*PRINCESS.*NOW*THE*QUESTION*IS,*WHERE*ARE*WE*TO*FIND*THE*PHOTOGRAPH?"

"WHERE,*INDEED?"

"IT*IS*MOST*UNLIKELY*THAT*SHE*CARRIES*IT*ABOUT*WITH*HER.*IT*IS*CABINET*SIZE.*TOO*LARGE*FOR*EASY*CONCEALMENT*ABOUT*A*WOMAN'S*DRESS.*SHE*KNOWS*THAT*THE*KING*IS*CAPABLE*OF*HAVING*HER*WAYLAID*AND*SEARCHED.*TWO*ATTEMPTS*OF*THE*SORT*HAVE*ALREADY*BEEN*MADE.*WE*MAY*TAKE*IT,*THEN,*THAT*SHE*DOES*NOT*CARRY*IT*ABOUT*WITH*HER."

"WHERE,*THEN?"

"HER*BANKER*OR*HER*LAWYER.*THERE*IS*THAT*DOUBLE*POSSIBILITY.*BUT*I*AM*INCLINED*TO*THINK*NEITHER.*WOMEN*ARE*NATURALLY*SECRETIVE,*AND*THEY*LIKE*TO*DO*THEIR*OWN*SECRETING.*WHY*SHOULD*SHE*HAND*IT*OVER*TO*ANYONE*ELSE?*SHE*COULD*TRUST*HER*OWN*GUARDIANSHIP,*BUT*SHE*COULD*NOT*TELL*WHAT*INDIRECT*OR*POLITICAL*INFLUENCE*MIGHT*BE*BROUGHT*TO*BEAR*UPON*A*BUSINESS*MAN.*BESIDES,*REMEMBER*THAT*SHE*HAD*RESOLVED*TO*USE*IT*WITHIN*A*FEW*DAYS.*IT*MUST*BE*WHERE*SHE*CAN*LAY*HER*HANDS*UPON*IT.*IT*MUST*BE*IN*HER*OWN*HOUSE."

"BUT*IT*HAS*TWICE*BEEN*BURGLED."

"PSHAW!*THEY*DID*NOT*KNOW*HOW*TO*LOOK."

"BUT*HOW*WILL*YOU*LOOK?"

"I*WILL*NOT*LOOK."

"WHAT*THEN?"

"I*WILL*GET*HER*TO*SHOW*ME."

"BUT*SHE*WILL*REFUSE."

"SHE*WILL*NOT*BE*ABLE*TO.*BUT*I*HEAR*THE*RUMBLE*OF*WHEELS.*IT*IS*HER*CARRIAGE.*NOW*CARRY*OUT*MY*ORDERS*TO*THE*LETTER."


"IS*THE*POOR*GENTLEMAN*MUCH*HURT?"*SHE*ASKED.

"HE*IS*DEAD,"*CRIED*SEVERAL*VOICES.

"NO,*NO,*THERE'S*LIFE*IN*HIM!"*SHOUTED*ANOTHER.*"BUT*HE'LL*BE*GONE*BEFORE*YOU*CAN*GET*HIM*TO*HOSPITAL."

"HE'S*A*BRAVE*FELLOW,"*SAID*A*WOMAN.*"THEY*WOULD*HAVE*HAD*THE*LADY'S*PURSE*AND*WATCH*IF*IT*HADN'T*BEEN*FOR*HIM.*THEY*WERE*A*GANG,*AND*A*ROUGH*ONE,*TOO.*AH,*HE'S*BREATHING*NOW."

"HE*CAN'T*LIE*IN*THE*STREET.*MAY*WE*BRING*HIM*IN,*MARM?"

"SURELY.*BRING*HIM*INTO*THE*SITTING-ROOM.*THERE*IS*A*COMFORTABLE*SOFA.*THIS*WAY,*PLEASE!"

SLOWLY*AND*SOLEMNLY*HE*WAS*BORNE*INTO*BRIONY*LODGE*AND*LAID*OUT*IN*THE*PRINCIPAL*ROOM,*WHILE*I*STILL*OBSERVED*THE*PROCEEDINGS*FROM*MY*POST*BY*THE*WINDOW.*THE*LAMPS*HAD*BEEN*LIT,*BUT*THE*BLINDS*HAD*NOT*BEEN*DRAWN,*SO*THAT*I*COULD*SEE*HOLMES*AS*HE*LAY*UPON*THE*COUCH.*I*DO*NOT*KNOW*WHETHER*HE*WAS*SEIZED*WITH*COMPUNCTION*AT*THAT*MOMENT*FOR*THE*PART*HE*WAS*PLAYING,*BUT*I*KNOW*THAT*I*NEVER*FELT*MORE*HEARTILY*ASHAMED*OF*MYSELF*IN*MY*LIFE*THAN*WHEN*I*SAW*THE*BEAUTIFUL*CREATURE*AGAINST*WHOM*I*WAS*CONSPIRING,*OR*THE*GRACE*AND*KINDLINESS*WITH*WHICH*SHE*WAITED*UPON*THE*INJURED*MAN.*AND*YET*IT*WOULD*BE*THE*BLACKEST*TREACHERY*TO*HOLMES*TO*DRAW*BACK*NOW*FROM*THE*PART*WHICH*HE*HAD*INTRUSTED*TO*ME.*I*HARDENED*MY*HEART,*AND*TOOK*THE*SMOKE-ROCKET*FROM*UNDER*MY*ULSTER.*AFTER*ALL,*I*THOUGHT,*WE*ARE*NOT*INJURING*HER.*WE*ARE*BUT*PREVENTING*HER*FROM*INJURING*ANOTHER.

HOLMES*HAD*SAT*UP*UPON*THE*COUCH,*AND*I*SAW*HIM*MOTION*LIKE*A*MAN*WHO*IS*IN*NEED*OF*AIR.*A*MAID*RUSHED*ACROSS*AND*THREW*OPEN*THE*WINDOW.*AT*THE*SAME*INSTANT*I*SAW*HIM*RAISE*HIS*HAND*AND*AT*THE*SIGNAL*I*TOSSED*MY*ROCKET*INTO*THE*ROOM*WITH*A*CRY*OF*"FIRE!"*THE*WORD*WAS*NO*SOONER*OUT*OF*MY*MOUTH*THAN*THE*WHOLE*CROWD*OF*SPECTATORS,*WELL*DRESSED*AND*ILL--GENTLEMEN,*OSTLERS,*AND*SERVANT*MAIDS--JOINED*IN*A*GENERAL*SHRIEK*OF*"FIRE!"*THICK*CLOUDS*OF*SMOKE*CURLED*THROUGH*THE*ROOM*AND*OUT*AT*THE*OPEN*WINDOW.*I*CAUGHT*A*GLIMPSE*OF*RUSHING*FIGURES,*AND*A*MOMENT*LATER*THE*VOICE*OF*HOLMES*FROM*WITHIN*ASSURING*THEM*THAT*IT*WAS*A*FALSE*ALARM.*SLIPPING*THROUGH*THE*SHOUTING*CROWD*I*MADE*MY*WAY*TO*THE*CORNER*OF*THE*STREET,*AND*IN*TEN*MINUTES*WAS*REJOICED*TO*FIND*MY*FRIEND'S*ARM*IN*MINE,*AND*TO*GET*AWAY*FROM*THE*SCENE*OF*UPROAR.*HE*WALKED*SWIFTLY*AND*IN*SILENCE*FOR*SOME*FEW*MINUTES*UNTIL*WE*HAD*TURNED*DOWN*ONE*OF*THE*QUIET*STREETS*WHICH*LEAD*TOWARDS*THE*EDGEWARE*ROAD.

"YOU*DID*IT*VERY*NICELY,*DOCTOR,"*HE*REMARKED.*"NOTHING*COULD*HAVE*BEEN*BETTER.*IT*IS*ALL*RIGHT."

"YOU*HAVE*THE*PHOTOGRAPH?"

"I*KNOW*WHERE*IT*IS."

"AND*HOW*DID*YOU*FIND*OUT?"

"SHE*SHOWED*ME,*AS*I*TOLD*YOU*SHE*WOULD."

"I*AM*STILL*IN*THE*DARK."

"I*DO*NOT*WISH*TO*MAKE*A*MYSTERY,"*SAID*HE,*LAUGHING.*"THE*MATTER*WAS*PERFECTLY*SIMPLE.*YOU,*OF*COURSE,*SAW*THAT*EVERYONE*IN*THE*STREET*WAS*AN*ACCOMPLICE.*THEY*WERE*ALL*ENGAGED*FOR*THE*EVENING."

"I*GUESSED*AS*MUCH."

"THEN,*WHEN*THE*ROW*BROKE*OUT,*I*HAD*A*LITTLE*MOIST*RED*PAINT*IN*THE*PALM*OF*MY*HAND.*I*RUSHED*FORWARD,*FELL*DOWN,*CLAPPED*MY*HAND*TO*MY*FACE,*AND*BECAME*A*PITEOUS*SPECTACLE.*IT*IS*AN*OLD*TRICK."

"THAT*ALSO*I*COULD*FATHOM."

"THEN*THEY*CARRIED*ME*IN.*SHE*WAS*BOUND*TO*HAVE*ME*IN.*WHAT*ELSE*COULD*SHE*DO?*AND*INTO*HER*SITTING-ROOM,*WHICH*WAS*THE*VERY*ROOM*WHICH*I*SUSPECTED.*IT*LAY*BETWEEN*THAT*AND*HER*BEDROOM,*AND*I*WAS*DETERMINED*TO*SEE*WHICH.*THEY*LAID*ME*ON*A*COUCH,*I*MOTIONED*FOR*AIR,*THEY*WERE*COMPELLED*TO*OPEN*THE*WINDOW,*AND*YOU*HAD*YOUR*CHANCE."

"HOW*DID*THAT*HELP*YOU?"


"AND*NOW?"*I*ASKED.

"OUR*QUEST*IS*PRACTICALLY*FINISHED.*I*SHALL*CALL*WITH*THE*KING*TO-MORROW,*AND*WITH*YOU,*IF*YOU*CARE*TO*COME*WITH*US.*WE*WILL*BE*SHOWN*INTO*THE*SITTING-ROOM*TO*WAIT*FOR*THE*LADY,*BUT*IT*IS*PROBABLE*THAT*WHEN*SHE*COMES*SHE*MAY*FIND*NEITHER*US*NOR*THE*PHOTOGRAPH.*IT*MIGHT*BE*A*SATISFACTION*TO*HIS*MAJESTY*TO*REGAIN*IT*WITH*HIS*OWN*HANDS."

"AND*WHEN*WILL*YOU*CALL?"

"AT*EIGHT*IN*THE*MORNING.*SHE*WILL*NOT*BE*UP,*SO*THAT*WE*SHALL*HAVE*A*CLEAR*FIELD.*BESIDES,*WE*MUST*BE*PROMPT,*FOR*THIS*MARRIAGE*MAY*MEAN*A*COMPLETE*CHANGE*IN*HER*LIFE*AND*HABITS.*I*MUST*WIRE*TO*THE*KING*WITHOUT*DELAY."

WE*HAD*REACHED*BAKER*STREET*AND*HAD*STOPPED*AT*THE*DOOR.*HE*WAS*SEARCHING*HIS*POCKETS*FOR*THE*KEY*WHEN*SOMEONE*PASSING*SAID:

"GOOD-NIGHT,*MISTER*SHERLOCK*HOLMES."

THERE*WERE*SEVERAL*PEOPLE*ON*THE*PAVEMENT*AT*THE*TIME,*BUT*THE*GREETING*APPEARED*TO*COME*FROM*A*SLIM*YOUTH*IN*AN*ULSTER*WHO*HAD*HURRIED*BY.

"I'VE*HEARD*THAT*VOICE*BEFORE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*STARING*DOWN*THE*DIMLY*LIT*STREET.*"NOW,*I*WONDER*WHO*THE*DEUCE*THAT*COULD*HAVE*BEEN."

III.


I*SLEPT*AT*BAKER*STREET*THAT*NIGHT,*AND*WE*WERE*ENGAGED*UPON*OUR*TOAST*AND*COFFEE*IN*THE*MORNING*WHEN*THE*KING*OF*BOHEMIA*RUSHED*INTO*THE*ROOM.

"YOU*HAVE*REALLY*GOT*IT!"*HE*CRIED,*GRASPING*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*BY*EITHER*SHOULDER*AND*LOOKING*EAGERLY*INTO*HIS*FACE.

"NOT*YET."

"BUT*YOU*HAVE*HOPES?"

"I*HAVE*HOPES."

"THEN,*COME.*I*AM*ALL*IMPATIENCE*TO*BE*GONE."

"WE*MUST*HAVE*A*CAB."

"NO,*MY*BROUGHAM*IS*WAITING."

"THEN*THAT*WILL*SIMPLIFY*MATTERS."*WE*DESCENDED*AND*STARTED*OFF*ONCE*MORE*FOR*BRIONY*LODGE.

"IRENE*ADLER*IS*MARRIED,"*REMARKED*HOLMES.

"MARRIED!*WHEN?"

"YESTERDAY."

"BUT*TO*WHOM?"

"TO*AN*ENGLISH*LAWYER*NAMED*NORTON."

"BUT*SHE*COULD*NOT*LOVE*HIM."

"I*AM*IN*HOPES*THAT*SHE*DOES."

"AND*WHY*IN*HOPES?"

"BECAUSE*IT*WOULD*SPARE*YOUR*MAJESTY*ALL*FEAR*OF*FUTURE*ANNOYANCE.*IF*THE*LADY*LOVES*HER*HUSBAND,*SHE*DOES*NOT*LOVE*YOUR*MAJESTY.*IF*SHE*DOES*NOT*LOVE*YOUR*MAJESTY,*THERE*IS*NO*REASON*WHY*SHE*SHOULD*INTERFERE*WITH*YOUR*MAJESTY'S*PLAN."

"IT*IS*TRUE.*AND*YET--!*WELL!*I*WISH*SHE*HAD*BEEN*OF*MY*OWN*STATION!*WHAT*A*QUEEN*SHE*WOULD*HAVE*MADE!"*HE*RELAPSED*INTO*A*MOODY*SILENCE,*WHICH*WAS*NOT*BROKEN*UNTIL*WE*DREW*UP*IN*SERPENTINE*AVENUE.

THE*DOOR*OF*BRIONY*LODGE*WAS*OPEN,*AND*AN*ELDERLY*WOMAN*STOOD*UPON*THE*STEPS.*SHE*WATCHED*US*WITH*A*SARDONIC*EYE*AS*WE*STEPPED*FROM*THE*BROUGHAM.

"MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*I*BELIEVE?"*SAID*SHE.

"I*AM*MR.*HOLMES,"*ANSWERED*MY*COMPANION,*LOOKING*AT*HER*WITH*A*QUESTIONING*AND*RATHER*STARTLED*GAZE.

"INDEED!*MY*MISTRESS*TOLD*ME*THAT*YOU*WERE*LIKELY*TO*CALL.*SHE*LEFT*THIS*MORNING*WITH*HER*HUSBAND*BY*THE*5:15*TRAIN*FROM*CHARING*CROSS*FOR*THE*CONTINENT."

"WHAT!"*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*STAGGERED*BACK,*WHITE*WITH*CHAGRIN*AND*SURPRISE.*"DO*YOU*MEAN*THAT*SHE*HAS*LEFT*ENGLAND?"

"NEVER*TO*RETURN."

"AND*THE*PAPERS?"*ASKED*THE*KING*HOARSELY.*"ALL*IS*LOST."

"WE*SHALL*SEE."*HE*PUSHED*PAST*THE*SERVANT*AND*RUSHED*INTO*THE*DRAWING-ROOM,*FOLLOWED*BY*THE*KING*AND*MYSELF.*THE*FURNITURE*WAS*SCATTERED*ABOUT*IN*EVERY*DIRECTION,*WITH*DISMANTLED*SHELVES*AND*OPEN*DRAWERS,*AS*IF*THE*LADY*HAD*HURRIEDLY*RANSACKED*THEM*BEFORE*HER*FLIGHT.*HOLMES*RUSHED*AT*THE*BELL-PULL,*TORE*BACK*A*SMALL*SLIDING*SHUTTER,*AND,*PLUNGING*IN*HIS*HAND,*PULLED*OUT*A*PHOTOGRAPH*AND*A*LETTER.*THE*PHOTOGRAPH*WAS*OF*IRENE*ADLER*HERSELF*IN*EVENING*DRESS,*THE*LETTER*WAS*SUPERSCRIBED*TO*"SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*ESQ.*TO*BE*LEFT*TILL*CALLED*FOR."*MY*FRIEND*TORE*IT*OPEN,*AND*WE*ALL*THREE*READ*IT*TOGETHER.*IT*WAS*DATED*AT*MIDNIGHT*OF*THE*PRECEDING*NIGHT*AND*RAN*IN*THIS*WAY:

"MY*DEAR*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,--YOU*REALLY*DID*IT*VERY*WELL.*YOU*TOOK*ME*IN*COMPLETELY.*UNTIL*AFTER*THE*ALARM*OF*FIRE,*I*HAD*NOT*A*SUSPICION.*BUT*THEN,*WHEN*I*FOUND*HOW*I*HAD*BETRAYED*MYSELF,*I*BEGAN*TO*THINK.*I*HAD*BEEN*WARNED*AGAINST*YOU*MONTHS*AGO.*I*HAD*BEEN*TOLD*THAT,*IF*THE*KING*EMPLOYED*AN*AGENT,*IT*WOULD*CERTAINLY*BE*YOU.*AND*YOUR*ADDRESS*HAD*BEEN*GIVEN*ME.*YET,*WITH*ALL*THIS,*YOU*MADE*ME*REVEAL*WHAT*YOU*WANTED*TO*KNOW.*EVEN*AFTER*I*BECAME*SUSPICIOUS,*I*FOUND*IT*HARD*TO*THINK*EVIL*OF*SUCH*A*DEAR,*KIND*OLD*CLERGYMAN.*BUT,*YOU*KNOW,*I*HAVE*BEEN*TRAINED*AS*AN*ACTRESS*MYSELF.*MALE*COSTUME*IS*NOTHING*NEW*TO*ME.*I*OFTEN*TAKE*ADVANTAGE*OF*THE*FREEDOM*WHICH*IT*GIVES.*I*SENT*JOHN,*THE*COACHMAN,*TO*WATCH*YOU,*RAN*UPSTAIRS,*GOT*INTO*MY*WALKING*CLOTHES,*AS*I*CALL*THEM,*AND*CAME*DOWN*JUST*AS*YOU*DEPARTED.

"WELL,*I*FOLLOWED*YOU*TO*YOUR*DOOR,*AND*SO*MADE*SURE*THAT*I*WAS*REALLY*AN*OBJECT*OF*INTEREST*TO*THE*CELEBRATED*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.*THEN*I,*RATHER*IMPRUDENTLY,*WISHED*YOU*GOOD-NIGHT,*AND*STARTED*FOR*THE*TEMPLE*TO*SEE*MY*HUSBAND.

"WE*BOTH*THOUGHT*THE*BEST*RESOURCE*WAS*FLIGHT,*WHEN*PURSUED*BY*SO*FORMIDABLE*AN*ANTAGONIST;*SO*YOU*WILL*FIND*THE*NEST*EMPTY*WHEN*YOU*CALL*TO-MORROW.*AS*TO*THE*PHOTOGRAPH,*YOUR*CLIENT*MAY*REST*IN*PEACE.*I*LOVE*AND*AM*LOVED*BY*A*BETTER*MAN*THAN*HE.*THE*KING*MAY*DO*WHAT*HE*WILL*WITHOUT*HINDRANCE*FROM*ONE*WHOM*HE*HAS*CRUELLY*WRONGED.*I*KEEP*IT*ONLY*TO*SAFEGUARD*MYSELF,*AND*TO*PRESERVE*A*WEAPON*WHICH*WILL*ALWAYS*SECURE*ME*FROM*ANY*STEPS*WHICH*HE*MIGHT*TAKE*IN*THE*FUTURE.*I*LEAVE*A*PHOTOGRAPH*WHICH*HE*MIGHT*CARE*TO*POSSESS;*AND*I*REMAIN,*DEAR*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,


"VERY*TRULY*YOURS,**************
"IRENE*NORTON,*NEE*ADLER."

"WHAT*A*WOMAN--OH,*WHAT*A*WOMAN!"*CRIED*THE*KING*OF*BOHEMIA,*WHEN*WE*HAD*ALL*THREE*READ*THIS*EPISTLE.*"DID*I*NOT*TELL*YOU*HOW*QUICK*AND*RESOLUTE*SHE*WAS?*WOULD*SHE*NOT*HAVE*MADE*AN*ADMIRABLE*QUEEN?*IS*IT*NOT*A*PITY*THAT*SHE*WAS*NOT*ON*MY*LEVEL?"

"FROM*WHAT*I*HAVE*SEEN*OF*THE*LADY,*SHE*SEEMS,*INDEED,*TO*BE*ON*A*VERY*DIFFERENT*LEVEL*TO*YOUR*MAJESTY,"*SAID*HOLMES*COLDLY.*"I*AM*SORRY*THAT*I*HAVE*NOT*BEEN*ABLE*TO*BRING*YOUR*MAJESTY'S*BUSINESS*TO*A*MORE*SUCCESSFUL*CONCLUSION."

"ON*THE*CONTRARY,*MY*DEAR*SIR,"*CRIED*THE*KING;*"NOTHING*COULD*BE*MORE*SUCCESSFUL.*I*KNOW*THAT*HER*WORD*IS*INVIOLATE.*THE*PHOTOGRAPH*IS*NOW*AS*SAFE*AS*IF*IT*WERE*IN*THE*FIRE."

"I*AM*GLAD*TO*HEAR*YOUR*MAJESTY*SAY*SO."

"I*AM*IMMENSELY*INDEBTED*TO*YOU.*PRAY*TELL*ME*IN*WHAT*WAY*I*CAN*REWARD*YOU.*THIS*RING--"*HE*SLIPPED*AN*EMERALD*SNAKE*RING*FROM*HIS*FINGER*AND*HELD*IT*OUT*UPON*THE*PALM*OF*HIS*HAND.

"YOUR*MAJESTY*HAS*SOMETHING*WHICH*I*SHOULD*VALUE*EVEN*MORE*HIGHLY,"*SAID*HOLMES.

"YOU*HAVE*BUT*TO*NAME*IT."

"THIS*PHOTOGRAPH!"

THE*KING*STARED*AT*HIM*IN*AMAZEMENT.

"IRENE'S*PHOTOGRAPH!"*HE*CRIED.*"CERTAINLY,*IF*YOU*WISH*IT."

"I*THANK*YOUR*MAJESTY.*THEN*THERE*IS*NO*MORE*TO*BE*DONE*IN*THE*MATTER.*I*HAVE*THE*HONOUR*TO*WISH*YOU*A*VERY*GOOD*MORNING."*HE*BOWED,*AND,*TURNING*AWAY*WITHOUT*OBSERVING*THE*HAND*WHICH*THE*KING*HAD*STRETCHED*OUT*TO*HIM,*HE*SET*OFF*IN*MY*COMPANY*FOR*HIS*CHAMBERS.

AND*THAT*WAS*HOW*A*GREAT*SCANDAL*THREATENED*TO*AFFECT*THE*KINGDOM*OF*BOHEMIA,*AND*HOW*THE*BEST*PLANS*OF*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*WERE*BEATEN*BY*A*WOMAN'S*WIT.*HE*USED*TO*MAKE*MERRY*OVER*THE*CLEVERNESS*OF*WOMEN,*BUT*I*HAVE*NOT*HEARD*HIM*DO*IT*OF*LATE.*AND*WHEN*HE*SPEAKS*OF*IRENE*ADLER,*OR*WHEN*HE*REFERS*TO*HER*PHOTOGRAPH,*IT*IS*ALWAYS*UNDER*THE*HONOURABLE*TITLE*OF*THE*WOMAN.

ADVENTURE**II.**THE*RED-HEADED*LEAGUE


I*HAD*CALLED*UPON*MY*FRIEND,*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*ONE*DAY*IN*THE*AUTUMN*OF*LAST*YEAR*AND*FOUND*HIM*IN*DEEP*CONVERSATION*WITH*A*VERY*STOUT,*FLORID-FACED,*ELDERLY*GENTLEMAN*WITH*FIERY*RED*HAIR.*WITH*AN*APOLOGY*FOR*MY*INTRUSION,*I*WAS*ABOUT*TO*WITHDRAW*WHEN*HOLMES*PULLED*ME*ABRUPTLY*INTO*THE*ROOM*AND*CLOSED*THE*DOOR*BEHIND*ME.

"YOU*COULD*NOT*POSSIBLY*HAVE*COME*AT*A*BETTER*TIME,*MY*DEAR*WATSON,"*HE*SAID*CORDIALLY.

"I*WAS*AFRAID*THAT*YOU*WERE*ENGAGED."

"SO*I*AM.*VERY*MUCH*SO."

"THEN*I*CAN*WAIT*IN*THE*NEXT*ROOM."

"NOT*AT*ALL.*THIS*GENTLEMAN,*MR.*WILSON,*HAS*BEEN*MY*PARTNER*AND*HELPER*IN*MANY*OF*MY*MOST*SUCCESSFUL*CASES,*AND*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*HE*WILL*BE*OF*THE*UTMOST*USE*TO*ME*IN*YOURS*ALSO."

THE*STOUT*GENTLEMAN*HALF*ROSE*FROM*HIS*CHAIR*AND*GAVE*A*BOB*OF*GREETING,*WITH*A*QUICK*LITTLE*QUESTIONING*GLANCE*FROM*HIS*SMALL*FAT-ENCIRCLED*EYES.

"TRY*THE*SETTEE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*RELAPSING*INTO*HIS*ARMCHAIR*AND*PUTTING*HIS*FINGERTIPS*TOGETHER,*AS*WAS*HIS*CUSTOM*WHEN*IN*JUDICIAL*MOODS.*"I*KNOW,*MY*DEAR*WATSON,*THAT*YOU*SHARE*MY*LOVE*OF*ALL*THAT*IS*BIZARRE*AND*OUTSIDE*THE*CONVENTIONS*AND*HUMDRUM*ROUTINE*OF*EVERYDAY*LIFE.*YOU*HAVE*SHOWN*YOUR*RELISH*FOR*IT*BY*THE*ENTHUSIASM*WHICH*HAS*PROMPTED*YOU*TO*CHRONICLE,*AND,*IF*YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*MY*SAYING*SO,*SOMEWHAT*TO*EMBELLISH*SO*MANY*OF*MY*OWN*LITTLE*ADVENTURES."

"YOUR*CASES*HAVE*INDEED*BEEN*OF*THE*GREATEST*INTEREST*TO*ME,"*I*OBSERVED.

"YOU*WILL*REMEMBER*THAT*I*REMARKED*THE*OTHER*DAY,*JUST*BEFORE*WE*WENT*INTO*THE*VERY*SIMPLE*PROBLEM*PRESENTED*BY*MISS*MARY*SUTHERLAND,*THAT*FOR*STRANGE*EFFECTS*AND*EXTRAORDINARY*COMBINATIONS*WE*MUST*GO*TO*LIFE*ITSELF,*WHICH*IS*ALWAYS*FAR*MORE*DARING*THAN*ANY*EFFORT*OF*THE*IMAGINATION."

"A*PROPOSITION*WHICH*I*TOOK*THE*LIBERTY*OF*DOUBTING."


THE*PORTLY*CLIENT*PUFFED*OUT*HIS*CHEST*WITH*AN*APPEARANCE*OF*SOME*LITTLE*PRIDE*AND*PULLED*A*DIRTY*AND*WRINKLED*NEWSPAPER*FROM*THE*INSIDE*POCKET*OF*HIS*GREATCOAT.*AS*HE*GLANCED*DOWN*THE*ADVERTISEMENT*COLUMN,*WITH*HIS*HEAD*THRUST*FORWARD*AND*THE*PAPER*FLATTENED*OUT*UPON*HIS*KNEE,*I*TOOK*A*GOOD*LOOK*AT*THE*MAN*AND*ENDEAVOURED,*AFTER*THE*FASHION*OF*MY*COMPANION,*TO*READ*THE*INDICATIONS*WHICH*MIGHT*BE*PRESENTED*BY*HIS*DRESS*OR*APPEARANCE.

I*DID*NOT*GAIN*VERY*MUCH,*HOWEVER,*BY*MY*INSPECTION.*OUR*VISITOR*BORE*EVERY*MARK*OF*BEING*AN*AVERAGE*COMMONPLACE*BRITISH*TRADESMAN,*OBESE,*POMPOUS,*AND*SLOW.*HE*WORE*RATHER*BAGGY*GREY*SHEPHERD'S*CHECK*TROUSERS,*A*NOT*OVER-CLEAN*BLACK*FROCK-COAT,*UNBUTTONED*IN*THE*FRONT,*AND*A*DRAB*WAISTCOAT*WITH*A*HEAVY*BRASSY*ALBERT*CHAIN,*AND*A*SQUARE*PIERCED*BIT*OF*METAL*DANGLING*DOWN*AS*AN*ORNAMENT.*A*FRAYED*TOP-HAT*AND*A*FADED*BROWN*OVERCOAT*WITH*A*WRINKLED*VELVET*COLLAR*LAY*UPON*A*CHAIR*BESIDE*HIM.*ALTOGETHER,*LOOK*AS*I*WOULD,*THERE*WAS*NOTHING*REMARKABLE*ABOUT*THE*MAN*SAVE*HIS*BLAZING*RED*HEAD,*AND*THE*EXPRESSION*OF*EXTREME*CHAGRIN*AND*DISCONTENT*UPON*HIS*FEATURES.

SHERLOCK*HOLMES'*QUICK*EYE*TOOK*IN*MY*OCCUPATION,*AND*HE*SHOOK*HIS*HEAD*WITH*A*SMILE*AS*HE*NOTICED*MY*QUESTIONING*GLANCES.*"BEYOND*THE*OBVIOUS*FACTS*THAT*HE*HAS*AT*SOME*TIME*DONE*MANUAL*LABOUR,*THAT*HE*TAKES*SNUFF,*THAT*HE*IS*A*FREEMASON,*THAT*HE*HAS*BEEN*IN*CHINA,*AND*THAT*HE*HAS*DONE*A*CONSIDERABLE*AMOUNT*OF*WRITING*LATELY,*I*CAN*DEDUCE*NOTHING*ELSE."

MR.*JABEZ*WILSON*STARTED*UP*IN*HIS*CHAIR,*WITH*HIS*FOREFINGER*UPON*THE*PAPER,*BUT*HIS*EYES*UPON*MY*COMPANION.

"HOW,*IN*THE*NAME*OF*GOOD-FORTUNE,*DID*YOU*KNOW*ALL*THAT,*MR.*HOLMES?"*HE*ASKED.*"HOW*DID*YOU*KNOW,*FOR*EXAMPLE,*THAT*I*DID*MANUAL*LABOUR.*IT'S*AS*TRUE*AS*GOSPEL,*FOR*I*BEGAN*AS*A*SHIP'S*CARPENTER."

"YOUR*HANDS,*MY*DEAR*SIR.*YOUR*RIGHT*HAND*IS*QUITE*A*SIZE*LARGER*THAN*YOUR*LEFT.*YOU*HAVE*WORKED*WITH*IT,*AND*THE*MUSCLES*ARE*MORE*DEVELOPED."

"WELL,*THE*SNUFF,*THEN,*AND*THE*FREEMASONRY?"

"I*WON'T*INSULT*YOUR*INTELLIGENCE*BY*TELLING*YOU*HOW*I*READ*THAT,*ESPECIALLY*AS,*RATHER*AGAINST*THE*STRICT*RULES*OF*YOUR*ORDER,*YOU*USE*AN*ARC-AND-COMPASS*BREASTPIN."

"AH,*OF*COURSE,*I*FORGOT*THAT.*BUT*THE*WRITING?"

"WHAT*ELSE*CAN*BE*INDICATED*BY*THAT*RIGHT*CUFF*SO*VERY*SHINY*FOR*FIVE*INCHES,*AND*THE*LEFT*ONE*WITH*THE*SMOOTH*PATCH*NEAR*THE*ELBOW*WHERE*YOU*REST*IT*UPON*THE*DESK?"

"WELL,*BUT*CHINA?"

"THE*FISH*THAT*YOU*HAVE*TATTOOED*IMMEDIATELY*ABOVE*YOUR*RIGHT*WRIST*COULD*ONLY*HAVE*BEEN*DONE*IN*CHINA.*I*HAVE*MADE*A*SMALL*STUDY*OF*TATTOO*MARKS*AND*HAVE*EVEN*CONTRIBUTED*TO*THE*LITERATURE*OF*THE*SUBJECT.*THAT*TRICK*OF*STAINING*THE*FISHES'*SCALES*OF*A*DELICATE*PINK*IS*QUITE*PECULIAR*TO*CHINA.*WHEN,*IN*ADDITION,*I*SEE*A*CHINESE*COIN*HANGING*FROM*YOUR*WATCH-CHAIN,*THE*MATTER*BECOMES*EVEN*MORE*SIMPLE."

MR.*JABEZ*WILSON*LAUGHED*HEAVILY.*"WELL,*I*NEVER!"*SAID*HE.*"I*THOUGHT*AT*FIRST*THAT*YOU*HAD*DONE*SOMETHING*CLEVER,*BUT*I*SEE*THAT*THERE*WAS*NOTHING*IN*IT*AFTER*ALL."

"I*BEGIN*TO*THINK,*WATSON,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"THAT*I*MAKE*A*MISTAKE*IN*EXPLAINING.*'OMNE*IGNOTUM*PRO*MAGNIFICO,'*YOU*KNOW,*AND*MY*POOR*LITTLE*REPUTATION,*SUCH*AS*IT*IS,*WILL*SUFFER*SHIPWRECK*IF*I*AM*SO*CANDID.*CAN*YOU*NOT*FIND*THE*ADVERTISEMENT,*MR.*WILSON?"

"YES,*I*HAVE*GOT*IT*NOW,"*HE*ANSWERED*WITH*HIS*THICK*RED*FINGER*PLANTED*HALFWAY*DOWN*THE*COLUMN.*"HERE*IT*IS.*THIS*IS*WHAT*BEGAN*IT*ALL.*YOU*JUST*READ*IT*FOR*YOURSELF,*SIR."

I*TOOK*THE*PAPER*FROM*HIM*AND*READ*AS*FOLLOWS:

"TO*THE*RED-HEADED*LEAGUE:*ON*ACCOUNT*OF*THE*BEQUEST*OF*THE*LATE*EZEKIAH*HOPKINS,*OF*LEBANON,*PENNSYLVANIA,*U.*S.*A.,*THERE*IS*NOW*ANOTHER*VACANCY*OPEN*WHICH*ENTITLES*A*MEMBER*OF*THE*LEAGUE*TO*A*SALARY*OF*$4*A*WEEK*FOR*PURELY*NOMINAL*SERVICES.*ALL*RED-HEADED*MEN*WHO*ARE*SOUND*IN*BODY*AND*MIND*AND*ABOVE*THE*AGE*OF*TWENTY-ONE*YEARS,*ARE*ELIGIBLE.*APPLY*IN*PERSON*ON*MONDAY,*AT*ELEVEN*O'CLOCK,*TO*DUNCAN*ROSS,*AT*THE*OFFICES*OF*THE*LEAGUE,*7*POPE'S*COURT,*FLEET*STREET."

"WHAT*ON*EARTH*DOES*THIS*MEAN?"*I*EJACULATED*AFTER*I*HAD*TWICE*READ*OVER*THE*EXTRAORDINARY*ANNOUNCEMENT.

HOLMES*CHUCKLED*AND*WRIGGLED*IN*HIS*CHAIR,*AS*WAS*HIS*HABIT*WHEN*IN*HIGH*SPIRITS.*"IT*IS*A*LITTLE*OFF*THE*BEATEN*TRACK,*ISN'T*IT?"*SAID*HE.*"AND*NOW,*MR.*WILSON,*OFF*YOU*GO*AT*SCRATCH*AND*TELL*US*ALL*ABOUT*YOURSELF,*YOUR*HOUSEHOLD,*AND*THE*EFFECT*WHICH*THIS*ADVERTISEMENT*HAD*UPON*YOUR*FORTUNES.*YOU*WILL*FIRST*MAKE*A*NOTE,*DOCTOR,*OF*THE*PAPER*AND*THE*DATE."

"IT*IS*THE*MORNING*CHRONICLE*OF*APRIL*27,*1890.*JUST*TWO*MONTHS*AGO."

"VERY*GOOD.*NOW,*MR.*WILSON?"

"WELL,*IT*IS*JUST*AS*I*HAVE*BEEN*TELLING*YOU,*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,"*SAID*JABEZ*WILSON,*MOPPING*HIS*FOREHEAD;*"I*HAVE*A*SMALL*PAWNBROKER'S*BUSINESS*AT*COBURG*SQUARE,*NEAR*THE*CITY.*IT'S*NOT*A*VERY*LARGE*AFFAIR,*AND*OF*LATE*YEARS*IT*HAS*NOT*DONE*MORE*THAN*JUST*GIVE*ME*A*LIVING.*I*USED*TO*BE*ABLE*TO*KEEP*TWO*ASSISTANTS,*BUT*NOW*I*ONLY*KEEP*ONE;*AND*I*WOULD*HAVE*A*JOB*TO*PAY*HIM*BUT*THAT*HE*IS*WILLING*TO*COME*FOR*HALF*WAGES*SO*AS*TO*LEARN*THE*BUSINESS."

"WHAT*IS*THE*NAME*OF*THIS*OBLIGING*YOUTH?"*ASKED*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.

"HIS*NAME*IS*VINCENT*SPAULDING,*AND*HE'S*NOT*SUCH*A*YOUTH,*EITHER.*IT'S*HARD*TO*SAY*HIS*AGE.*I*SHOULD*NOT*WISH*A*SMARTER*ASSISTANT,*MR.*HOLMES;*AND*I*KNOW*VERY*WELL*THAT*HE*COULD*BETTER*HIMSELF*AND*EARN*TWICE*WHAT*I*AM*ABLE*TO*GIVE*HIM.*BUT,*AFTER*ALL,*IF*HE*IS*SATISFIED,*WHY*SHOULD*I*PUT*IDEAS*IN*HIS*HEAD?"

"WHY,*INDEED?*YOU*SEEM*MOST*FORTUNATE*IN*HAVING*AN*EMPLOYE*WHO*COMES*UNDER*THE*FULL*MARKET*PRICE.*IT*IS*NOT*A*COMMON*EXPERIENCE*AMONG*EMPLOYERS*IN*THIS*AGE.*I*DON'T*KNOW*THAT*YOUR*ASSISTANT*IS*NOT*AS*REMARKABLE*AS*YOUR*ADVERTISEMENT."

"OH,*HE*HAS*HIS*FAULTS,*TOO,"*SAID*MR.*WILSON.*"NEVER*WAS*SUCH*A*FELLOW*FOR*PHOTOGRAPHY.*SNAPPING*AWAY*WITH*A*CAMERA*WHEN*HE*OUGHT*TO*BE*IMPROVING*HIS*MIND,*AND*THEN*DIVING*DOWN*INTO*THE*CELLAR*LIKE*A*RABBIT*INTO*ITS*HOLE*TO*DEVELOP*HIS*PICTURES.*THAT*IS*HIS*MAIN*FAULT,*BUT*ON*THE*WHOLE*HE'S*A*GOOD*WORKER.*THERE'S*NO*VICE*IN*HIM."

"HE*IS*STILL*WITH*YOU,*I*PRESUME?"

"YES,*SIR.*HE*AND*A*GIRL*OF*FOURTEEN,*WHO*DOES*A*BIT*OF*SIMPLE*COOKING*AND*KEEPS*THE*PLACE*CLEAN--THAT'S*ALL*I*HAVE*IN*THE*HOUSE,*FOR*I*AM*A*WIDOWER*AND*NEVER*HAD*ANY*FAMILY.*WE*LIVE*VERY*QUIETLY,*SIR,*THE*THREE*OF*US;*AND*WE*KEEP*A*ROOF*OVER*OUR*HEADS*AND*PAY*OUR*DEBTS,*IF*WE*DO*NOTHING*MORE.

"THE*FIRST*THING*THAT*PUT*US*OUT*WAS*THAT*ADVERTISEMENT.*SPAULDING,*HE*CAME*DOWN*INTO*THE*OFFICE*JUST*THIS*DAY*EIGHT*WEEKS,*WITH*THIS*VERY*PAPER*IN*HIS*HAND,*AND*HE*SAYS:

"*'I*WISH*TO*THE*LORD,*MR.*WILSON,*THAT*I*WAS*A*RED-HEADED*MAN.'

"*'WHY*THAT?'*I*ASKS.

"*'WHY,'*SAYS*HE,*'HERE'S*ANOTHER*VACANCY*ON*THE*LEAGUE*OF*THE*RED-HEADED*MEN.*IT'S*WORTH*QUITE*A*LITTLE*FORTUNE*TO*ANY*MAN*WHO*GETS*IT,*AND*I*UNDERSTAND*THAT*THERE*ARE*MORE*VACANCIES*THAN*THERE*ARE*MEN,*SO*THAT*THE*TRUSTEES*ARE*AT*THEIR*WITS'*END*WHAT*TO*DO*WITH*THE*MONEY.*IF*MY*HAIR*WOULD*ONLY*CHANGE*COLOUR,*HERE'S*A*NICE*LITTLE*CRIB*ALL*READY*FOR*ME*TO*STEP*INTO.'

"*'WHY,*WHAT*IS*IT,*THEN?'*I*ASKED.*YOU*SEE,*MR.*HOLMES,*I*AM*A*VERY*STAY-AT-HOME*MAN,*AND*AS*MY*BUSINESS*CAME*TO*ME*INSTEAD*OF*MY*HAVING*TO*GO*TO*IT,*I*WAS*OFTEN*WEEKS*ON*END*WITHOUT*PUTTING*MY*FOOT*OVER*THE*DOOR-MAT.*IN*THAT*WAY*I*DIDN'T*KNOW*MUCH*OF*WHAT*WAS*GOING*ON*OUTSIDE,*AND*I*WAS*ALWAYS*GLAD*OF*A*BIT*OF*NEWS.

"*'HAVE*YOU*NEVER*HEARD*OF*THE*LEAGUE*OF*THE*RED-HEADED*MEN?'*HE*ASKED*WITH*HIS*EYES*OPEN.

"*'NEVER.'

"*'WHY,*I*WONDER*AT*THAT,*FOR*YOU*ARE*ELIGIBLE*YOURSELF*FOR*ONE*OF*THE*VACANCIES.'

"*'AND*WHAT*ARE*THEY*WORTH?'*I*ASKED.

"*'OH,*MERELY*A*COUPLE*OF*HUNDRED*A*YEAR,*BUT*THE*WORK*IS*SLIGHT,*AND*IT*NEED*NOT*INTERFERE*VERY*MUCH*WITH*ONE'S*OTHER*OCCUPATIONS.'

"WELL,*YOU*CAN*EASILY*THINK*THAT*THAT*MADE*ME*PRICK*UP*MY*EARS,*FOR*THE*BUSINESS*HAS*NOT*BEEN*OVER*GOOD*FOR*SOME*YEARS,*AND*AN*EXTRA*COUPLE*OF*HUNDRED*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*VERY*HANDY.

"*'TELL*ME*ALL*ABOUT*IT,'*SAID*I.

"*'WELL,'*SAID*HE,*SHOWING*ME*THE*ADVERTISEMENT,*'YOU*CAN*SEE*FOR*YOURSELF*THAT*THE*LEAGUE*HAS*A*VACANCY,*AND*THERE*IS*THE*ADDRESS*WHERE*YOU*SHOULD*APPLY*FOR*PARTICULARS.*AS*FAR*AS*I*CAN*MAKE*OUT,*THE*LEAGUE*WAS*FOUNDED*BY*AN*AMERICAN*MILLIONAIRE,*EZEKIAH*HOPKINS,*WHO*WAS*VERY*PECULIAR*IN*HIS*WAYS.*HE*WAS*HIMSELF*RED-HEADED,*AND*HE*HAD*A*GREAT*SYMPATHY*FOR*ALL*RED-HEADED*MEN;*SO,*WHEN*HE*DIED,*IT*WAS*FOUND*THAT*HE*HAD*LEFT*HIS*ENORMOUS*FORTUNE*IN*THE*HANDS*OF*TRUSTEES,*WITH*INSTRUCTIONS*TO*APPLY*THE*INTEREST*TO*THE*PROVIDING*OF*EASY*BERTHS*TO*MEN*WHOSE*HAIR*IS*OF*THAT*COLOUR.*FROM*ALL*I*HEAR*IT*IS*SPLENDID*PAY*AND*VERY*LITTLE*TO*DO.'

"*'BUT,'*SAID*I,*'THERE*WOULD*BE*MILLIONS*OF*RED-HEADED*MEN*WHO*WOULD*APPLY.'

"*'NOT*SO*MANY*AS*YOU*MIGHT*THINK,'*HE*ANSWERED.*'YOU*SEE*IT*IS*REALLY*CONFINED*TO*LONDONERS,*AND*TO*GROWN*MEN.*THIS*AMERICAN*HAD*STARTED*FROM*LONDON*WHEN*HE*WAS*YOUNG,*AND*HE*WANTED*TO*DO*THE*OLD*TOWN*A*GOOD*TURN.*THEN,*AGAIN,*I*HAVE*HEARD*IT*IS*NO*USE*YOUR*APPLYING*IF*YOUR*HAIR*IS*LIGHT*RED,*OR*DARK*RED,*OR*ANYTHING*BUT*REAL*BRIGHT,*BLAZING,*FIERY*RED.*NOW,*IF*YOU*CARED*TO*APPLY,*MR.*WILSON,*YOU*WOULD*JUST*WALK*IN;*BUT*PERHAPS*IT*WOULD*HARDLY*BE*WORTH*YOUR*WHILE*TO*PUT*YOURSELF*OUT*OF*THE*WAY*FOR*THE*SAKE*OF*A*FEW*HUNDRED*POUNDS.'

"NOW,*IT*IS*A*FACT,*GENTLEMEN,*AS*YOU*MAY*SEE*FOR*YOURSELVES,*THAT*MY*HAIR*IS*OF*A*VERY*FULL*AND*RICH*TINT,*SO*THAT*IT*SEEMED*TO*ME*THAT*IF*THERE*WAS*TO*BE*ANY*COMPETITION*IN*THE*MATTER*I*STOOD*AS*GOOD*A*CHANCE*AS*ANY*MAN*THAT*I*HAD*EVER*MET.*VINCENT*SPAULDING*SEEMED*TO*KNOW*SO*MUCH*ABOUT*IT*THAT*I*THOUGHT*HE*MIGHT*PROVE*USEFUL,*SO*I*JUST*ORDERED*HIM*TO*PUT*UP*THE*SHUTTERS*FOR*THE*DAY*AND*TO*COME*RIGHT*AWAY*WITH*ME.*HE*WAS*VERY*WILLING*TO*HAVE*A*HOLIDAY,*SO*WE*SHUT*THE*BUSINESS*UP*AND*STARTED*OFF*FOR*THE*ADDRESS*THAT*WAS*GIVEN*US*IN*THE*ADVERTISEMENT.


"YOUR*EXPERIENCE*HAS*BEEN*A*MOST*ENTERTAINING*ONE,"*REMARKED*HOLMES*AS*HIS*CLIENT*PAUSED*AND*REFRESHED*HIS*MEMORY*WITH*A*HUGE*PINCH*OF*SNUFF.*"PRAY*CONTINUE*YOUR*VERY*INTERESTING*STATEMENT."

"THERE*WAS*NOTHING*IN*THE*OFFICE*BUT*A*COUPLE*OF*WOODEN*CHAIRS*AND*A*DEAL*TABLE,*BEHIND*WHICH*SAT*A*SMALL*MAN*WITH*A*HEAD*THAT*WAS*EVEN*REDDER*THAN*MINE.*HE*SAID*A*FEW*WORDS*TO*EACH*CANDIDATE*AS*HE*CAME*UP,*AND*THEN*HE*ALWAYS*MANAGED*TO*FIND*SOME*FAULT*IN*THEM*WHICH*WOULD*DISQUALIFY*THEM.*GETTING*A*VACANCY*DID*NOT*SEEM*TO*BE*SUCH*A*VERY*EASY*MATTER,*AFTER*ALL.*HOWEVER,*WHEN*OUR*TURN*CAME*THE*LITTLE*MAN*WAS*MUCH*MORE*FAVOURABLE*TO*ME*THAN*TO*ANY*OF*THE*OTHERS,*AND*HE*CLOSED*THE*DOOR*AS*WE*ENTERED,*SO*THAT*HE*MIGHT*HAVE*A*PRIVATE*WORD*WITH*US.

"*'THIS*IS*MR.*JABEZ*WILSON,'*SAID*MY*ASSISTANT,*'AND*HE*IS*WILLING*TO*FILL*A*VACANCY*IN*THE*LEAGUE.'

"*'AND*HE*IS*ADMIRABLY*SUITED*FOR*IT,'*THE*OTHER*ANSWERED.*'HE*HAS*EVERY*REQUIREMENT.*I*CANNOT*RECALL*WHEN*I*HAVE*SEEN*ANYTHING*SO*FINE.'*HE*TOOK*A*STEP*BACKWARD,*COCKED*HIS*HEAD*ON*ONE*SIDE,*AND*GAZED*AT*MY*HAIR*UNTIL*I*FELT*QUITE*BASHFUL.*THEN*SUDDENLY*HE*PLUNGED*FORWARD,*WRUNG*MY*HAND,*AND*CONGRATULATED*ME*WARMLY*ON*MY*SUCCESS.

"*'IT*WOULD*BE*INJUSTICE*TO*HESITATE,'*SAID*HE.*'YOU*WILL,*HOWEVER,*I*AM*SURE,*EXCUSE*ME*FOR*TAKING*AN*OBVIOUS*PRECAUTION.'*WITH*THAT*HE*SEIZED*MY*HAIR*IN*BOTH*HIS*HANDS,*AND*TUGGED*UNTIL*I*YELLED*WITH*THE*PAIN.*'THERE*IS*WATER*IN*YOUR*EYES,'*SAID*HE*AS*HE*RELEASED*ME.*'I*PERCEIVE*THAT*ALL*IS*AS*IT*SHOULD*BE.*BUT*WE*HAVE*TO*BE*CAREFUL,*FOR*WE*HAVE*TWICE*BEEN*DECEIVED*BY*WIGS*AND*ONCE*BY*PAINT.*I*COULD*TELL*YOU*TALES*OF*COBBLER'S*WAX*WHICH*WOULD*DISGUST*YOU*WITH*HUMAN*NATURE.'*HE*STEPPED*OVER*TO*THE*WINDOW*AND*SHOUTED*THROUGH*IT*AT*THE*TOP*OF*HIS*VOICE*THAT*THE*VACANCY*WAS*FILLED.*A*GROAN*OF*DISAPPOINTMENT*CAME*UP*FROM*BELOW,*AND*THE*FOLK*ALL*TROOPED*AWAY*IN*DIFFERENT*DIRECTIONS*UNTIL*THERE*WAS*NOT*A*RED-HEAD*TO*BE*SEEN*EXCEPT*MY*OWN*AND*THAT*OF*THE*MANAGER.

"*'MY*NAME,'*SAID*HE,*'IS*MR.*DUNCAN*ROSS,*AND*I*AM*MYSELF*ONE*OF*THE*PENSIONERS*UPON*THE*FUND*LEFT*BY*OUR*NOBLE*BENEFACTOR.*ARE*YOU*A*MARRIED*MAN,*MR.*WILSON?*HAVE*YOU*A*FAMILY?'

"I*ANSWERED*THAT*I*HAD*NOT.

"HIS*FACE*FELL*IMMEDIATELY.

"*'DEAR*ME!'*HE*SAID*GRAVELY,*'THAT*IS*VERY*SERIOUS*INDEED!*I*AM*SORRY*TO*HEAR*YOU*SAY*THAT.*THE*FUND*WAS,*OF*COURSE,*FOR*THE*PROPAGATION*AND*SPREAD*OF*THE*RED-HEADS*AS*WELL*AS*FOR*THEIR*MAINTENANCE.*IT*IS*EXCEEDINGLY*UNFORTUNATE*THAT*YOU*SHOULD*BE*A*BACHELOR.'

"MY*FACE*LENGTHENED*AT*THIS,*MR.*HOLMES,*FOR*I*THOUGHT*THAT*I*WAS*NOT*TO*HAVE*THE*VACANCY*AFTER*ALL;*BUT*AFTER*THINKING*IT*OVER*FOR*A*FEW*MINUTES*HE*SAID*THAT*IT*WOULD*BE*ALL*RIGHT.

"*'IN*THE*CASE*OF*ANOTHER,'*SAID*HE,*'THE*OBJECTION*MIGHT*BE*FATAL,*BUT*WE*MUST*STRETCH*A*POINT*IN*FAVOUR*OF*A*MAN*WITH*SUCH*A*HEAD*OF*HAIR*AS*YOURS.*WHEN*SHALL*YOU*BE*ABLE*TO*ENTER*UPON*YOUR*NEW*DUTIES?'

"*'WELL,*IT*IS*A*LITTLE*AWKWARD,*FOR*I*HAVE*A*BUSINESS*ALREADY,'*SAID*I.

"*'OH,*NEVER*MIND*ABOUT*THAT,*MR.*WILSON!'*SAID*VINCENT*SPAULDING.*'I*SHOULD*BE*ABLE*TO*LOOK*AFTER*THAT*FOR*YOU.'

"*'WHAT*WOULD*BE*THE*HOURS?'*I*ASKED.

"*'TEN*TO*TWO.'

"NOW*A*PAWNBROKER'S*BUSINESS*IS*MOSTLY*DONE*OF*AN*EVENING,*MR.*HOLMES,*ESPECIALLY*THURSDAY*AND*FRIDAY*EVENING,*WHICH*IS*JUST*BEFORE*PAY-DAY;*SO*IT*WOULD*SUIT*ME*VERY*WELL*TO*EARN*A*LITTLE*IN*THE*MORNINGS.*BESIDES,*I*KNEW*THAT*MY*ASSISTANT*WAS*A*GOOD*MAN,*AND*THAT*HE*WOULD*SEE*TO*ANYTHING*THAT*TURNED*UP.

"*'THAT*WOULD*SUIT*ME*VERY*WELL,'*SAID*I.*'AND*THE*PAY?'

"*'IS*$4*A*WEEK.'

"*'AND*THE*WORK?'

"*'IS*PURELY*NOMINAL.'

"*'WHAT*DO*YOU*CALL*PURELY*NOMINAL?'

"*'WELL,*YOU*HAVE*TO*BE*IN*THE*OFFICE,*OR*AT*LEAST*IN*THE*BUILDING,*THE*WHOLE*TIME.*IF*YOU*LEAVE,*YOU*FORFEIT*YOUR*WHOLE*POSITION*FOREVER.*THE*WILL*IS*VERY*CLEAR*UPON*THAT*POINT.*YOU*DON'T*COMPLY*WITH*THE*CONDITIONS*IF*YOU*BUDGE*FROM*THE*OFFICE*DURING*THAT*TIME.'

"*'IT'S*ONLY*FOUR*HOURS*A*DAY,*AND*I*SHOULD*NOT*THINK*OF*LEAVING,'*SAID*I.

"*'NO*EXCUSE*WILL*AVAIL,'*SAID*MR.*DUNCAN*ROSS;*'NEITHER*SICKNESS*NOR*BUSINESS*NOR*ANYTHING*ELSE.*THERE*YOU*MUST*STAY,*OR*YOU*LOSE*YOUR*BILLET.'

"*'AND*THE*WORK?'

"*'IS*TO*COPY*OUT*THE*ENCYCLOPAEDIA*BRITANNICA.*THERE*IS*THE*FIRST*VOLUME*OF*IT*IN*THAT*PRESS.*YOU*MUST*FIND*YOUR*OWN*INK,*PENS,*AND*BLOTTING-PAPER,*BUT*WE*PROVIDE*THIS*TABLE*AND*CHAIR.*WILL*YOU*BE*READY*TO-MORROW?'

"*'CERTAINLY,'*I*ANSWERED.

"*'THEN,*GOOD-BYE,*MR.*JABEZ*WILSON,*AND*LET*ME*CONGRATULATE*YOU*ONCE*MORE*ON*THE*IMPORTANT*POSITION*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*FORTUNATE*ENOUGH*TO*GAIN.'*HE*BOWED*ME*OUT*OF*THE*ROOM*AND*I*WENT*HOME*WITH*MY*ASSISTANT,*HARDLY*KNOWING*WHAT*TO*SAY*OR*DO,*I*WAS*SO*PLEASED*AT*MY*OWN*GOOD*FORTUNE.

"WELL,*I*THOUGHT*OVER*THE*MATTER*ALL*DAY,*AND*BY*EVENING*I*WAS*IN*LOW*SPIRITS*AGAIN;*FOR*I*HAD*QUITE*PERSUADED*MYSELF*THAT*THE*WHOLE*AFFAIR*MUST*BE*SOME*GREAT*HOAX*OR*FRAUD,*THOUGH*WHAT*ITS*OBJECT*MIGHT*BE*I*COULD*NOT*IMAGINE.*IT*SEEMED*ALTOGETHER*PAST*BELIEF*THAT*ANYONE*COULD*MAKE*SUCH*A*WILL,*OR*THAT*THEY*WOULD*PAY*SUCH*A*SUM*FOR*DOING*ANYTHING*SO*SIMPLE*AS*COPYING*OUT*THE*ENCYCLOPAEDIA*BRITANNICA.*VINCENT*SPAULDING*DID*WHAT*HE*COULD*TO*CHEER*ME*UP,*BUT*BY*BEDTIME*I*HAD*REASONED*MYSELF*OUT*OF*THE*WHOLE*THING.*HOWEVER,*IN*THE*MORNING*I*DETERMINED*TO*HAVE*A*LOOK*AT*IT*ANYHOW,*SO*I*BOUGHT*A*PENNY*BOTTLE*OF*INK,*AND*WITH*A*QUILL-PEN,*AND*SEVEN*SHEETS*OF*FOOLSCAP*PAPER,*I*STARTED*OFF*FOR*POPE'S*COURT.

"WELL,*TO*MY*SURPRISE*AND*DELIGHT,*EVERYTHING*WAS*AS*RIGHT*AS*POSSIBLE.*THE*TABLE*WAS*SET*OUT*READY*FOR*ME,*AND*MR.*DUNCAN*ROSS*WAS*THERE*TO*SEE*THAT*I*GOT*FAIRLY*TO*WORK.*HE*STARTED*ME*OFF*UPON*THE*LETTER*A,*AND*THEN*HE*LEFT*ME;*BUT*HE*WOULD*DROP*IN*FROM*TIME*TO*TIME*TO*SEE*THAT*ALL*WAS*RIGHT*WITH*ME.*AT*TWO*O'CLOCK*HE*BADE*ME*GOOD-DAY,*COMPLIMENTED*ME*UPON*THE*AMOUNT*THAT*I*HAD*WRITTEN,*AND*LOCKED*THE*DOOR*OF*THE*OFFICE*AFTER*ME.

"THIS*WENT*ON*DAY*AFTER*DAY,*MR.*HOLMES,*AND*ON*SATURDAY*THE*MANAGER*CAME*IN*AND*PLANKED*DOWN*FOUR*GOLDEN*SOVEREIGNS*FOR*MY*WEEK'S*WORK.*IT*WAS*THE*SAME*NEXT*WEEK,*AND*THE*SAME*THE*WEEK*AFTER.*EVERY*MORNING*I*WAS*THERE*AT*TEN,*AND*EVERY*AFTERNOON*I*LEFT*AT*TWO.*BY*DEGREES*MR.*DUNCAN*ROSS*TOOK*TO*COMING*IN*ONLY*ONCE*OF*A*MORNING,*AND*THEN,*AFTER*A*TIME,*HE*DID*NOT*COME*IN*AT*ALL.*STILL,*OF*COURSE,*I*NEVER*DARED*TO*LEAVE*THE*ROOM*FOR*AN*INSTANT,*FOR*I*WAS*NOT*SURE*WHEN*HE*MIGHT*COME,*AND*THE*BILLET*WAS*SUCH*A*GOOD*ONE,*AND*SUITED*ME*SO*WELL,*THAT*I*WOULD*NOT*RISK*THE*LOSS*OF*IT.

"EIGHT*WEEKS*PASSED*AWAY*LIKE*THIS,*AND*I*HAD*WRITTEN*ABOUT*ABBOTS*AND*ARCHERY*AND*ARMOUR*AND*ARCHITECTURE*AND*ATTICA,*AND*HOPED*WITH*DILIGENCE*THAT*I*MIGHT*GET*ON*TO*THE*B'S*BEFORE*VERY*LONG.*IT*COST*ME*SOMETHING*IN*FOOLSCAP,*AND*I*HAD*PRETTY*NEARLY*FILLED*A*SHELF*WITH*MY*WRITINGS.*AND*THEN*SUDDENLY*THE*WHOLE*BUSINESS*CAME*TO*AN*END."

"TO*AN*END?"

"YES,*SIR.*AND*NO*LATER*THAN*THIS*MORNING.*I*WENT*TO*MY*WORK*AS*USUAL*AT*TEN*O'CLOCK,*BUT*THE*DOOR*WAS*SHUT*AND*LOCKED,*WITH*A*LITTLE*SQUARE*OF*CARDBOARD*HAMMERED*ON*TO*THE*MIDDLE*OF*THE*PANEL*WITH*A*TACK.*HERE*IT*IS,*AND*YOU*CAN*READ*FOR*YOURSELF."

HE*HELD*UP*A*PIECE*OF*WHITE*CARDBOARD*ABOUT*THE*SIZE*OF*A*SHEET*OF*NOTE-PAPER.*IT*READ*IN*THIS*FASHION:


THE*RED-HEADED*LEAGUE

IS

DISSOLVED.

OCTOBER*9,*1890.


SHERLOCK*HOLMES*AND*I*SURVEYED*THIS*CURT*ANNOUNCEMENT*AND*THE*RUEFUL*FACE*BEHIND*IT,*UNTIL*THE*COMICAL*SIDE*OF*THE*AFFAIR*SO*COMPLETELY*OVERTOPPED*EVERY*OTHER*CONSIDERATION*THAT*WE*BOTH*BURST*OUT*INTO*A*ROAR*OF*LAUGHTER.

"I*CANNOT*SEE*THAT*THERE*IS*ANYTHING*VERY*FUNNY,"*CRIED*OUR*CLIENT,*FLUSHING*UP*TO*THE*ROOTS*OF*HIS*FLAMING*HEAD.*"IF*YOU*CAN*DO*NOTHING*BETTER*THAN*LAUGH*AT*ME,*I*CAN*GO*ELSEWHERE."

"NO,*NO,"*CRIED*HOLMES,*SHOVING*HIM*BACK*INTO*THE*CHAIR*FROM*WHICH*HE*HAD*HALF*RISEN.*"I*REALLY*WOULDN'T*MISS*YOUR*CASE*FOR*THE*WORLD.*IT*IS*MOST*REFRESHINGLY*UNUSUAL.*BUT*THERE*IS,*IF*YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*MY*SAYING*SO,*SOMETHING*JUST*A*LITTLE*FUNNY*ABOUT*IT.*PRAY*WHAT*STEPS*DID*YOU*TAKE*WHEN*YOU*FOUND*THE*CARD*UPON*THE*DOOR?"

"I*WAS*STAGGERED,*SIR.*I*DID*NOT*KNOW*WHAT*TO*DO.*THEN*I*CALLED*AT*THE*OFFICES*ROUND,*BUT*NONE*OF*THEM*SEEMED*TO*KNOW*ANYTHING*ABOUT*IT.*FINALLY,*I*WENT*TO*THE*LANDLORD,*WHO*IS*AN*ACCOUNTANT*LIVING*ON*THE*GROUND*FLOOR,*AND*I*ASKED*HIM*IF*HE*COULD*TELL*ME*WHAT*HAD*BECOME*OF*THE*RED-HEADED*LEAGUE.*HE*SAID*THAT*HE*HAD*NEVER*HEARD*OF*ANY*SUCH*BODY.*THEN*I*ASKED*HIM*WHO*MR.*DUNCAN*ROSS*WAS.*HE*ANSWERED*THAT*THE*NAME*WAS*NEW*TO*HIM.

"*'WELL,'*SAID*I,*'THE*GENTLEMAN*AT*NO.*4.'

"*'WHAT,*THE*RED-HEADED*MAN?'

"*'YES.'

"*'OH,'*SAID*HE,*'HIS*NAME*WAS*WILLIAM*MORRIS.*HE*WAS*A*SOLICITOR*AND*WAS*USING*MY*ROOM*AS*A*TEMPORARY*CONVENIENCE*UNTIL*HIS*NEW*PREMISES*WERE*READY.*HE*MOVED*OUT*YESTERDAY.'

"*'WHERE*COULD*I*FIND*HIM?'

"*'OH,*AT*HIS*NEW*OFFICES.*HE*DID*TELL*ME*THE*ADDRESS.*YES,*17*KING*EDWARD*STREET,*NEAR*ST.*PAUL'S.'

"I*STARTED*OFF,*MR.*HOLMES,*BUT*WHEN*I*GOT*TO*THAT*ADDRESS*IT*WAS*A*MANUFACTORY*OF*ARTIFICIAL*KNEE-CAPS,*AND*NO*ONE*IN*IT*HAD*EVER*HEARD*OF*EITHER*MR.*WILLIAM*MORRIS*OR*MR.*DUNCAN*ROSS."

"AND*WHAT*DID*YOU*DO*THEN?"*ASKED*HOLMES.

"I*WENT*HOME*TO*SAXE-COBURG*SQUARE,*AND*I*TOOK*THE*ADVICE*OF*MY*ASSISTANT.*BUT*HE*COULD*NOT*HELP*ME*IN*ANY*WAY.*HE*COULD*ONLY*SAY*THAT*IF*I*WAITED*I*SHOULD*HEAR*BY*POST.*BUT*THAT*WAS*NOT*QUITE*GOOD*ENOUGH,*MR.*HOLMES.*I*DID*NOT*WISH*TO*LOSE*SUCH*A*PLACE*WITHOUT*A*STRUGGLE,*SO,*AS*I*HAD*HEARD*THAT*YOU*WERE*GOOD*ENOUGH*TO*GIVE*ADVICE*TO*POOR*FOLK*WHO*WERE*IN*NEED*OF*IT,*I*CAME*RIGHT*AWAY*TO*YOU."

"AND*YOU*DID*VERY*WISELY,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"YOUR*CASE*IS*AN*EXCEEDINGLY*REMARKABLE*ONE,*AND*I*SHALL*BE*HAPPY*TO*LOOK*INTO*IT.*FROM*WHAT*YOU*HAVE*TOLD*ME*I*THINK*THAT*IT*IS*POSSIBLE*THAT*GRAVER*ISSUES*HANG*FROM*IT*THAN*MIGHT*AT*FIRST*SIGHT*APPEAR."

"GRAVE*ENOUGH!"*SAID*MR.*JABEZ*WILSON.*"WHY,*I*HAVE*LOST*FOUR*POUND*A*WEEK."

"AS*FAR*AS*YOU*ARE*PERSONALLY*CONCERNED,"*REMARKED*HOLMES,*"I*DO*NOT*SEE*THAT*YOU*HAVE*ANY*GRIEVANCE*AGAINST*THIS*EXTRAORDINARY*LEAGUE.*ON*THE*CONTRARY,*YOU*ARE,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND,*RICHER*BY*SOME*$30,*TO*SAY*NOTHING*OF*THE*MINUTE*KNOWLEDGE*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*GAINED*ON*EVERY*SUBJECT*WHICH*COMES*UNDER*THE*LETTER*A.*YOU*HAVE*LOST*NOTHING*BY*THEM."

"NO,*SIR.*BUT*I*WANT*TO*FIND*OUT*ABOUT*THEM,*AND*WHO*THEY*ARE,*AND*WHAT*THEIR*OBJECT*WAS*IN*PLAYING*THIS*PRANK--IF*IT*WAS*A*PRANK--UPON*ME.*IT*WAS*A*PRETTY*EXPENSIVE*JOKE*FOR*THEM,*FOR*IT*COST*THEM*TWO*AND*THIRTY*POUNDS."

"WE*SHALL*ENDEAVOUR*TO*CLEAR*UP*THESE*POINTS*FOR*YOU.*AND,*FIRST,*ONE*OR*TWO*QUESTIONS,*MR.*WILSON.*THIS*ASSISTANT*OF*YOURS*WHO*FIRST*CALLED*YOUR*ATTENTION*TO*THE*ADVERTISEMENT--HOW*LONG*HAD*HE*BEEN*WITH*YOU?"

"ABOUT*A*MONTH*THEN."

"HOW*DID*HE*COME?"

"IN*ANSWER*TO*AN*ADVERTISEMENT."

"WAS*HE*THE*ONLY*APPLICANT?"

"NO,*I*HAD*A*DOZEN."

"WHY*DID*YOU*PICK*HIM?"

"BECAUSE*HE*WAS*HANDY*AND*WOULD*COME*CHEAP."

"AT*HALF*WAGES,*IN*FACT."

"YES."

"WHAT*IS*HE*LIKE,*THIS*VINCENT*SPAULDING?"

"SMALL,*STOUT-BUILT,*VERY*QUICK*IN*HIS*WAYS,*NO*HAIR*ON*HIS*FACE,*THOUGH*HE'S*NOT*SHORT*OF*THIRTY.*HAS*A*WHITE*SPLASH*OF*ACID*UPON*HIS*FOREHEAD."

HOLMES*SAT*UP*IN*HIS*CHAIR*IN*CONSIDERABLE*EXCITEMENT.*"I*THOUGHT*AS*MUCH,"*SAID*HE.*"HAVE*YOU*EVER*OBSERVED*THAT*HIS*EARS*ARE*PIERCED*FOR*EARRINGS?"

"YES,*SIR.*HE*TOLD*ME*THAT*A*GIPSY*HAD*DONE*IT*FOR*HIM*WHEN*HE*WAS*A*LAD."

"HUM!"*SAID*HOLMES,*SINKING*BACK*IN*DEEP*THOUGHT.*"HE*IS*STILL*WITH*YOU?"

"OH,*YES,*SIR;*I*HAVE*ONLY*JUST*LEFT*HIM."

"AND*HAS*YOUR*BUSINESS*BEEN*ATTENDED*TO*IN*YOUR*ABSENCE?"

"NOTHING*TO*COMPLAIN*OF,*SIR.*THERE'S*NEVER*VERY*MUCH*TO*DO*OF*A*MORNING."

"THAT*WILL*DO,*MR.*WILSON.*I*SHALL*BE*HAPPY*TO*GIVE*YOU*AN*OPINION*UPON*THE*SUBJECT*IN*THE*COURSE*OF*A*DAY*OR*TWO.*TO-DAY*IS*SATURDAY,*AND*I*HOPE*THAT*BY*MONDAY*WE*MAY*COME*TO*A*CONCLUSION."

"WELL,*WATSON,"*SAID*HOLMES*WHEN*OUR*VISITOR*HAD*LEFT*US,*"WHAT*DO*YOU*MAKE*OF*IT*ALL?"

"I*MAKE*NOTHING*OF*IT,"*I*ANSWERED*FRANKLY.*"IT*IS*A*MOST*MYSTERIOUS*BUSINESS."

"AS*A*RULE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"THE*MORE*BIZARRE*A*THING*IS*THE*LESS*MYSTERIOUS*IT*PROVES*TO*BE.*IT*IS*YOUR*COMMONPLACE,*FEATURELESS*CRIMES*WHICH*ARE*REALLY*PUZZLING,*JUST*AS*A*COMMONPLACE*FACE*IS*THE*MOST*DIFFICULT*TO*IDENTIFY.*BUT*I*MUST*BE*PROMPT*OVER*THIS*MATTER."

"WHAT*ARE*YOU*GOING*TO*DO,*THEN?"*I*ASKED.

"TO*SMOKE,"*HE*ANSWERED.*"IT*IS*QUITE*A*THREE*PIPE*PROBLEM,*AND*I*BEG*THAT*YOU*WON'T*SPEAK*TO*ME*FOR*FIFTY*MINUTES."*HE*CURLED*HIMSELF*UP*IN*HIS*CHAIR,*WITH*HIS*THIN*KNEES*DRAWN*UP*TO*HIS*HAWK-LIKE*NOSE,*AND*THERE*HE*SAT*WITH*HIS*EYES*CLOSED*AND*HIS*BLACK*CLAY*PIPE*THRUSTING*OUT*LIKE*THE*BILL*OF*SOME*STRANGE*BIRD.*I*HAD*COME*TO*THE*CONCLUSION*THAT*HE*HAD*DROPPED*ASLEEP,*AND*INDEED*WAS*NODDING*MYSELF,*WHEN*HE*SUDDENLY*SPRANG*OUT*OF*HIS*CHAIR*WITH*THE*GESTURE*OF*A*MAN*WHO*HAS*MADE*UP*HIS*MIND*AND*PUT*HIS*PIPE*DOWN*UPON*THE*MANTELPIECE.

"SARASATE*PLAYS*AT*THE*ST.*JAMES'S*HALL*THIS*AFTERNOON,"*HE*REMARKED.*"WHAT*DO*YOU*THINK,*WATSON?*COULD*YOUR*PATIENTS*SPARE*YOU*FOR*A*FEW*HOURS?"

"I*HAVE*NOTHING*TO*DO*TO-DAY.*MY*PRACTICE*IS*NEVER*VERY*ABSORBING."

"THEN*PUT*ON*YOUR*HAT*AND*COME.*I*AM*GOING*THROUGH*THE*CITY*FIRST,*AND*WE*CAN*HAVE*SOME*LUNCH*ON*THE*WAY.*I*OBSERVE*THAT*THERE*IS*A*GOOD*DEAL*OF*GERMAN*MUSIC*ON*THE*PROGRAMME,*WHICH*IS*RATHER*MORE*TO*MY*TASTE*THAN*ITALIAN*OR*FRENCH.*IT*IS*INTROSPECTIVE,*AND*I*WANT*TO*INTROSPECT.*COME*ALONG!"


"THANK*YOU,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"I*ONLY*WISHED*TO*ASK*YOU*HOW*YOU*WOULD*GO*FROM*HERE*TO*THE*STRAND."

"THIRD*RIGHT,*FOURTH*LEFT,"*ANSWERED*THE*ASSISTANT*PROMPTLY,*CLOSING*THE*DOOR.

"SMART*FELLOW,*THAT,"*OBSERVED*HOLMES*AS*WE*WALKED*AWAY.*"HE*IS,*IN*MY*JUDGMENT,*THE*FOURTH*SMARTEST*MAN*IN*LONDON,*AND*FOR*DARING*I*AM*NOT*SURE*THAT*HE*HAS*NOT*A*CLAIM*TO*BE*THIRD.*I*HAVE*KNOWN*SOMETHING*OF*HIM*BEFORE."

"EVIDENTLY,"*SAID*I,*"MR.*WILSON'S*ASSISTANT*COUNTS*FOR*A*GOOD*DEAL*IN*THIS*MYSTERY*OF*THE*RED-HEADED*LEAGUE.*I*AM*SURE*THAT*YOU*INQUIRED*YOUR*WAY*MERELY*IN*ORDER*THAT*YOU*MIGHT*SEE*HIM."

"NOT*HIM."

"WHAT*THEN?"

"THE*KNEES*OF*HIS*TROUSERS."

"AND*WHAT*DID*YOU*SEE?"

"WHAT*I*EXPECTED*TO*SEE."

"WHY*DID*YOU*BEAT*THE*PAVEMENT?"

"MY*DEAR*DOCTOR,*THIS*IS*A*TIME*FOR*OBSERVATION,*NOT*FOR*TALK.*WE*ARE*SPIES*IN*AN*ENEMY'S*COUNTRY.*WE*KNOW*SOMETHING*OF*SAXE-COBURG*SQUARE.*LET*US*NOW*EXPLORE*THE*PARTS*WHICH*LIE*BEHIND*IT."

THE*ROAD*IN*WHICH*WE*FOUND*OURSELVES*AS*WE*TURNED*ROUND*THE*CORNER*FROM*THE*RETIRED*SAXE-COBURG*SQUARE*PRESENTED*AS*GREAT*A*CONTRAST*TO*IT*AS*THE*FRONT*OF*A*PICTURE*DOES*TO*THE*BACK.*IT*WAS*ONE*OF*THE*MAIN*ARTERIES*WHICH*CONVEYED*THE*TRAFFIC*OF*THE*CITY*TO*THE*NORTH*AND*WEST.*THE*ROADWAY*WAS*BLOCKED*WITH*THE*IMMENSE*STREAM*OF*COMMERCE*FLOWING*IN*A*DOUBLE*TIDE*INWARD*AND*OUTWARD,*WHILE*THE*FOOTPATHS*WERE*BLACK*WITH*THE*HURRYING*SWARM*OF*PEDESTRIANS.*IT*WAS*DIFFICULT*TO*REALISE*AS*WE*LOOKED*AT*THE*LINE*OF*FINE*SHOPS*AND*STATELY*BUSINESS*PREMISES*THAT*THEY*REALLY*ABUTTED*ON*THE*OTHER*SIDE*UPON*THE*FADED*AND*STAGNANT*SQUARE*WHICH*WE*HAD*JUST*QUITTED.

"LET*ME*SEE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*STANDING*AT*THE*CORNER*AND*GLANCING*ALONG*THE*LINE,*"I*SHOULD*LIKE*JUST*TO*REMEMBER*THE*ORDER*OF*THE*HOUSES*HERE.*IT*IS*A*HOBBY*OF*MINE*TO*HAVE*AN*EXACT*KNOWLEDGE*OF*LONDON.*THERE*IS*MORTIMER'S,*THE*TOBACCONIST,*THE*LITTLE*NEWSPAPER*SHOP,*THE*COBURG*BRANCH*OF*THE*CITY*AND*SUBURBAN*BANK,*THE*VEGETARIAN*RESTAURANT,*AND*MCFARLANE'S*CARRIAGE-BUILDING*DEPOT.*THAT*CARRIES*US*RIGHT*ON*TO*THE*OTHER*BLOCK.*AND*NOW,*DOCTOR,*WE'VE*DONE*OUR*WORK,*SO*IT'S*TIME*WE*HAD*SOME*PLAY.*A*SANDWICH*AND*A*CUP*OF*COFFEE,*AND*THEN*OFF*TO*VIOLIN-LAND,*WHERE*ALL*IS*SWEETNESS*AND*DELICACY*AND*HARMONY,*AND*THERE*ARE*NO*RED-HEADED*CLIENTS*TO*VEX*US*WITH*THEIR*CONUNDRUMS."


"YOU*WANT*TO*GO*HOME,*NO*DOUBT,*DOCTOR,"*HE*REMARKED*AS*WE*EMERGED.

"YES,*IT*WOULD*BE*AS*WELL."

"AND*I*HAVE*SOME*BUSINESS*TO*DO*WHICH*WILL*TAKE*SOME*HOURS.*THIS*BUSINESS*AT*COBURG*SQUARE*IS*SERIOUS."

"WHY*SERIOUS?"

"A*CONSIDERABLE*CRIME*IS*IN*CONTEMPLATION.*I*HAVE*EVERY*REASON*TO*BELIEVE*THAT*WE*SHALL*BE*IN*TIME*TO*STOP*IT.*BUT*TO-DAY*BEING*SATURDAY*RATHER*COMPLICATES*MATTERS.*I*SHALL*WANT*YOUR*HELP*TO-NIGHT."

"AT*WHAT*TIME?"

"TEN*WILL*BE*EARLY*ENOUGH."

"I*SHALL*BE*AT*BAKER*STREET*AT*TEN."

"VERY*WELL.*AND,*I*SAY,*DOCTOR,*THERE*MAY*BE*SOME*LITTLE*DANGER,*SO*KINDLY*PUT*YOUR*ARMY*REVOLVER*IN*YOUR*POCKET."*HE*WAVED*HIS*HAND,*TURNED*ON*HIS*HEEL,*AND*DISAPPEARED*IN*AN*INSTANT*AMONG*THE*CROWD.

I*TRUST*THAT*I*AM*NOT*MORE*DENSE*THAN*MY*NEIGHBOURS,*BUT*I*WAS*ALWAYS*OPPRESSED*WITH*A*SENSE*OF*MY*OWN*STUPIDITY*IN*MY*DEALINGS*WITH*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.*HERE*I*HAD*HEARD*WHAT*HE*HAD*HEARD,*I*HAD*SEEN*WHAT*HE*HAD*SEEN,*AND*YET*FROM*HIS*WORDS*IT*WAS*EVIDENT*THAT*HE*SAW*CLEARLY*NOT*ONLY*WHAT*HAD*HAPPENED*BUT*WHAT*WAS*ABOUT*TO*HAPPEN,*WHILE*TO*ME*THE*WHOLE*BUSINESS*WAS*STILL*CONFUSED*AND*GROTESQUE.*AS*I*DROVE*HOME*TO*MY*HOUSE*IN*KENSINGTON*I*THOUGHT*OVER*IT*ALL,*FROM*THE*EXTRAORDINARY*STORY*OF*THE*RED-HEADED*COPIER*OF*THE*ENCYCLOPAEDIA*DOWN*TO*THE*VISIT*TO*SAXE-COBURG*SQUARE,*AND*THE*OMINOUS*WORDS*WITH*WHICH*HE*HAD*PARTED*FROM*ME.*WHAT*WAS*THIS*NOCTURNAL*EXPEDITION,*AND*WHY*SHOULD*I*GO*ARMED?*WHERE*WERE*WE*GOING,*AND*WHAT*WERE*WE*TO*DO?*I*HAD*THE*HINT*FROM*HOLMES*THAT*THIS*SMOOTH-FACED*PAWNBROKER'S*ASSISTANT*WAS*A*FORMIDABLE*MAN--A*MAN*WHO*MIGHT*PLAY*A*DEEP*GAME.*I*TRIED*TO*PUZZLE*IT*OUT,*BUT*GAVE*IT*UP*IN*DESPAIR*AND*SET*THE*MATTER*ASIDE*UNTIL*NIGHT*SHOULD*BRING*AN*EXPLANATION.

IT*WAS*A*QUARTER-PAST*NINE*WHEN*I*STARTED*FROM*HOME*AND*MADE*MY*WAY*ACROSS*THE*PARK,*AND*SO*THROUGH*OXFORD*STREET*TO*BAKER*STREET.*TWO*HANSOMS*WERE*STANDING*AT*THE*DOOR,*AND*AS*I*ENTERED*THE*PASSAGE*I*HEARD*THE*SOUND*OF*VOICES*FROM*ABOVE.*ON*ENTERING*HIS*ROOM,*I*FOUND*HOLMES*IN*ANIMATED*CONVERSATION*WITH*TWO*MEN,*ONE*OF*WHOM*I*RECOGNISED*AS*PETER*JONES,*THE*OFFICIAL*POLICE*AGENT,*WHILE*THE*OTHER*WAS*A*LONG,*THIN,*SAD-FACED*MAN,*WITH*A*VERY*SHINY*HAT*AND*OPPRESSIVELY*RESPECTABLE*FROCK-COAT.

"HA!*OUR*PARTY*IS*COMPLETE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*BUTTONING*UP*HIS*PEA-JACKET*AND*TAKING*HIS*HEAVY*HUNTING*CROP*FROM*THE*RACK.*"WATSON,*I*THINK*YOU*KNOW*MR.*JONES,*OF*SCOTLAND*YARD?*LET*ME*INTRODUCE*YOU*TO*MR.*MERRYWEATHER,*WHO*IS*TO*BE*OUR*COMPANION*IN*TO-NIGHT'S*ADVENTURE."

"WE'RE*HUNTING*IN*COUPLES*AGAIN,*DOCTOR,*YOU*SEE,"*SAID*JONES*IN*HIS*CONSEQUENTIAL*WAY.*"OUR*FRIEND*HERE*IS*A*WONDERFUL*MAN*FOR*STARTING*A*CHASE.*ALL*HE*WANTS*IS*AN*OLD*DOG*TO*HELP*HIM*TO*DO*THE*RUNNING*DOWN."

"I*HOPE*A*WILD*GOOSE*MAY*NOT*PROVE*TO*BE*THE*END*OF*OUR*CHASE,"*OBSERVED*MR.*MERRYWEATHER*GLOOMILY.

"YOU*MAY*PLACE*CONSIDERABLE*CONFIDENCE*IN*MR.*HOLMES,*SIR,"*SAID*THE*POLICE*AGENT*LOFTILY.*"HE*HAS*HIS*OWN*LITTLE*METHODS,*WHICH*ARE,*IF*HE*WON'T*MIND*MY*SAYING*SO,*JUST*A*LITTLE*TOO*THEORETICAL*AND*FANTASTIC,*BUT*HE*HAS*THE*MAKINGS*OF*A*DETECTIVE*IN*HIM.*IT*IS*NOT*TOO*MUCH*TO*SAY*THAT*ONCE*OR*TWICE,*AS*IN*THAT*BUSINESS*OF*THE*SHOLTO*MURDER*AND*THE*AGRA*TREASURE,*HE*HAS*BEEN*MORE*NEARLY*CORRECT*THAN*THE*OFFICIAL*FORCE."

"OH,*IF*YOU*SAY*SO,*MR.*JONES,*IT*IS*ALL*RIGHT,"*SAID*THE*STRANGER*WITH*DEFERENCE.*"STILL,*I*CONFESS*THAT*I*MISS*MY*RUBBER.*IT*IS*THE*FIRST*SATURDAY*NIGHT*FOR*SEVEN-AND-TWENTY*YEARS*THAT*I*HAVE*NOT*HAD*MY*RUBBER."

"I*THINK*YOU*WILL*FIND,"*SAID*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*"THAT*YOU*WILL*PLAY*FOR*A*HIGHER*STAKE*TO-NIGHT*THAN*YOU*HAVE*EVER*DONE*YET,*AND*THAT*THE*PLAY*WILL*BE*MORE*EXCITING.*FOR*YOU,*MR.*MERRYWEATHER,*THE*STAKE*WILL*BE*SOME*$30,000;*AND*FOR*YOU,*JONES,*IT*WILL*BE*THE*MAN*UPON*WHOM*YOU*WISH*TO*LAY*YOUR*HANDS."

"JOHN*CLAY,*THE*MURDERER,*THIEF,*SMASHER,*AND*FORGER.*HE'S*A*YOUNG*MAN,*MR.*MERRYWEATHER,*BUT*HE*IS*AT*THE*HEAD*OF*HIS*PROFESSION,*AND*I*WOULD*RATHER*HAVE*MY*BRACELETS*ON*HIM*THAN*ON*ANY*CRIMINAL*IN*LONDON.*HE'S*A*REMARKABLE*MAN,*IS*YOUNG*JOHN*CLAY.*HIS*GRANDFATHER*WAS*A*ROYAL*DUKE,*AND*HE*HIMSELF*HAS*BEEN*TO*ETON*AND*OXFORD.*HIS*BRAIN*IS*AS*CUNNING*AS*HIS*FINGERS,*AND*THOUGH*WE*MEET*SIGNS*OF*HIM*AT*EVERY*TURN,*WE*NEVER*KNOW*WHERE*TO*FIND*THE*MAN*HIMSELF.*HE'LL*CRACK*A*CRIB*IN*SCOTLAND*ONE*WEEK,*AND*BE*RAISING*MONEY*TO*BUILD*AN*ORPHANAGE*IN*CORNWALL*THE*NEXT.*I'VE*BEEN*ON*HIS*TRACK*FOR*YEARS*AND*HAVE*NEVER*SET*EYES*ON*HIM*YET."

"I*HOPE*THAT*I*MAY*HAVE*THE*PLEASURE*OF*INTRODUCING*YOU*TO-NIGHT.*I'VE*HAD*ONE*OR*TWO*LITTLE*TURNS*ALSO*WITH*MR.*JOHN*CLAY,*AND*I*AGREE*WITH*YOU*THAT*HE*IS*AT*THE*HEAD*OF*HIS*PROFESSION.*IT*IS*PAST*TEN,*HOWEVER,*AND*QUITE*TIME*THAT*WE*STARTED.*IF*YOU*TWO*WILL*TAKE*THE*FIRST*HANSOM,*WATSON*AND*I*WILL*FOLLOW*IN*THE*SECOND."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*WAS*NOT*VERY*COMMUNICATIVE*DURING*THE*LONG*DRIVE*AND*LAY*BACK*IN*THE*CAB*HUMMING*THE*TUNES*WHICH*HE*HAD*HEARD*IN*THE*AFTERNOON.*WE*RATTLED*THROUGH*AN*ENDLESS*LABYRINTH*OF*GAS-LIT*STREETS*UNTIL*WE*EMERGED*INTO*FARRINGTON*STREET.

"WE*ARE*CLOSE*THERE*NOW,"*MY*FRIEND*REMARKED.*"THIS*FELLOW*MERRYWEATHER*IS*A*BANK*DIRECTOR,*AND*PERSONALLY*INTERESTED*IN*THE*MATTER.*I*THOUGHT*IT*AS*WELL*TO*HAVE*JONES*WITH*US*ALSO.*HE*IS*NOT*A*BAD*FELLOW,*THOUGH*AN*ABSOLUTE*IMBECILE*IN*HIS*PROFESSION.*HE*HAS*ONE*POSITIVE*VIRTUE.*HE*IS*AS*BRAVE*AS*A*BULLDOG*AND*AS*TENACIOUS*AS*A*LOBSTER*IF*HE*GETS*HIS*CLAWS*UPON*ANYONE.*HERE*WE*ARE,*AND*THEY*ARE*WAITING*FOR*US."

WE*HAD*REACHED*THE*SAME*CROWDED*THOROUGHFARE*IN*WHICH*WE*HAD*FOUND*OURSELVES*IN*THE*MORNING.*OUR*CABS*WERE*DISMISSED,*AND,*FOLLOWING*THE*GUIDANCE*OF*MR.*MERRYWEATHER,*WE*PASSED*DOWN*A*NARROW*PASSAGE*AND*THROUGH*A*SIDE*DOOR,*WHICH*HE*OPENED*FOR*US.*WITHIN*THERE*WAS*A*SMALL*CORRIDOR,*WHICH*ENDED*IN*A*VERY*MASSIVE*IRON*GATE.*THIS*ALSO*WAS*OPENED,*AND*LED*DOWN*A*FLIGHT*OF*WINDING*STONE*STEPS,*WHICH*TERMINATED*AT*ANOTHER*FORMIDABLE*GATE.*MR.*MERRYWEATHER*STOPPED*TO*LIGHT*A*LANTERN,*AND*THEN*CONDUCTED*US*DOWN*A*DARK,*EARTH-SMELLING*PASSAGE,*AND*SO,*AFTER*OPENING*A*THIRD*DOOR,*INTO*A*HUGE*VAULT*OR*CELLAR,*WHICH*WAS*PILED*ALL*ROUND*WITH*CRATES*AND*MASSIVE*BOXES.

"YOU*ARE*NOT*VERY*VULNERABLE*FROM*ABOVE,"*HOLMES*REMARKED*AS*HE*HELD*UP*THE*LANTERN*AND*GAZED*ABOUT*HIM.

"NOR*FROM*BELOW,"*SAID*MR.*MERRYWEATHER,*STRIKING*HIS*STICK*UPON*THE*FLAGS*WHICH*LINED*THE*FLOOR.*"WHY,*DEAR*ME,*IT*SOUNDS*QUITE*HOLLOW!"*HE*REMARKED,*LOOKING*UP*IN*SURPRISE.

"I*MUST*REALLY*ASK*YOU*TO*BE*A*LITTLE*MORE*QUIET!"*SAID*HOLMES*SEVERELY.*"YOU*HAVE*ALREADY*IMPERILLED*THE*WHOLE*SUCCESS*OF*OUR*EXPEDITION.*MIGHT*I*BEG*THAT*YOU*WOULD*HAVE*THE*GOODNESS*TO*SIT*DOWN*UPON*ONE*OF*THOSE*BOXES,*AND*NOT*TO*INTERFERE?"

THE*SOLEMN*MR.*MERRYWEATHER*PERCHED*HIMSELF*UPON*A*CRATE,*WITH*A*VERY*INJURED*EXPRESSION*UPON*HIS*FACE,*WHILE*HOLMES*FELL*UPON*HIS*KNEES*UPON*THE*FLOOR*AND,*WITH*THE*LANTERN*AND*A*MAGNIFYING*LENS,*BEGAN*TO*EXAMINE*MINUTELY*THE*CRACKS*BETWEEN*THE*STONES.*A*FEW*SECONDS*SUFFICED*TO*SATISFY*HIM,*FOR*HE*SPRANG*TO*HIS*FEET*AGAIN*AND*PUT*HIS*GLASS*IN*HIS*POCKET.

"WE*HAVE*AT*LEAST*AN*HOUR*BEFORE*US,"*HE*REMARKED,*"FOR*THEY*CAN*HARDLY*TAKE*ANY*STEPS*UNTIL*THE*GOOD*PAWNBROKER*IS*SAFELY*IN*BED.*THEN*THEY*WILL*NOT*LOSE*A*MINUTE,*FOR*THE*SOONER*THEY*DO*THEIR*WORK*THE*LONGER*TIME*THEY*WILL*HAVE*FOR*THEIR*ESCAPE.*WE*ARE*AT*PRESENT,*DOCTOR--AS*NO*DOUBT*YOU*HAVE*DIVINED--IN*THE*CELLAR*OF*THE*CITY*BRANCH*OF*ONE*OF*THE*PRINCIPAL*LONDON*BANKS.*MR.*MERRYWEATHER*IS*THE*CHAIRMAN*OF*DIRECTORS,*AND*HE*WILL*EXPLAIN*TO*YOU*THAT*THERE*ARE*REASONS*WHY*THE*MORE*DARING*CRIMINALS*OF*LONDON*SHOULD*TAKE*A*CONSIDERABLE*INTEREST*IN*THIS*CELLAR*AT*PRESENT."

"IT*IS*OUR*FRENCH*GOLD,"*WHISPERED*THE*DIRECTOR.*"WE*HAVE*HAD*SEVERAL*WARNINGS*THAT*AN*ATTEMPT*MIGHT*BE*MADE*UPON*IT."

"YOUR*FRENCH*GOLD?"

"YES.*WE*HAD*OCCASION*SOME*MONTHS*AGO*TO*STRENGTHEN*OUR*RESOURCES*AND*BORROWED*FOR*THAT*PURPOSE*30,000*NAPOLEONS*FROM*THE*BANK*OF*FRANCE.*IT*HAS*BECOME*KNOWN*THAT*WE*HAVE*NEVER*HAD*OCCASION*TO*UNPACK*THE*MONEY,*AND*THAT*IT*IS*STILL*LYING*IN*OUR*CELLAR.*THE*CRATE*UPON*WHICH*I*SIT*CONTAINS*2,000*NAPOLEONS*PACKED*BETWEEN*LAYERS*OF*LEAD*FOIL.*OUR*RESERVE*OF*BULLION*IS*MUCH*LARGER*AT*PRESENT*THAN*IS*USUALLY*KEPT*IN*A*SINGLE*BRANCH*OFFICE,*AND*THE*DIRECTORS*HAVE*HAD*MISGIVINGS*UPON*THE*SUBJECT."

"WHICH*WERE*VERY*WELL*JUSTIFIED,"*OBSERVED*HOLMES.*"AND*NOW*IT*IS*TIME*THAT*WE*ARRANGED*OUR*LITTLE*PLANS.*I*EXPECT*THAT*WITHIN*AN*HOUR*MATTERS*WILL*COME*TO*A*HEAD.*IN*THE*MEANTIME*MR.*MERRYWEATHER,*WE*MUST*PUT*THE*SCREEN*OVER*THAT*DARK*LANTERN."

"AND*SIT*IN*THE*DARK?"

"I*AM*AFRAID*SO.*I*HAD*BROUGHT*A*PACK*OF*CARDS*IN*MY*POCKET,*AND*I*THOUGHT*THAT,*AS*WE*WERE*A*PARTIE*CARREE,*YOU*MIGHT*HAVE*YOUR*RUBBER*AFTER*ALL.*BUT*I*SEE*THAT*THE*ENEMY'S*PREPARATIONS*HAVE*GONE*SO*FAR*THAT*WE*CANNOT*RISK*THE*PRESENCE*OF*A*LIGHT.*AND,*FIRST*OF*ALL,*WE*MUST*CHOOSE*OUR*POSITIONS.*THESE*ARE*DARING*MEN,*AND*THOUGH*WE*SHALL*TAKE*THEM*AT*A*DISADVANTAGE,*THEY*MAY*DO*US*SOME*HARM*UNLESS*WE*ARE*CAREFUL.*I*SHALL*STAND*BEHIND*THIS*CRATE,*AND*DO*YOU*CONCEAL*YOURSELVES*BEHIND*THOSE.*THEN,*WHEN*I*FLASH*A*LIGHT*UPON*THEM,*CLOSE*IN*SWIFTLY.*IF*THEY*FIRE,*WATSON,*HAVE*NO*COMPUNCTION*ABOUT*SHOOTING*THEM*DOWN."

I*PLACED*MY*REVOLVER,*COCKED,*UPON*THE*TOP*OF*THE*WOODEN*CASE*BEHIND*WHICH*I*CROUCHED.*HOLMES*SHOT*THE*SLIDE*ACROSS*THE*FRONT*OF*HIS*LANTERN*AND*LEFT*US*IN*PITCH*DARKNESS--SUCH*AN*ABSOLUTE*DARKNESS*AS*I*HAVE*NEVER*BEFORE*EXPERIENCED.*THE*SMELL*OF*HOT*METAL*REMAINED*TO*ASSURE*US*THAT*THE*LIGHT*WAS*STILL*THERE,*READY*TO*FLASH*OUT*AT*A*MOMENT'S*NOTICE.*TO*ME,*WITH*MY*NERVES*WORKED*UP*TO*A*PITCH*OF*EXPECTANCY,*THERE*WAS*SOMETHING*DEPRESSING*AND*SUBDUING*IN*THE*SUDDEN*GLOOM,*AND*IN*THE*COLD*DANK*AIR*OF*THE*VAULT.

"THEY*HAVE*BUT*ONE*RETREAT,"*WHISPERED*HOLMES.*"THAT*IS*BACK*THROUGH*THE*HOUSE*INTO*SAXE-COBURG*SQUARE.*I*HOPE*THAT*YOU*HAVE*DONE*WHAT*I*ASKED*YOU,*JONES?"

"I*HAVE*AN*INSPECTOR*AND*TWO*OFFICERS*WAITING*AT*THE*FRONT*DOOR."

"THEN*WE*HAVE*STOPPED*ALL*THE*HOLES.*AND*NOW*WE*MUST*BE*SILENT*AND*WAIT."

WHAT*A*TIME*IT*SEEMED!*FROM*COMPARING*NOTES*AFTERWARDS*IT*WAS*BUT*AN*HOUR*AND*A*QUARTER,*YET*IT*APPEARED*TO*ME*THAT*THE*NIGHT*MUST*HAVE*ALMOST*GONE,*AND*THE*DAWN*BE*BREAKING*ABOVE*US.*MY*LIMBS*WERE*WEARY*AND*STIFF,*FOR*I*FEARED*TO*CHANGE*MY*POSITION;*YET*MY*NERVES*WERE*WORKED*UP*TO*THE*HIGHEST*PITCH*OF*TENSION,*AND*MY*HEARING*WAS*SO*ACUTE*THAT*I*COULD*NOT*ONLY*HEAR*THE*GENTLE*BREATHING*OF*MY*COMPANIONS,*BUT*I*COULD*DISTINGUISH*THE*DEEPER,*HEAVIER*IN-BREATH*OF*THE*BULKY*JONES*FROM*THE*THIN,*SIGHING*NOTE*OF*THE*BANK*DIRECTOR.*FROM*MY*POSITION*I*COULD*LOOK*OVER*THE*CASE*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*THE*FLOOR.*SUDDENLY*MY*EYES*CAUGHT*THE*GLINT*OF*A*LIGHT.

AT*FIRST*IT*WAS*BUT*A*LURID*SPARK*UPON*THE*STONE*PAVEMENT.*THEN*IT*LENGTHENED*OUT*UNTIL*IT*BECAME*A*YELLOW*LINE,*AND*THEN,*WITHOUT*ANY*WARNING*OR*SOUND,*A*GASH*SEEMED*TO*OPEN*AND*A*HAND*APPEARED,*A*WHITE,*ALMOST*WOMANLY*HAND,*WHICH*FELT*ABOUT*IN*THE*CENTRE*OF*THE*LITTLE*AREA*OF*LIGHT.*FOR*A*MINUTE*OR*MORE*THE*HAND,*WITH*ITS*WRITHING*FINGERS,*PROTRUDED*OUT*OF*THE*FLOOR.*THEN*IT*WAS*WITHDRAWN*AS*SUDDENLY*AS*IT*APPEARED,*AND*ALL*WAS*DARK*AGAIN*SAVE*THE*SINGLE*LURID*SPARK*WHICH*MARKED*A*CHINK*BETWEEN*THE*STONES.

ITS*DISAPPEARANCE,*HOWEVER,*WAS*BUT*MOMENTARY.*WITH*A*RENDING,*TEARING*SOUND,*ONE*OF*THE*BROAD,*WHITE*STONES*TURNED*OVER*UPON*ITS*SIDE*AND*LEFT*A*SQUARE,*GAPING*HOLE,*THROUGH*WHICH*STREAMED*THE*LIGHT*OF*A*LANTERN.*OVER*THE*EDGE*THERE*PEEPED*A*CLEAN-CUT,*BOYISH*FACE,*WHICH*LOOKED*KEENLY*ABOUT*IT,*AND*THEN,*WITH*A*HAND*ON*EITHER*SIDE*OF*THE*APERTURE,*DREW*ITSELF*SHOULDER-HIGH*AND*WAIST-HIGH,*UNTIL*ONE*KNEE*RESTED*UPON*THE*EDGE.*IN*ANOTHER*INSTANT*HE*STOOD*AT*THE*SIDE*OF*THE*HOLE*AND*WAS*HAULING*AFTER*HIM*A*COMPANION,*LITHE*AND*SMALL*LIKE*HIMSELF,*WITH*A*PALE*FACE*AND*A*SHOCK*OF*VERY*RED*HAIR.

"IT'S*ALL*CLEAR,"*HE*WHISPERED.*"HAVE*YOU*THE*CHISEL*AND*THE*BAGS?*GREAT*SCOTT!*JUMP,*ARCHIE,*JUMP,*AND*I'LL*SWING*FOR*IT!"

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*HAD*SPRUNG*OUT*AND*SEIZED*THE*INTRUDER*BY*THE*COLLAR.*THE*OTHER*DIVED*DOWN*THE*HOLE,*AND*I*HEARD*THE*SOUND*OF*RENDING*CLOTH*AS*JONES*CLUTCHED*AT*HIS*SKIRTS.*THE*LIGHT*FLASHED*UPON*THE*BARREL*OF*A*REVOLVER,*BUT*HOLMES'*HUNTING*CROP*CAME*DOWN*ON*THE*MAN'S*WRIST,*AND*THE*PISTOL*CLINKED*UPON*THE*STONE*FLOOR.

"IT'S*NO*USE,*JOHN*CLAY,"*SAID*HOLMES*BLANDLY.*"YOU*HAVE*NO*CHANCE*AT*ALL."

"SO*I*SEE,"*THE*OTHER*ANSWERED*WITH*THE*UTMOST*COOLNESS.*"I*FANCY*THAT*MY*PAL*IS*ALL*RIGHT,*THOUGH*I*SEE*YOU*HAVE*GOT*HIS*COAT-TAILS."

"THERE*ARE*THREE*MEN*WAITING*FOR*HIM*AT*THE*DOOR,"*SAID*HOLMES.

"OH,*INDEED!*YOU*SEEM*TO*HAVE*DONE*THE*THING*VERY*COMPLETELY.*I*MUST*COMPLIMENT*YOU."

"AND*I*YOU,"*HOLMES*ANSWERED.*"YOUR*RED-HEADED*IDEA*WAS*VERY*NEW*AND*EFFECTIVE."

"YOU'LL*SEE*YOUR*PAL*AGAIN*PRESENTLY,"*SAID*JONES.*"HE'S*QUICKER*AT*CLIMBING*DOWN*HOLES*THAN*I*AM.*JUST*HOLD*OUT*WHILE*I*FIX*THE*DERBIES."

"I*BEG*THAT*YOU*WILL*NOT*TOUCH*ME*WITH*YOUR*FILTHY*HANDS,"*REMARKED*OUR*PRISONER*AS*THE*HANDCUFFS*CLATTERED*UPON*HIS*WRISTS.*"YOU*MAY*NOT*BE*AWARE*THAT*I*HAVE*ROYAL*BLOOD*IN*MY*VEINS.*HAVE*THE*GOODNESS,*ALSO,*WHEN*YOU*ADDRESS*ME*ALWAYS*TO*SAY*'SIR'*AND*'PLEASE.'*"

"ALL*RIGHT,"*SAID*JONES*WITH*A*STARE*AND*A*SNIGGER.*"WELL,*WOULD*YOU*PLEASE,*SIR,*MARCH*UPSTAIRS,*WHERE*WE*CAN*GET*A*CAB*TO*CARRY*YOUR*HIGHNESS*TO*THE*POLICE-STATION?"

"THAT*IS*BETTER,"*SAID*JOHN*CLAY*SERENELY.*HE*MADE*A*SWEEPING*BOW*TO*THE*THREE*OF*US*AND*WALKED*QUIETLY*OFF*IN*THE*CUSTODY*OF*THE*DETECTIVE.

"REALLY,*MR.*HOLMES,"*SAID*MR.*MERRYWEATHER*AS*WE*FOLLOWED*THEM*FROM*THE*CELLAR,*"I*DO*NOT*KNOW*HOW*THE*BANK*CAN*THANK*YOU*OR*REPAY*YOU.*THERE*IS*NO*DOUBT*THAT*YOU*HAVE*DETECTED*AND*DEFEATED*IN*THE*MOST*COMPLETE*MANNER*ONE*OF*THE*MOST*DETERMINED*ATTEMPTS*AT*BANK*ROBBERY*THAT*HAVE*EVER*COME*WITHIN*MY*EXPERIENCE."

"I*HAVE*HAD*ONE*OR*TWO*LITTLE*SCORES*OF*MY*OWN*TO*SETTLE*WITH*MR.*JOHN*CLAY,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"I*HAVE*BEEN*AT*SOME*SMALL*EXPENSE*OVER*THIS*MATTER,*WHICH*I*SHALL*EXPECT*THE*BANK*TO*REFUND,*BUT*BEYOND*THAT*I*AM*AMPLY*REPAID*BY*HAVING*HAD*AN*EXPERIENCE*WHICH*IS*IN*MANY*WAYS*UNIQUE,*AND*BY*HEARING*THE*VERY*REMARKABLE*NARRATIVE*OF*THE*RED-HEADED*LEAGUE."


"BUT*HOW*COULD*YOU*GUESS*WHAT*THE*MOTIVE*WAS?"

"HAD*THERE*BEEN*WOMEN*IN*THE*HOUSE,*I*SHOULD*HAVE*SUSPECTED*A*MERE*VULGAR*INTRIGUE.*THAT,*HOWEVER,*WAS*OUT*OF*THE*QUESTION.*THE*MAN'S*BUSINESS*WAS*A*SMALL*ONE,*AND*THERE*WAS*NOTHING*IN*HIS*HOUSE*WHICH*COULD*ACCOUNT*FOR*SUCH*ELABORATE*PREPARATIONS,*AND*SUCH*AN*EXPENDITURE*AS*THEY*WERE*AT.*IT*MUST,*THEN,*BE*SOMETHING*OUT*OF*THE*HOUSE.*WHAT*COULD*IT*BE?*I*THOUGHT*OF*THE*ASSISTANT'S*FONDNESS*FOR*PHOTOGRAPHY,*AND*HIS*TRICK*OF*VANISHING*INTO*THE*CELLAR.*THE*CELLAR!*THERE*WAS*THE*END*OF*THIS*TANGLED*CLUE.*THEN*I*MADE*INQUIRIES*AS*TO*THIS*MYSTERIOUS*ASSISTANT*AND*FOUND*THAT*I*HAD*TO*DEAL*WITH*ONE*OF*THE*COOLEST*AND*MOST*DARING*CRIMINALS*IN*LONDON.*HE*WAS*DOING*SOMETHING*IN*THE*CELLAR--SOMETHING*WHICH*TOOK*MANY*HOURS*A*DAY*FOR*MONTHS*ON*END.*WHAT*COULD*IT*BE,*ONCE*MORE?*I*COULD*THINK*OF*NOTHING*SAVE*THAT*HE*WAS*RUNNING*A*TUNNEL*TO*SOME*OTHER*BUILDING.

"SO*FAR*I*HAD*GOT*WHEN*WE*WENT*TO*VISIT*THE*SCENE*OF*ACTION.*I*SURPRISED*YOU*BY*BEATING*UPON*THE*PAVEMENT*WITH*MY*STICK.*I*WAS*ASCERTAINING*WHETHER*THE*CELLAR*STRETCHED*OUT*IN*FRONT*OR*BEHIND.*IT*WAS*NOT*IN*FRONT.*THEN*I*RANG*THE*BELL,*AND,*AS*I*HOPED,*THE*ASSISTANT*ANSWERED*IT.*WE*HAVE*HAD*SOME*SKIRMISHES,*BUT*WE*HAD*NEVER*SET*EYES*UPON*EACH*OTHER*BEFORE.*I*HARDLY*LOOKED*AT*HIS*FACE.*HIS*KNEES*WERE*WHAT*I*WISHED*TO*SEE.*YOU*MUST*YOURSELF*HAVE*REMARKED*HOW*WORN,*WRINKLED,*AND*STAINED*THEY*WERE.*THEY*SPOKE*OF*THOSE*HOURS*OF*BURROWING.*THE*ONLY*REMAINING*POINT*WAS*WHAT*THEY*WERE*BURROWING*FOR.*I*WALKED*ROUND*THE*CORNER,*SAW*THE*CITY*AND*SUBURBAN*BANK*ABUTTED*ON*OUR*FRIEND'S*PREMISES,*AND*FELT*THAT*I*HAD*SOLVED*MY*PROBLEM.*WHEN*YOU*DROVE*HOME*AFTER*THE*CONCERT*I*CALLED*UPON*SCOTLAND*YARD*AND*UPON*THE*CHAIRMAN*OF*THE*BANK*DIRECTORS,*WITH*THE*RESULT*THAT*YOU*HAVE*SEEN."

"AND*HOW*COULD*YOU*TELL*THAT*THEY*WOULD*MAKE*THEIR*ATTEMPT*TO-NIGHT?"*I*ASKED.

"WELL,*WHEN*THEY*CLOSED*THEIR*LEAGUE*OFFICES*THAT*WAS*A*SIGN*THAT*THEY*CARED*NO*LONGER*ABOUT*MR.*JABEZ*WILSON'S*PRESENCE--IN*OTHER*WORDS,*THAT*THEY*HAD*COMPLETED*THEIR*TUNNEL.*BUT*IT*WAS*ESSENTIAL*THAT*THEY*SHOULD*USE*IT*SOON,*AS*IT*MIGHT*BE*DISCOVERED,*OR*THE*BULLION*MIGHT*BE*REMOVED.*SATURDAY*WOULD*SUIT*THEM*BETTER*THAN*ANY*OTHER*DAY,*AS*IT*WOULD*GIVE*THEM*TWO*DAYS*FOR*THEIR*ESCAPE.*FOR*ALL*THESE*REASONS*I*EXPECTED*THEM*TO*COME*TO-NIGHT."

"YOU*REASONED*IT*OUT*BEAUTIFULLY,"*I*EXCLAIMED*IN*UNFEIGNED*ADMIRATION.*"IT*IS*SO*LONG*A*CHAIN,*AND*YET*EVERY*LINK*RINGS*TRUE."

"IT*SAVED*ME*FROM*ENNUI,"*HE*ANSWERED,*YAWNING.*"ALAS!*I*ALREADY*FEEL*IT*CLOSING*IN*UPON*ME.*MY*LIFE*IS*SPENT*IN*ONE*LONG*EFFORT*TO*ESCAPE*FROM*THE*COMMONPLACES*OF*EXISTENCE.*THESE*LITTLE*PROBLEMS*HELP*ME*TO*DO*SO."

"AND*YOU*ARE*A*BENEFACTOR*OF*THE*RACE,"*SAID*I.

HE*SHRUGGED*HIS*SHOULDERS.*"WELL,*PERHAPS,*AFTER*ALL,*IT*IS*OF*SOME*LITTLE*USE,"*HE*REMARKED.*"*'L'HOMME*C'EST*RIEN--L'OEUVRE*C'EST*TOUT,'*AS*GUSTAVE*FLAUBERT*WROTE*TO*GEORGE*SAND."

ADVENTURE**III.**A*CASE*OF*IDENTITY


"MY*DEAR*FELLOW,"*SAID*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*AS*WE*SAT*ON*EITHER*SIDE*OF*THE*FIRE*IN*HIS*LODGINGS*AT*BAKER*STREET,*"LIFE*IS*INFINITELY*STRANGER*THAN*ANYTHING*WHICH*THE*MIND*OF*MAN*COULD*INVENT.*WE*WOULD*NOT*DARE*TO*CONCEIVE*THE*THINGS*WHICH*ARE*REALLY*MERE*COMMONPLACES*OF*EXISTENCE.*IF*WE*COULD*FLY*OUT*OF*THAT*WINDOW*HAND*IN*HAND,*HOVER*OVER*THIS*GREAT*CITY,*GENTLY*REMOVE*THE*ROOFS,*AND*PEEP*IN*AT*THE*QUEER*THINGS*WHICH*ARE*GOING*ON,*THE*STRANGE*COINCIDENCES,*THE*PLANNINGS,*THE*CROSS-PURPOSES,*THE*WONDERFUL*CHAINS*OF*EVENTS,*WORKING*THROUGH*GENERATIONS,*AND*LEADING*TO*THE*MOST*OUTRE*RESULTS,*IT*WOULD*MAKE*ALL*FICTION*WITH*ITS*CONVENTIONALITIES*AND*FORESEEN*CONCLUSIONS*MOST*STALE*AND*UNPROFITABLE."

"AND*YET*I*AM*NOT*CONVINCED*OF*IT,"*I*ANSWERED.*"THE*CASES*WHICH*COME*TO*LIGHT*IN*THE*PAPERS*ARE,*AS*A*RULE,*BALD*ENOUGH,*AND*VULGAR*ENOUGH.*WE*HAVE*IN*OUR*POLICE*REPORTS*REALISM*PUSHED*TO*ITS*EXTREME*LIMITS,*AND*YET*THE*RESULT*IS,*IT*MUST*BE*CONFESSED,*NEITHER*FASCINATING*NOR*ARTISTIC."

"A*CERTAIN*SELECTION*AND*DISCRETION*MUST*BE*USED*IN*PRODUCING*A*REALISTIC*EFFECT,"*REMARKED*HOLMES.*"THIS*IS*WANTING*IN*THE*POLICE*REPORT,*WHERE*MORE*STRESS*IS*LAID,*PERHAPS,*UPON*THE*PLATITUDES*OF*THE*MAGISTRATE*THAN*UPON*THE*DETAILS,*WHICH*TO*AN*OBSERVER*CONTAIN*THE*VITAL*ESSENCE*OF*THE*WHOLE*MATTER.*DEPEND*UPON*IT,*THERE*IS*NOTHING*SO*UNNATURAL*AS*THE*COMMONPLACE."

I*SMILED*AND*SHOOK*MY*HEAD.*"I*CAN*QUITE*UNDERSTAND*YOUR*THINKING*SO."*I*SAID.*"OF*COURSE,*IN*YOUR*POSITION*OF*UNOFFICIAL*ADVISER*AND*HELPER*TO*EVERYBODY*WHO*IS*ABSOLUTELY*PUZZLED,*THROUGHOUT*THREE*CONTINENTS,*YOU*ARE*BROUGHT*IN*CONTACT*WITH*ALL*THAT*IS*STRANGE*AND*BIZARRE.*BUT*HERE"--I*PICKED*UP*THE*MORNING*PAPER*FROM*THE*GROUND--"LET*US*PUT*IT*TO*A*PRACTICAL*TEST.*HERE*IS*THE*FIRST*HEADING*UPON*WHICH*I*COME.*'A*HUSBAND'S*CRUELTY*TO*HIS*WIFE.'*THERE*IS*HALF*A*COLUMN*OF*PRINT,*BUT*I*KNOW*WITHOUT*READING*IT*THAT*IT*IS*ALL*PERFECTLY*FAMILIAR*TO*ME.*THERE*IS,*OF*COURSE,*THE*OTHER*WOMAN,*THE*DRINK,*THE*PUSH,*THE*BLOW,*THE*BRUISE,*THE*SYMPATHETIC*SISTER*OR*LANDLADY.*THE*CRUDEST*OF*WRITERS*COULD*INVENT*NOTHING*MORE*CRUDE."

"INDEED,*YOUR*EXAMPLE*IS*AN*UNFORTUNATE*ONE*FOR*YOUR*ARGUMENT,"*SAID*HOLMES,*TAKING*THE*PAPER*AND*GLANCING*HIS*EYE*DOWN*IT.*"THIS*IS*THE*DUNDAS*SEPARATION*CASE,*AND,*AS*IT*HAPPENS,*I*WAS*ENGAGED*IN*CLEARING*UP*SOME*SMALL*POINTS*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*IT.*THE*HUSBAND*WAS*A*TEETOTALER,*THERE*WAS*NO*OTHER*WOMAN,*AND*THE*CONDUCT*COMPLAINED*OF*WAS*THAT*HE*HAD*DRIFTED*INTO*THE*HABIT*OF*WINDING*UP*EVERY*MEAL*BY*TAKING*OUT*HIS*FALSE*TEETH*AND*HURLING*THEM*AT*HIS*WIFE,*WHICH,*YOU*WILL*ALLOW,*IS*NOT*AN*ACTION*LIKELY*TO*OCCUR*TO*THE*IMAGINATION*OF*THE*AVERAGE*STORY-TELLER.*TAKE*A*PINCH*OF*SNUFF,*DOCTOR,*AND*ACKNOWLEDGE*THAT*I*HAVE*SCORED*OVER*YOU*IN*YOUR*EXAMPLE."

HE*HELD*OUT*HIS*SNUFFBOX*OF*OLD*GOLD,*WITH*A*GREAT*AMETHYST*IN*THE*CENTRE*OF*THE*LID.*ITS*SPLENDOUR*WAS*IN*SUCH*CONTRAST*TO*HIS*HOMELY*WAYS*AND*SIMPLE*LIFE*THAT*I*COULD*NOT*HELP*COMMENTING*UPON*IT.

"AH,"*SAID*HE,*"I*FORGOT*THAT*I*HAD*NOT*SEEN*YOU*FOR*SOME*WEEKS.*IT*IS*A*LITTLE*SOUVENIR*FROM*THE*KING*OF*BOHEMIA*IN*RETURN*FOR*MY*ASSISTANCE*IN*THE*CASE*OF*THE*IRENE*ADLER*PAPERS."

"AND*THE*RING?"*I*ASKED,*GLANCING*AT*A*REMARKABLE*BRILLIANT*WHICH*SPARKLED*UPON*HIS*FINGER.

"IT*WAS*FROM*THE*REIGNING*FAMILY*OF*HOLLAND,*THOUGH*THE*MATTER*IN*WHICH*I*SERVED*THEM*WAS*OF*SUCH*DELICACY*THAT*I*CANNOT*CONFIDE*IT*EVEN*TO*YOU,*WHO*HAVE*BEEN*GOOD*ENOUGH*TO*CHRONICLE*ONE*OR*TWO*OF*MY*LITTLE*PROBLEMS."

"AND*HAVE*YOU*ANY*ON*HAND*JUST*NOW?"*I*ASKED*WITH*INTEREST.

"SOME*TEN*OR*TWELVE,*BUT*NONE*WHICH*PRESENT*ANY*FEATURE*OF*INTEREST.*THEY*ARE*IMPORTANT,*YOU*UNDERSTAND,*WITHOUT*BEING*INTERESTING.*INDEED,*I*HAVE*FOUND*THAT*IT*IS*USUALLY*IN*UNIMPORTANT*MATTERS*THAT*THERE*IS*A*FIELD*FOR*THE*OBSERVATION,*AND*FOR*THE*QUICK*ANALYSIS*OF*CAUSE*AND*EFFECT*WHICH*GIVES*THE*CHARM*TO*AN*INVESTIGATION.*THE*LARGER*CRIMES*ARE*APT*TO*BE*THE*SIMPLER,*FOR*THE*BIGGER*THE*CRIME*THE*MORE*OBVIOUS,*AS*A*RULE,*IS*THE*MOTIVE.*IN*THESE*CASES,*SAVE*FOR*ONE*RATHER*INTRICATE*MATTER*WHICH*HAS*BEEN*REFERRED*TO*ME*FROM*MARSEILLES,*THERE*IS*NOTHING*WHICH*PRESENTS*ANY*FEATURES*OF*INTEREST.*IT*IS*POSSIBLE,*HOWEVER,*THAT*I*MAY*HAVE*SOMETHING*BETTER*BEFORE*VERY*MANY*MINUTES*ARE*OVER,*FOR*THIS*IS*ONE*OF*MY*CLIENTS,*OR*I*AM*MUCH*MISTAKEN."

HE*HAD*RISEN*FROM*HIS*CHAIR*AND*WAS*STANDING*BETWEEN*THE*PARTED*BLINDS*GAZING*DOWN*INTO*THE*DULL*NEUTRAL-TINTED*LONDON*STREET.*LOOKING*OVER*HIS*SHOULDER,*I*SAW*THAT*ON*THE*PAVEMENT*OPPOSITE*THERE*STOOD*A*LARGE*WOMAN*WITH*A*HEAVY*FUR*BOA*ROUND*HER*NECK,*AND*A*LARGE*CURLING*RED*FEATHER*IN*A*BROAD-BRIMMED*HAT*WHICH*WAS*TILTED*IN*A*COQUETTISH*DUCHESS*OF*DEVONSHIRE*FASHION*OVER*HER*EAR.*FROM*UNDER*THIS*GREAT*PANOPLY*SHE*PEEPED*UP*IN*A*NERVOUS,*HESITATING*FASHION*AT*OUR*WINDOWS,*WHILE*HER*BODY*OSCILLATED*BACKWARD*AND*FORWARD,*AND*HER*FINGERS*FIDGETED*WITH*HER*GLOVE*BUTTONS.*SUDDENLY,*WITH*A*PLUNGE,*AS*OF*THE*SWIMMER*WHO*LEAVES*THE*BANK,*SHE*HURRIED*ACROSS*THE*ROAD,*AND*WE*HEARD*THE*SHARP*CLANG*OF*THE*BELL.

"I*HAVE*SEEN*THOSE*SYMPTOMS*BEFORE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*THROWING*HIS*CIGARETTE*INTO*THE*FIRE.*"OSCILLATION*UPON*THE*PAVEMENT*ALWAYS*MEANS*AN*AFFAIRE*DE*COEUR.*SHE*WOULD*LIKE*ADVICE,*BUT*IS*NOT*SURE*THAT*THE*MATTER*IS*NOT*TOO*DELICATE*FOR*COMMUNICATION.*AND*YET*EVEN*HERE*WE*MAY*DISCRIMINATE.*WHEN*A*WOMAN*HAS*BEEN*SERIOUSLY*WRONGED*BY*A*MAN*SHE*NO*LONGER*OSCILLATES,*AND*THE*USUAL*SYMPTOM*IS*A*BROKEN*BELL*WIRE.*HERE*WE*MAY*TAKE*IT*THAT*THERE*IS*A*LOVE*MATTER,*BUT*THAT*THE*MAIDEN*IS*NOT*SO*MUCH*ANGRY*AS*PERPLEXED,*OR*GRIEVED.*BUT*HERE*SHE*COMES*IN*PERSON*TO*RESOLVE*OUR*DOUBTS."

AS*HE*SPOKE*THERE*WAS*A*TAP*AT*THE*DOOR,*AND*THE*BOY*IN*BUTTONS*ENTERED*TO*ANNOUNCE*MISS*MARY*SUTHERLAND,*WHILE*THE*LADY*HERSELF*LOOMED*BEHIND*HIS*SMALL*BLACK*FIGURE*LIKE*A*FULL-SAILED*MERCHANT-MAN*BEHIND*A*TINY*PILOT*BOAT.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*WELCOMED*HER*WITH*THE*EASY*COURTESY*FOR*WHICH*HE*WAS*REMARKABLE,*AND,*HAVING*CLOSED*THE*DOOR*AND*BOWED*HER*INTO*AN*ARMCHAIR,*HE*LOOKED*HER*OVER*IN*THE*MINUTE*AND*YET*ABSTRACTED*FASHION*WHICH*WAS*PECULIAR*TO*HIM.

"DO*YOU*NOT*FIND,"*HE*SAID,*"THAT*WITH*YOUR*SHORT*SIGHT*IT*IS*A*LITTLE*TRYING*TO*DO*SO*MUCH*TYPEWRITING?"

"I*DID*AT*FIRST,"*SHE*ANSWERED,*"BUT*NOW*I*KNOW*WHERE*THE*LETTERS*ARE*WITHOUT*LOOKING."*THEN,*SUDDENLY*REALISING*THE*FULL*PURPORT*OF*HIS*WORDS,*SHE*GAVE*A*VIOLENT*START*AND*LOOKED*UP,*WITH*FEAR*AND*ASTONISHMENT*UPON*HER*BROAD,*GOOD-HUMOURED*FACE.*"YOU'VE*HEARD*ABOUT*ME,*MR.*HOLMES,"*SHE*CRIED,*"ELSE*HOW*COULD*YOU*KNOW*ALL*THAT?"

"NEVER*MIND,"*SAID*HOLMES,*LAUGHING;*"IT*IS*MY*BUSINESS*TO*KNOW*THINGS.*PERHAPS*I*HAVE*TRAINED*MYSELF*TO*SEE*WHAT*OTHERS*OVERLOOK.*IF*NOT,*WHY*SHOULD*YOU*COME*TO*CONSULT*ME?"

"I*CAME*TO*YOU,*SIR,*BECAUSE*I*HEARD*OF*YOU*FROM*MRS.*ETHEREGE,*WHOSE*HUSBAND*YOU*FOUND*SO*EASY*WHEN*THE*POLICE*AND*EVERYONE*HAD*GIVEN*HIM*UP*FOR*DEAD.*OH,*MR.*HOLMES,*I*WISH*YOU*WOULD*DO*AS*MUCH*FOR*ME.*I'M*NOT*RICH,*BUT*STILL*I*HAVE*A*HUNDRED*A*YEAR*IN*MY*OWN*RIGHT,*BESIDES*THE*LITTLE*THAT*I*MAKE*BY*THE*MACHINE,*AND*I*WOULD*GIVE*IT*ALL*TO*KNOW*WHAT*HAS*BECOME*OF*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL."

"WHY*DID*YOU*COME*AWAY*TO*CONSULT*ME*IN*SUCH*A*HURRY?"*ASKED*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*WITH*HIS*FINGER-TIPS*TOGETHER*AND*HIS*EYES*TO*THE*CEILING.

AGAIN*A*STARTLED*LOOK*CAME*OVER*THE*SOMEWHAT*VACUOUS*FACE*OF*MISS*MARY*SUTHERLAND.*"YES,*I*DID*BANG*OUT*OF*THE*HOUSE,"*SHE*SAID,*"FOR*IT*MADE*ME*ANGRY*TO*SEE*THE*EASY*WAY*IN*WHICH*MR.*WINDIBANK--THAT*IS,*MY*FATHER--TOOK*IT*ALL.*HE*WOULD*NOT*GO*TO*THE*POLICE,*AND*HE*WOULD*NOT*GO*TO*YOU,*AND*SO*AT*LAST,*AS*HE*WOULD*DO*NOTHING*AND*KEPT*ON*SAYING*THAT*THERE*WAS*NO*HARM*DONE,*IT*MADE*ME*MAD,*AND*I*JUST*ON*WITH*MY*THINGS*AND*CAME*RIGHT*AWAY*TO*YOU."

"YOUR*FATHER,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"YOUR*STEPFATHER,*SURELY,*SINCE*THE*NAME*IS*DIFFERENT."

"YES,*MY*STEPFATHER.*I*CALL*HIM*FATHER,*THOUGH*IT*SOUNDS*FUNNY,*TOO,*FOR*HE*IS*ONLY*FIVE*YEARS*AND*TWO*MONTHS*OLDER*THAN*MYSELF."

"AND*YOUR*MOTHER*IS*ALIVE?"

"OH,*YES,*MOTHER*IS*ALIVE*AND*WELL.*I*WASN'T*BEST*PLEASED,*MR.*HOLMES,*WHEN*SHE*MARRIED*AGAIN*SO*SOON*AFTER*FATHER'S*DEATH,*AND*A*MAN*WHO*WAS*NEARLY*FIFTEEN*YEARS*YOUNGER*THAN*HERSELF.*FATHER*WAS*A*PLUMBER*IN*THE*TOTTENHAM*COURT*ROAD,*AND*HE*LEFT*A*TIDY*BUSINESS*BEHIND*HIM,*WHICH*MOTHER*CARRIED*ON*WITH*MR.*HARDY,*THE*FOREMAN;*BUT*WHEN*MR.*WINDIBANK*CAME*HE*MADE*HER*SELL*THE*BUSINESS,*FOR*HE*WAS*VERY*SUPERIOR,*BEING*A*TRAVELLER*IN*WINES.*THEY*GOT*$4700*FOR*THE*GOODWILL*AND*INTEREST,*WHICH*WASN'T*NEAR*AS*MUCH*AS*FATHER*COULD*HAVE*GOT*IF*HE*HAD*BEEN*ALIVE."

I*HAD*EXPECTED*TO*SEE*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*IMPATIENT*UNDER*THIS*RAMBLING*AND*INCONSEQUENTIAL*NARRATIVE,*BUT,*ON*THE*CONTRARY,*HE*HAD*LISTENED*WITH*THE*GREATEST*CONCENTRATION*OF*ATTENTION.

"YOUR*OWN*LITTLE*INCOME,"*HE*ASKED,*"DOES*IT*COME*OUT*OF*THE*BUSINESS?"

"OH,*NO,*SIR.*IT*IS*QUITE*SEPARATE*AND*WAS*LEFT*ME*BY*MY*UNCLE*NED*IN*AUCKLAND.*IT*IS*IN*NEW*ZEALAND*STOCK,*PAYING*4*1/4*PER*CENT.*TWO*THOUSAND*FIVE*HUNDRED*POUNDS*WAS*THE*AMOUNT,*BUT*I*CAN*ONLY*TOUCH*THE*INTEREST."

"YOU*INTEREST*ME*EXTREMELY,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"AND*SINCE*YOU*DRAW*SO*LARGE*A*SUM*AS*A*HUNDRED*A*YEAR,*WITH*WHAT*YOU*EARN*INTO*THE*BARGAIN,*YOU*NO*DOUBT*TRAVEL*A*LITTLE*AND*INDULGE*YOURSELF*IN*EVERY*WAY.*I*BELIEVE*THAT*A*SINGLE*LADY*CAN*GET*ON*VERY*NICELY*UPON*AN*INCOME*OF*ABOUT*$60."

"I*COULD*DO*WITH*MUCH*LESS*THAN*THAT,*MR.*HOLMES,*BUT*YOU*UNDERSTAND*THAT*AS*LONG*AS*I*LIVE*AT*HOME*I*DON'T*WISH*TO*BE*A*BURDEN*TO*THEM,*AND*SO*THEY*HAVE*THE*USE*OF*THE*MONEY*JUST*WHILE*I*AM*STAYING*WITH*THEM.*OF*COURSE,*THAT*IS*ONLY*JUST*FOR*THE*TIME.*MR.*WINDIBANK*DRAWS*MY*INTEREST*EVERY*QUARTER*AND*PAYS*IT*OVER*TO*MOTHER,*AND*I*FIND*THAT*I*CAN*DO*PRETTY*WELL*WITH*WHAT*I*EARN*AT*TYPEWRITING.*IT*BRINGS*ME*TWOPENCE*A*SHEET,*AND*I*CAN*OFTEN*DO*FROM*FIFTEEN*TO*TWENTY*SHEETS*IN*A*DAY."

"YOU*HAVE*MADE*YOUR*POSITION*VERY*CLEAR*TO*ME,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"THIS*IS*MY*FRIEND,*DR.*WATSON,*BEFORE*WHOM*YOU*CAN*SPEAK*AS*FREELY*AS*BEFORE*MYSELF.*KINDLY*TELL*US*NOW*ALL*ABOUT*YOUR*CONNECTION*WITH*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL."

A*FLUSH*STOLE*OVER*MISS*SUTHERLAND'S*FACE,*AND*SHE*PICKED*NERVOUSLY*AT*THE*FRINGE*OF*HER*JACKET.*"I*MET*HIM*FIRST*AT*THE*GASFITTERS'*BALL,"*SHE*SAID.*"THEY*USED*TO*SEND*FATHER*TICKETS*WHEN*HE*WAS*ALIVE,*AND*THEN*AFTERWARDS*THEY*REMEMBERED*US,*AND*SENT*THEM*TO*MOTHER.*MR.*WINDIBANK*DID*NOT*WISH*US*TO*GO.*HE*NEVER*DID*WISH*US*TO*GO*ANYWHERE.*HE*WOULD*GET*QUITE*MAD*IF*I*WANTED*SO*MUCH*AS*TO*JOIN*A*SUNDAY-SCHOOL*TREAT.*BUT*THIS*TIME*I*WAS*SET*ON*GOING,*AND*I*WOULD*GO;*FOR*WHAT*RIGHT*HAD*HE*TO*PREVENT?*HE*SAID*THE*FOLK*WERE*NOT*FIT*FOR*US*TO*KNOW,*WHEN*ALL*FATHER'S*FRIENDS*WERE*TO*BE*THERE.*AND*HE*SAID*THAT*I*HAD*NOTHING*FIT*TO*WEAR,*WHEN*I*HAD*MY*PURPLE*PLUSH*THAT*I*HAD*NEVER*SO*MUCH*AS*TAKEN*OUT*OF*THE*DRAWER.*AT*LAST,*WHEN*NOTHING*ELSE*WOULD*DO,*HE*WENT*OFF*TO*FRANCE*UPON*THE*BUSINESS*OF*THE*FIRM,*BUT*WE*WENT,*MOTHER*AND*I,*WITH*MR.*HARDY,*WHO*USED*TO*BE*OUR*FOREMAN,*AND*IT*WAS*THERE*I*MET*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL."

"I*SUPPOSE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"THAT*WHEN*MR.*WINDIBANK*CAME*BACK*FROM*FRANCE*HE*WAS*VERY*ANNOYED*AT*YOUR*HAVING*GONE*TO*THE*BALL."

"OH,*WELL,*HE*WAS*VERY*GOOD*ABOUT*IT.*HE*LAUGHED,*I*REMEMBER,*AND*SHRUGGED*HIS*SHOULDERS,*AND*SAID*THERE*WAS*NO*USE*DENYING*ANYTHING*TO*A*WOMAN,*FOR*SHE*WOULD*HAVE*HER*WAY."

"I*SEE.*THEN*AT*THE*GASFITTERS'*BALL*YOU*MET,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND,*A*GENTLEMAN*CALLED*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL."

"YES,*SIR.*I*MET*HIM*THAT*NIGHT,*AND*HE*CALLED*NEXT*DAY*TO*ASK*IF*WE*HAD*GOT*HOME*ALL*SAFE,*AND*AFTER*THAT*WE*MET*HIM--THAT*IS*TO*SAY,*MR.*HOLMES,*I*MET*HIM*TWICE*FOR*WALKS,*BUT*AFTER*THAT*FATHER*CAME*BACK*AGAIN,*AND*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL*COULD*NOT*COME*TO*THE*HOUSE*ANY*MORE."

"NO?"

"WELL,*YOU*KNOW*FATHER*DIDN'T*LIKE*ANYTHING*OF*THE*SORT.*HE*WOULDN'T*HAVE*ANY*VISITORS*IF*HE*COULD*HELP*IT,*AND*HE*USED*TO*SAY*THAT*A*WOMAN*SHOULD*BE*HAPPY*IN*HER*OWN*FAMILY*CIRCLE.*BUT*THEN,*AS*I*USED*TO*SAY*TO*MOTHER,*A*WOMAN*WANTS*HER*OWN*CIRCLE*TO*BEGIN*WITH,*AND*I*HAD*NOT*GOT*MINE*YET."

"BUT*HOW*ABOUT*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL?*DID*HE*MAKE*NO*ATTEMPT*TO*SEE*YOU?"

"WELL,*FATHER*WAS*GOING*OFF*TO*FRANCE*AGAIN*IN*A*WEEK,*AND*HOSMER*WROTE*AND*SAID*THAT*IT*WOULD*BE*SAFER*AND*BETTER*NOT*TO*SEE*EACH*OTHER*UNTIL*HE*HAD*GONE.*WE*COULD*WRITE*IN*THE*MEANTIME,*AND*HE*USED*TO*WRITE*EVERY*DAY.*I*TOOK*THE*LETTERS*IN*IN*THE*MORNING,*SO*THERE*WAS*NO*NEED*FOR*FATHER*TO*KNOW."

"WERE*YOU*ENGAGED*TO*THE*GENTLEMAN*AT*THIS*TIME?"

"OH,*YES,*MR.*HOLMES.*WE*WERE*ENGAGED*AFTER*THE*FIRST*WALK*THAT*WE*TOOK.*HOSMER--MR.*ANGEL--WAS*A*CASHIER*IN*AN*OFFICE*IN*LEADENHALL*STREET--AND--"

"WHAT*OFFICE?"

"THAT'S*THE*WORST*OF*IT,*MR.*HOLMES,*I*DON'T*KNOW."

"WHERE*DID*HE*LIVE,*THEN?"

"HE*SLEPT*ON*THE*PREMISES."

"AND*YOU*DON'T*KNOW*HIS*ADDRESS?"

"NO--EXCEPT*THAT*IT*WAS*LEADENHALL*STREET."

"WHERE*DID*YOU*ADDRESS*YOUR*LETTERS,*THEN?"

"TO*THE*LEADENHALL*STREET*POST*OFFICE,*TO*BE*LEFT*TILL*CALLED*FOR.*HE*SAID*THAT*IF*THEY*WERE*SENT*TO*THE*OFFICE*HE*WOULD*BE*CHAFFED*BY*ALL*THE*OTHER*CLERKS*ABOUT*HAVING*LETTERS*FROM*A*LADY,*SO*I*OFFERED*TO*TYPEWRITE*THEM,*LIKE*HE*DID*HIS,*BUT*HE*WOULDN'T*HAVE*THAT,*FOR*HE*SAID*THAT*WHEN*I*WROTE*THEM*THEY*SEEMED*TO*COME*FROM*ME,*BUT*WHEN*THEY*WERE*TYPEWRITTEN*HE*ALWAYS*FELT*THAT*THE*MACHINE*HAD*COME*BETWEEN*US.*THAT*WILL*JUST*SHOW*YOU*HOW*FOND*HE*WAS*OF*ME,*MR.*HOLMES,*AND*THE*LITTLE*THINGS*THAT*HE*WOULD*THINK*OF."

"IT*WAS*MOST*SUGGESTIVE,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"IT*HAS*LONG*BEEN*AN*AXIOM*OF*MINE*THAT*THE*LITTLE*THINGS*ARE*INFINITELY*THE*MOST*IMPORTANT.*CAN*YOU*REMEMBER*ANY*OTHER*LITTLE*THINGS*ABOUT*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL?"

"HE*WAS*A*VERY*SHY*MAN,*MR.*HOLMES.*HE*WOULD*RATHER*WALK*WITH*ME*IN*THE*EVENING*THAN*IN*THE*DAYLIGHT,*FOR*HE*SAID*THAT*HE*HATED*TO*BE*CONSPICUOUS.*VERY*RETIRING*AND*GENTLEMANLY*HE*WAS.*EVEN*HIS*VOICE*WAS*GENTLE.*HE'D*HAD*THE*QUINSY*AND*SWOLLEN*GLANDS*WHEN*HE*WAS*YOUNG,*HE*TOLD*ME,*AND*IT*HAD*LEFT*HIM*WITH*A*WEAK*THROAT,*AND*A*HESITATING,*WHISPERING*FASHION*OF*SPEECH.*HE*WAS*ALWAYS*WELL*DRESSED,*VERY*NEAT*AND*PLAIN,*BUT*HIS*EYES*WERE*WEAK,*JUST*AS*MINE*ARE,*AND*HE*WORE*TINTED*GLASSES*AGAINST*THE*GLARE."

"WELL,*AND*WHAT*HAPPENED*WHEN*MR.*WINDIBANK,*YOUR*STEPFATHER,*RETURNED*TO*FRANCE?"

"MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL*CAME*TO*THE*HOUSE*AGAIN*AND*PROPOSED*THAT*WE*SHOULD*MARRY*BEFORE*FATHER*CAME*BACK.*HE*WAS*IN*DREADFUL*EARNEST*AND*MADE*ME*SWEAR,*WITH*MY*HANDS*ON*THE*TESTAMENT,*THAT*WHATEVER*HAPPENED*I*WOULD*ALWAYS*BE*TRUE*TO*HIM.*MOTHER*SAID*HE*WAS*QUITE*RIGHT*TO*MAKE*ME*SWEAR,*AND*THAT*IT*WAS*A*SIGN*OF*HIS*PASSION.*MOTHER*WAS*ALL*IN*HIS*FAVOUR*FROM*THE*FIRST*AND*WAS*EVEN*FONDER*OF*HIM*THAN*I*WAS.*THEN,*WHEN*THEY*TALKED*OF*MARRYING*WITHIN*THE*WEEK,*I*BEGAN*TO*ASK*ABOUT*FATHER;*BUT*THEY*BOTH*SAID*NEVER*TO*MIND*ABOUT*FATHER,*BUT*JUST*TO*TELL*HIM*AFTERWARDS,*AND*MOTHER*SAID*SHE*WOULD*MAKE*IT*ALL*RIGHT*WITH*HIM.*I*DIDN'T*QUITE*LIKE*THAT,*MR.*HOLMES.*IT*SEEMED*FUNNY*THAT*I*SHOULD*ASK*HIS*LEAVE,*AS*HE*WAS*ONLY*A*FEW*YEARS*OLDER*THAN*ME;*BUT*I*DIDN'T*WANT*TO*DO*ANYTHING*ON*THE*SLY,*SO*I*WROTE*TO*FATHER*AT*BORDEAUX,*WHERE*THE*COMPANY*HAS*ITS*FRENCH*OFFICES,*BUT*THE*LETTER*CAME*BACK*TO*ME*ON*THE*VERY*MORNING*OF*THE*WEDDING."

"IT*MISSED*HIM,*THEN?"

"YES,*SIR;*FOR*HE*HAD*STARTED*TO*ENGLAND*JUST*BEFORE*IT*ARRIVED."

"HA!*THAT*WAS*UNFORTUNATE.*YOUR*WEDDING*WAS*ARRANGED,*THEN,*FOR*THE*FRIDAY.*WAS*IT*TO*BE*IN*CHURCH?"

"YES,*SIR,*BUT*VERY*QUIETLY.*IT*WAS*TO*BE*AT*ST.*SAVIOUR'S,*NEAR*KING'S*CROSS,*AND*WE*WERE*TO*HAVE*BREAKFAST*AFTERWARDS*AT*THE*ST.*PANCRAS*HOTEL.*HOSMER*CAME*FOR*US*IN*A*HANSOM,*BUT*AS*THERE*WERE*TWO*OF*US*HE*PUT*US*BOTH*INTO*IT*AND*STEPPED*HIMSELF*INTO*A*FOUR-WHEELER,*WHICH*HAPPENED*TO*BE*THE*ONLY*OTHER*CAB*IN*THE*STREET.*WE*GOT*TO*THE*CHURCH*FIRST,*AND*WHEN*THE*FOUR-WHEELER*DROVE*UP*WE*WAITED*FOR*HIM*TO*STEP*OUT,*BUT*HE*NEVER*DID,*AND*WHEN*THE*CABMAN*GOT*DOWN*FROM*THE*BOX*AND*LOOKED*THERE*WAS*NO*ONE*THERE!*THE*CABMAN*SAID*THAT*HE*COULD*NOT*IMAGINE*WHAT*HAD*BECOME*OF*HIM,*FOR*HE*HAD*SEEN*HIM*GET*IN*WITH*HIS*OWN*EYES.*THAT*WAS*LAST*FRIDAY,*MR.*HOLMES,*AND*I*HAVE*NEVER*SEEN*OR*HEARD*ANYTHING*SINCE*THEN*TO*THROW*ANY*LIGHT*UPON*WHAT*BECAME*OF*HIM."

"IT*SEEMS*TO*ME*THAT*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*VERY*SHAMEFULLY*TREATED,"*SAID*HOLMES.

"OH,*NO,*SIR!*HE*WAS*TOO*GOOD*AND*KIND*TO*LEAVE*ME*SO.*WHY,*ALL*THE*MORNING*HE*WAS*SAYING*TO*ME*THAT,*WHATEVER*HAPPENED,*I*WAS*TO*BE*TRUE;*AND*THAT*EVEN*IF*SOMETHING*QUITE*UNFORESEEN*OCCURRED*TO*SEPARATE*US,*I*WAS*ALWAYS*TO*REMEMBER*THAT*I*WAS*PLEDGED*TO*HIM,*AND*THAT*HE*WOULD*CLAIM*HIS*PLEDGE*SOONER*OR*LATER.*IT*SEEMED*STRANGE*TALK*FOR*A*WEDDING-MORNING,*BUT*WHAT*HAS*HAPPENED*SINCE*GIVES*A*MEANING*TO*IT."

"MOST*CERTAINLY*IT*DOES.*YOUR*OWN*OPINION*IS,*THEN,*THAT*SOME*UNFORESEEN*CATASTROPHE*HAS*OCCURRED*TO*HIM?"

"YES,*SIR.*I*BELIEVE*THAT*HE*FORESAW*SOME*DANGER,*OR*ELSE*HE*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*TALKED*SO.*AND*THEN*I*THINK*THAT*WHAT*HE*FORESAW*HAPPENED."

"BUT*YOU*HAVE*NO*NOTION*AS*TO*WHAT*IT*COULD*HAVE*BEEN?"

"NONE."

"ONE*MORE*QUESTION.*HOW*DID*YOUR*MOTHER*TAKE*THE*MATTER?"

"SHE*WAS*ANGRY,*AND*SAID*THAT*I*WAS*NEVER*TO*SPEAK*OF*THE*MATTER*AGAIN."

"AND*YOUR*FATHER?*DID*YOU*TELL*HIM?"

"YES;*AND*HE*SEEMED*TO*THINK,*WITH*ME,*THAT*SOMETHING*HAD*HAPPENED,*AND*THAT*I*SHOULD*HEAR*OF*HOSMER*AGAIN.*AS*HE*SAID,*WHAT*INTEREST*COULD*ANYONE*HAVE*IN*BRINGING*ME*TO*THE*DOORS*OF*THE*CHURCH,*AND*THEN*LEAVING*ME?*NOW,*IF*HE*HAD*BORROWED*MY*MONEY,*OR*IF*HE*HAD*MARRIED*ME*AND*GOT*MY*MONEY*SETTLED*ON*HIM,*THERE*MIGHT*BE*SOME*REASON,*BUT*HOSMER*WAS*VERY*INDEPENDENT*ABOUT*MONEY*AND*NEVER*WOULD*LOOK*AT*A*SHILLING*OF*MINE.*AND*YET,*WHAT*COULD*HAVE*HAPPENED?*AND*WHY*COULD*HE*NOT*WRITE?*OH,*IT*DRIVES*ME*HALF-MAD*TO*THINK*OF*IT,*AND*I*CAN'T*SLEEP*A*WINK*AT*NIGHT."*SHE*PULLED*A*LITTLE*HANDKERCHIEF*OUT*OF*HER*MUFF*AND*BEGAN*TO*SOB*HEAVILY*INTO*IT.

"I*SHALL*GLANCE*INTO*THE*CASE*FOR*YOU,"*SAID*HOLMES,*RISING,*"AND*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*WE*SHALL*REACH*SOME*DEFINITE*RESULT.*LET*THE*WEIGHT*OF*THE*MATTER*REST*UPON*ME*NOW,*AND*DO*NOT*LET*YOUR*MIND*DWELL*UPON*IT*FURTHER.*ABOVE*ALL,*TRY*TO*LET*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL*VANISH*FROM*YOUR*MEMORY,*AS*HE*HAS*DONE*FROM*YOUR*LIFE."

"THEN*YOU*DON'T*THINK*I'LL*SEE*HIM*AGAIN?"

"I*FEAR*NOT."

"THEN*WHAT*HAS*HAPPENED*TO*HIM?"

"YOU*WILL*LEAVE*THAT*QUESTION*IN*MY*HANDS.*I*SHOULD*LIKE*AN*ACCURATE*DESCRIPTION*OF*HIM*AND*ANY*LETTERS*OF*HIS*WHICH*YOU*CAN*SPARE."

"I*ADVERTISED*FOR*HIM*IN*LAST*SATURDAY'S*CHRONICLE,"*SAID*SHE.*"HERE*IS*THE*SLIP*AND*HERE*ARE*FOUR*LETTERS*FROM*HIM."

"THANK*YOU.*AND*YOUR*ADDRESS?"

"NO.*31*LYON*PLACE,*CAMBERWELL."

"MR.*ANGEL'S*ADDRESS*YOU*NEVER*HAD,*I*UNDERSTAND.*WHERE*IS*YOUR*FATHER'S*PLACE*OF*BUSINESS?"

"HE*TRAVELS*FOR*WESTHOUSE*&*MARBANK,*THE*GREAT*CLARET*IMPORTERS*OF*FENCHURCH*STREET."

"THANK*YOU.*YOU*HAVE*MADE*YOUR*STATEMENT*VERY*CLEARLY.*YOU*WILL*LEAVE*THE*PAPERS*HERE,*AND*REMEMBER*THE*ADVICE*WHICH*I*HAVE*GIVEN*YOU.*LET*THE*WHOLE*INCIDENT*BE*A*SEALED*BOOK,*AND*DO*NOT*ALLOW*IT*TO*AFFECT*YOUR*LIFE."

"YOU*ARE*VERY*KIND,*MR.*HOLMES,*BUT*I*CANNOT*DO*THAT.*I*SHALL*BE*TRUE*TO*HOSMER.*HE*SHALL*FIND*ME*READY*WHEN*HE*COMES*BACK."

FOR*ALL*THE*PREPOSTEROUS*HAT*AND*THE*VACUOUS*FACE,*THERE*WAS*SOMETHING*NOBLE*IN*THE*SIMPLE*FAITH*OF*OUR*VISITOR*WHICH*COMPELLED*OUR*RESPECT.*SHE*LAID*HER*LITTLE*BUNDLE*OF*PAPERS*UPON*THE*TABLE*AND*WENT*HER*WAY,*WITH*A*PROMISE*TO*COME*AGAIN*WHENEVER*SHE*MIGHT*BE*SUMMONED.

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*SAT*SILENT*FOR*A*FEW*MINUTES*WITH*HIS*FINGERTIPS*STILL*PRESSED*TOGETHER,*HIS*LEGS*STRETCHED*OUT*IN*FRONT*OF*HIM,*AND*HIS*GAZE*DIRECTED*UPWARD*TO*THE*CEILING.*THEN*HE*TOOK*DOWN*FROM*THE*RACK*THE*OLD*AND*OILY*CLAY*PIPE,*WHICH*WAS*TO*HIM*AS*A*COUNSELLOR,*AND,*HAVING*LIT*IT,*HE*LEANED*BACK*IN*HIS*CHAIR,*WITH*THE*THICK*BLUE*CLOUD-WREATHS*SPINNING*UP*FROM*HIM,*AND*A*LOOK*OF*INFINITE*LANGUOR*IN*HIS*FACE.

"QUITE*AN*INTERESTING*STUDY,*THAT*MAIDEN,"*HE*OBSERVED.*"I*FOUND*HER*MORE*INTERESTING*THAN*HER*LITTLE*PROBLEM,*WHICH,*BY*THE*WAY,*IS*RATHER*A*TRITE*ONE.*YOU*WILL*FIND*PARALLEL*CASES,*IF*YOU*CONSULT*MY*INDEX,*IN*ANDOVER*IN*'77,*AND*THERE*WAS*SOMETHING*OF*THE*SORT*AT*THE*HAGUE*LAST*YEAR.*OLD*AS*IS*THE*IDEA,*HOWEVER,*THERE*WERE*ONE*OR*TWO*DETAILS*WHICH*WERE*NEW*TO*ME.*BUT*THE*MAIDEN*HERSELF*WAS*MOST*INSTRUCTIVE."

"YOU*APPEARED*TO*READ*A*GOOD*DEAL*UPON*HER*WHICH*WAS*QUITE*INVISIBLE*TO*ME,"*I*REMARKED.

"NOT*INVISIBLE*BUT*UNNOTICED,*WATSON.*YOU*DID*NOT*KNOW*WHERE*TO*LOOK,*AND*SO*YOU*MISSED*ALL*THAT*WAS*IMPORTANT.*I*CAN*NEVER*BRING*YOU*TO*REALISE*THE*IMPORTANCE*OF*SLEEVES,*THE*SUGGESTIVENESS*OF*THUMB-NAILS,*OR*THE*GREAT*ISSUES*THAT*MAY*HANG*FROM*A*BOOT-LACE.*NOW,*WHAT*DID*YOU*GATHER*FROM*THAT*WOMAN'S*APPEARANCE?*DESCRIBE*IT."

"WELL,*SHE*HAD*A*SLATE-COLOURED,*BROAD-BRIMMED*STRAW*HAT,*WITH*A*FEATHER*OF*A*BRICKISH*RED.*HER*JACKET*WAS*BLACK,*WITH*BLACK*BEADS*SEWN*UPON*IT,*AND*A*FRINGE*OF*LITTLE*BLACK*JET*ORNAMENTS.*HER*DRESS*WAS*BROWN,*RATHER*DARKER*THAN*COFFEE*COLOUR,*WITH*A*LITTLE*PURPLE*PLUSH*AT*THE*NECK*AND*SLEEVES.*HER*GLOVES*WERE*GREYISH*AND*WERE*WORN*THROUGH*AT*THE*RIGHT*FOREFINGER.*HER*BOOTS*I*DIDN'T*OBSERVE.*SHE*HAD*SMALL*ROUND,*HANGING*GOLD*EARRINGS,*AND*A*GENERAL*AIR*OF*BEING*FAIRLY*WELL-TO-DO*IN*A*VULGAR,*COMFORTABLE,*EASY-GOING*WAY."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*CLAPPED*HIS*HANDS*SOFTLY*TOGETHER*AND*CHUCKLED.

"*'PON*MY*WORD,*WATSON,*YOU*ARE*COMING*ALONG*WONDERFULLY.*YOU*HAVE*REALLY*DONE*VERY*WELL*INDEED.*IT*IS*TRUE*THAT*YOU*HAVE*MISSED*EVERYTHING*OF*IMPORTANCE,*BUT*YOU*HAVE*HIT*UPON*THE*METHOD,*AND*YOU*HAVE*A*QUICK*EYE*FOR*COLOUR.*NEVER*TRUST*TO*GENERAL*IMPRESSIONS,*MY*BOY,*BUT*CONCENTRATE*YOURSELF*UPON*DETAILS.*MY*FIRST*GLANCE*IS*ALWAYS*AT*A*WOMAN'S*SLEEVE.*IN*A*MAN*IT*IS*PERHAPS*BETTER*FIRST*TO*TAKE*THE*KNEE*OF*THE*TROUSER.*AS*YOU*OBSERVE,*THIS*WOMAN*HAD*PLUSH*UPON*HER*SLEEVES,*WHICH*IS*A*MOST*USEFUL*MATERIAL*FOR*SHOWING*TRACES.*THE*DOUBLE*LINE*A*LITTLE*ABOVE*THE*WRIST,*WHERE*THE*TYPEWRITIST*PRESSES*AGAINST*THE*TABLE,*WAS*BEAUTIFULLY*DEFINED.*THE*SEWING-MACHINE,*OF*THE*HAND*TYPE,*LEAVES*A*SIMILAR*MARK,*BUT*ONLY*ON*THE*LEFT*ARM,*AND*ON*THE*SIDE*OF*IT*FARTHEST*FROM*THE*THUMB,*INSTEAD*OF*BEING*RIGHT*ACROSS*THE*BROADEST*PART,*AS*THIS*WAS.*I*THEN*GLANCED*AT*HER*FACE,*AND,*OBSERVING*THE*DINT*OF*A*PINCE-NEZ*AT*EITHER*SIDE*OF*HER*NOSE,*I*VENTURED*A*REMARK*UPON*SHORT*SIGHT*AND*TYPEWRITING,*WHICH*SEEMED*TO*SURPRISE*HER."

"IT*SURPRISED*ME."

"BUT,*SURELY,*IT*WAS*OBVIOUS.*I*WAS*THEN*MUCH*SURPRISED*AND*INTERESTED*ON*GLANCING*DOWN*TO*OBSERVE*THAT,*THOUGH*THE*BOOTS*WHICH*SHE*WAS*WEARING*WERE*NOT*UNLIKE*EACH*OTHER,*THEY*WERE*REALLY*ODD*ONES;*THE*ONE*HAVING*A*SLIGHTLY*DECORATED*TOE-CAP,*AND*THE*OTHER*A*PLAIN*ONE.*ONE*WAS*BUTTONED*ONLY*IN*THE*TWO*LOWER*BUTTONS*OUT*OF*FIVE,*AND*THE*OTHER*AT*THE*FIRST,*THIRD,*AND*FIFTH.*NOW,*WHEN*YOU*SEE*THAT*A*YOUNG*LADY,*OTHERWISE*NEATLY*DRESSED,*HAS*COME*AWAY*FROM*HOME*WITH*ODD*BOOTS,*HALF-BUTTONED,*IT*IS*NO*GREAT*DEDUCTION*TO*SAY*THAT*SHE*CAME*AWAY*IN*A*HURRY."

"AND*WHAT*ELSE?"*I*ASKED,*KEENLY*INTERESTED,*AS*I*ALWAYS*WAS,*BY*MY*FRIEND'S*INCISIVE*REASONING.

"I*NOTED,*IN*PASSING,*THAT*SHE*HAD*WRITTEN*A*NOTE*BEFORE*LEAVING*HOME*BUT*AFTER*BEING*FULLY*DRESSED.*YOU*OBSERVED*THAT*HER*RIGHT*GLOVE*WAS*TORN*AT*THE*FOREFINGER,*BUT*YOU*DID*NOT*APPARENTLY*SEE*THAT*BOTH*GLOVE*AND*FINGER*WERE*STAINED*WITH*VIOLET*INK.*SHE*HAD*WRITTEN*IN*A*HURRY*AND*DIPPED*HER*PEN*TOO*DEEP.*IT*MUST*HAVE*BEEN*THIS*MORNING,*OR*THE*MARK*WOULD*NOT*REMAIN*CLEAR*UPON*THE*FINGER.*ALL*THIS*IS*AMUSING,*THOUGH*RATHER*ELEMENTARY,*BUT*I*MUST*GO*BACK*TO*BUSINESS,*WATSON.*WOULD*YOU*MIND*READING*ME*THE*ADVERTISED*DESCRIPTION*OF*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL?"

I*HELD*THE*LITTLE*PRINTED*SLIP*TO*THE*LIGHT.

"MISSING,"*IT*SAID,*"ON*THE*MORNING*OF*THE*FOURTEENTH,*A*GENTLEMAN*NAMED*HOSMER*ANGEL.*ABOUT*FIVE*FT.*SEVEN*IN.*IN*HEIGHT;*STRONGLY*BUILT,*SALLOW*COMPLEXION,*BLACK*HAIR,*A*LITTLE*BALD*IN*THE*CENTRE,*BUSHY,*BLACK*SIDE-WHISKERS*AND*MOUSTACHE;*TINTED*GLASSES,*SLIGHT*INFIRMITY*OF*SPEECH.*WAS*DRESSED,*WHEN*LAST*SEEN,*IN*BLACK*FROCK-COAT*FACED*WITH*SILK,*BLACK*WAISTCOAT,*GOLD*ALBERT*CHAIN,*AND*GREY*HARRIS*TWEED*TROUSERS,*WITH*BROWN*GAITERS*OVER*ELASTIC-SIDED*BOOTS.*KNOWN*TO*HAVE*BEEN*EMPLOYED*IN*AN*OFFICE*IN*LEADENHALL*STREET.*ANYBODY*BRINGING--"

"THAT*WILL*DO,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"AS*TO*THE*LETTERS,"*HE*CONTINUED,*GLANCING*OVER*THEM,*"THEY*ARE*VERY*COMMONPLACE.*ABSOLUTELY*NO*CLUE*IN*THEM*TO*MR.*ANGEL,*SAVE*THAT*HE*QUOTES*BALZAC*ONCE.*THERE*IS*ONE*REMARKABLE*POINT,*HOWEVER,*WHICH*WILL*NO*DOUBT*STRIKE*YOU."

"THEY*ARE*TYPEWRITTEN,"*I*REMARKED.

"NOT*ONLY*THAT,*BUT*THE*SIGNATURE*IS*TYPEWRITTEN.*LOOK*AT*THE*NEAT*LITTLE*'HOSMER*ANGEL'*AT*THE*BOTTOM.*THERE*IS*A*DATE,*YOU*SEE,*BUT*NO*SUPERSCRIPTION*EXCEPT*LEADENHALL*STREET,*WHICH*IS*RATHER*VAGUE.*THE*POINT*ABOUT*THE*SIGNATURE*IS*VERY*SUGGESTIVE--IN*FACT,*WE*MAY*CALL*IT*CONCLUSIVE."

"OF*WHAT?"

"MY*DEAR*FELLOW,*IS*IT*POSSIBLE*YOU*DO*NOT*SEE*HOW*STRONGLY*IT*BEARS*UPON*THE*CASE?"

"I*CANNOT*SAY*THAT*I*DO*UNLESS*IT*WERE*THAT*HE*WISHED*TO*BE*ABLE*TO*DENY*HIS*SIGNATURE*IF*AN*ACTION*FOR*BREACH*OF*PROMISE*WERE*INSTITUTED."

"NO,*THAT*WAS*NOT*THE*POINT.*HOWEVER,*I*SHALL*WRITE*TWO*LETTERS,*WHICH*SHOULD*SETTLE*THE*MATTER.*ONE*IS*TO*A*FIRM*IN*THE*CITY,*THE*OTHER*IS*TO*THE*YOUNG*LADY'S*STEPFATHER,*MR.*WINDIBANK,*ASKING*HIM*WHETHER*HE*COULD*MEET*US*HERE*AT*SIX*O'CLOCK*TO-MORROW*EVENING.*IT*IS*JUST*AS*WELL*THAT*WE*SHOULD*DO*BUSINESS*WITH*THE*MALE*RELATIVES.*AND*NOW,*DOCTOR,*WE*CAN*DO*NOTHING*UNTIL*THE*ANSWERS*TO*THOSE*LETTERS*COME,*SO*WE*MAY*PUT*OUR*LITTLE*PROBLEM*UPON*THE*SHELF*FOR*THE*INTERIM."

I*HAD*HAD*SO*MANY*REASONS*TO*BELIEVE*IN*MY*FRIEND'S*SUBTLE*POWERS*OF*REASONING*AND*EXTRAORDINARY*ENERGY*IN*ACTION*THAT*I*FELT*THAT*HE*MUST*HAVE*SOME*SOLID*GROUNDS*FOR*THE*ASSURED*AND*EASY*DEMEANOUR*WITH*WHICH*HE*TREATED*THE*SINGULAR*MYSTERY*WHICH*HE*HAD*BEEN*CALLED*UPON*TO*FATHOM.*ONCE*ONLY*HAD*I*KNOWN*HIM*TO*FAIL,*IN*THE*CASE*OF*THE*KING*OF*BOHEMIA*AND*OF*THE*IRENE*ADLER*PHOTOGRAPH;*BUT*WHEN*I*LOOKED*BACK*TO*THE*WEIRD*BUSINESS*OF*THE*SIGN*OF*FOUR,*AND*THE*EXTRAORDINARY*CIRCUMSTANCES*CONNECTED*WITH*THE*STUDY*IN*SCARLET,*I*FELT*THAT*IT*WOULD*BE*A*STRANGE*TANGLE*INDEED*WHICH*HE*COULD*NOT*UNRAVEL.

I*LEFT*HIM*THEN,*STILL*PUFFING*AT*HIS*BLACK*CLAY*PIPE,*WITH*THE*CONVICTION*THAT*WHEN*I*CAME*AGAIN*ON*THE*NEXT*EVENING*I*WOULD*FIND*THAT*HE*HELD*IN*HIS*HANDS*ALL*THE*CLUES*WHICH*WOULD*LEAD*UP*TO*THE*IDENTITY*OF*THE*DISAPPEARING*BRIDEGROOM*OF*MISS*MARY*SUTHERLAND.

A*PROFESSIONAL*CASE*OF*GREAT*GRAVITY*WAS*ENGAGING*MY*OWN*ATTENTION*AT*THE*TIME,*AND*THE*WHOLE*OF*NEXT*DAY*I*WAS*BUSY*AT*THE*BEDSIDE*OF*THE*SUFFERER.*IT*WAS*NOT*UNTIL*CLOSE*UPON*SIX*O'CLOCK*THAT*I*FOUND*MYSELF*FREE*AND*WAS*ABLE*TO*SPRING*INTO*A*HANSOM*AND*DRIVE*TO*BAKER*STREET,*HALF*AFRAID*THAT*I*MIGHT*BE*TOO*LATE*TO*ASSIST*AT*THE*DENOUEMENT*OF*THE*LITTLE*MYSTERY.*I*FOUND*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*ALONE,*HOWEVER,*HALF*ASLEEP,*WITH*HIS*LONG,*THIN*FORM*CURLED*UP*IN*THE*RECESSES*OF*HIS*ARMCHAIR.*A*FORMIDABLE*ARRAY*OF*BOTTLES*AND*TEST-TUBES,*WITH*THE*PUNGENT*CLEANLY*SMELL*OF*HYDROCHLORIC*ACID,*TOLD*ME*THAT*HE*HAD*SPENT*HIS*DAY*IN*THE*CHEMICAL*WORK*WHICH*WAS*SO*DEAR*TO*HIM.

"WELL,*HAVE*YOU*SOLVED*IT?"*I*ASKED*AS*I*ENTERED.

"YES.*IT*WAS*THE*BISULPHATE*OF*BARYTA."

"NO,*NO,*THE*MYSTERY!"*I*CRIED.

"OH,*THAT!*I*THOUGHT*OF*THE*SALT*THAT*I*HAVE*BEEN*WORKING*UPON.*THERE*WAS*NEVER*ANY*MYSTERY*IN*THE*MATTER,*THOUGH,*AS*I*SAID*YESTERDAY,*SOME*OF*THE*DETAILS*ARE*OF*INTEREST.*THE*ONLY*DRAWBACK*IS*THAT*THERE*IS*NO*LAW,*I*FEAR,*THAT*CAN*TOUCH*THE*SCOUNDREL."

"WHO*WAS*HE,*THEN,*AND*WHAT*WAS*HIS*OBJECT*IN*DESERTING*MISS*SUTHERLAND?"

THE*QUESTION*WAS*HARDLY*OUT*OF*MY*MOUTH,*AND*HOLMES*HAD*NOT*YET*OPENED*HIS*LIPS*TO*REPLY,*WHEN*WE*HEARD*A*HEAVY*FOOTFALL*IN*THE*PASSAGE*AND*A*TAP*AT*THE*DOOR.

"THIS*IS*THE*GIRL'S*STEPFATHER,*MR.*JAMES*WINDIBANK,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"HE*HAS*WRITTEN*TO*ME*TO*SAY*THAT*HE*WOULD*BE*HERE*AT*SIX.*COME*IN!"

THE*MAN*WHO*ENTERED*WAS*A*STURDY,*MIDDLE-SIZED*FELLOW,*SOME*THIRTY*YEARS*OF*AGE,*CLEAN-SHAVEN,*AND*SALLOW-SKINNED,*WITH*A*BLAND,*INSINUATING*MANNER,*AND*A*PAIR*OF*WONDERFULLY*SHARP*AND*PENETRATING*GREY*EYES.*HE*SHOT*A*QUESTIONING*GLANCE*AT*EACH*OF*US,*PLACED*HIS*SHINY*TOP-HAT*UPON*THE*SIDEBOARD,*AND*WITH*A*SLIGHT*BOW*SIDLED*DOWN*INTO*THE*NEAREST*CHAIR.

"GOOD-EVENING,*MR.*JAMES*WINDIBANK,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"I*THINK*THAT*THIS*TYPEWRITTEN*LETTER*IS*FROM*YOU,*IN*WHICH*YOU*MADE*AN*APPOINTMENT*WITH*ME*FOR*SIX*O'CLOCK?"

"YES,*SIR.*I*AM*AFRAID*THAT*I*AM*A*LITTLE*LATE,*BUT*I*AM*NOT*QUITE*MY*OWN*MASTER,*YOU*KNOW.*I*AM*SORRY*THAT*MISS*SUTHERLAND*HAS*TROUBLED*YOU*ABOUT*THIS*LITTLE*MATTER,*FOR*I*THINK*IT*IS*FAR*BETTER*NOT*TO*WASH*LINEN*OF*THE*SORT*IN*PUBLIC.*IT*WAS*QUITE*AGAINST*MY*WISHES*THAT*SHE*CAME,*BUT*SHE*IS*A*VERY*EXCITABLE,*IMPULSIVE*GIRL,*AS*YOU*MAY*HAVE*NOTICED,*AND*SHE*IS*NOT*EASILY*CONTROLLED*WHEN*SHE*HAS*MADE*UP*HER*MIND*ON*A*POINT.*OF*COURSE,*I*DID*NOT*MIND*YOU*SO*MUCH,*AS*YOU*ARE*NOT*CONNECTED*WITH*THE*OFFICIAL*POLICE,*BUT*IT*IS*NOT*PLEASANT*TO*HAVE*A*FAMILY*MISFORTUNE*LIKE*THIS*NOISED*ABROAD.*BESIDES,*IT*IS*A*USELESS*EXPENSE,*FOR*HOW*COULD*YOU*POSSIBLY*FIND*THIS*HOSMER*ANGEL?"

"ON*THE*CONTRARY,"*SAID*HOLMES*QUIETLY;*"I*HAVE*EVERY*REASON*TO*BELIEVE*THAT*I*WILL*SUCCEED*IN*DISCOVERING*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL."

MR.*WINDIBANK*GAVE*A*VIOLENT*START*AND*DROPPED*HIS*GLOVES.*"I*AM*DELIGHTED*TO*HEAR*IT,"*HE*SAID.

"IT*IS*A*CURIOUS*THING,"*REMARKED*HOLMES,*"THAT*A*TYPEWRITER*HAS*REALLY*QUITE*AS*MUCH*INDIVIDUALITY*AS*A*MAN'S*HANDWRITING.*UNLESS*THEY*ARE*QUITE*NEW,*NO*TWO*OF*THEM*WRITE*EXACTLY*ALIKE.*SOME*LETTERS*GET*MORE*WORN*THAN*OTHERS,*AND*SOME*WEAR*ONLY*ON*ONE*SIDE.*NOW,*YOU*REMARK*IN*THIS*NOTE*OF*YOURS,*MR.*WINDIBANK,*THAT*IN*EVERY*CASE*THERE*IS*SOME*LITTLE*SLURRING*OVER*OF*THE*'E,'*AND*A*SLIGHT*DEFECT*IN*THE*TAIL*OF*THE*'R.'*THERE*ARE*FOURTEEN*OTHER*CHARACTERISTICS,*BUT*THOSE*ARE*THE*MORE*OBVIOUS."

"WE*DO*ALL*OUR*CORRESPONDENCE*WITH*THIS*MACHINE*AT*THE*OFFICE,*AND*NO*DOUBT*IT*IS*A*LITTLE*WORN,"*OUR*VISITOR*ANSWERED,*GLANCING*KEENLY*AT*HOLMES*WITH*HIS*BRIGHT*LITTLE*EYES.

"AND*NOW*I*WILL*SHOW*YOU*WHAT*IS*REALLY*A*VERY*INTERESTING*STUDY,*MR.*WINDIBANK,"*HOLMES*CONTINUED.*"I*THINK*OF*WRITING*ANOTHER*LITTLE*MONOGRAPH*SOME*OF*THESE*DAYS*ON*THE*TYPEWRITER*AND*ITS*RELATION*TO*CRIME.*IT*IS*A*SUBJECT*TO*WHICH*I*HAVE*DEVOTED*SOME*LITTLE*ATTENTION.*I*HAVE*HERE*FOUR*LETTERS*WHICH*PURPORT*TO*COME*FROM*THE*MISSING*MAN.*THEY*ARE*ALL*TYPEWRITTEN.*IN*EACH*CASE,*NOT*ONLY*ARE*THE*'E'S'*SLURRED*AND*THE*'R'S'*TAILLESS,*BUT*YOU*WILL*OBSERVE,*IF*YOU*CARE*TO*USE*MY*MAGNIFYING*LENS,*THAT*THE*FOURTEEN*OTHER*CHARACTERISTICS*TO*WHICH*I*HAVE*ALLUDED*ARE*THERE*AS*WELL."

MR.*WINDIBANK*SPRANG*OUT*OF*HIS*CHAIR*AND*PICKED*UP*HIS*HAT.*"I*CANNOT*WASTE*TIME*OVER*THIS*SORT*OF*FANTASTIC*TALK,*MR.*HOLMES,"*HE*SAID.*"IF*YOU*CAN*CATCH*THE*MAN,*CATCH*HIM,*AND*LET*ME*KNOW*WHEN*YOU*HAVE*DONE*IT."

"CERTAINLY,"*SAID*HOLMES,*STEPPING*OVER*AND*TURNING*THE*KEY*IN*THE*DOOR.*"I*LET*YOU*KNOW,*THEN,*THAT*I*HAVE*CAUGHT*HIM!"

"WHAT!*WHERE?"*SHOUTED*MR.*WINDIBANK,*TURNING*WHITE*TO*HIS*LIPS*AND*GLANCING*ABOUT*HIM*LIKE*A*RAT*IN*A*TRAP.

"OH,*IT*WON'T*DO--REALLY*IT*WON'T,"*SAID*HOLMES*SUAVELY.*"THERE*IS*NO*POSSIBLE*GETTING*OUT*OF*IT,*MR.*WINDIBANK.*IT*IS*QUITE*TOO*TRANSPARENT,*AND*IT*WAS*A*VERY*BAD*COMPLIMENT*WHEN*YOU*SAID*THAT*IT*WAS*IMPOSSIBLE*FOR*ME*TO*SOLVE*SO*SIMPLE*A*QUESTION.*THAT'S*RIGHT!*SIT*DOWN*AND*LET*US*TALK*IT*OVER."

OUR*VISITOR*COLLAPSED*INTO*A*CHAIR,*WITH*A*GHASTLY*FACE*AND*A*GLITTER*OF*MOISTURE*ON*HIS*BROW.*"IT--IT'S*NOT*ACTIONABLE,"*HE*STAMMERED.

"I*AM*VERY*MUCH*AFRAID*THAT*IT*IS*NOT.*BUT*BETWEEN*OURSELVES,*WINDIBANK,*IT*WAS*AS*CRUEL*AND*SELFISH*AND*HEARTLESS*A*TRICK*IN*A*PETTY*WAY*AS*EVER*CAME*BEFORE*ME.*NOW,*LET*ME*JUST*RUN*OVER*THE*COURSE*OF*EVENTS,*AND*YOU*WILL*CONTRADICT*ME*IF*I*GO*WRONG."

THE*MAN*SAT*HUDDLED*UP*IN*HIS*CHAIR,*WITH*HIS*HEAD*SUNK*UPON*HIS*BREAST,*LIKE*ONE*WHO*IS*UTTERLY*CRUSHED.*HOLMES*STUCK*HIS*FEET*UP*ON*THE*CORNER*OF*THE*MANTELPIECE*AND,*LEANING*BACK*WITH*HIS*HANDS*IN*HIS*POCKETS,*BEGAN*TALKING,*RATHER*TO*HIMSELF,*AS*IT*SEEMED,*THAN*TO*US.


"IT*WAS*ONLY*A*JOKE*AT*FIRST,"*GROANED*OUR*VISITOR.*"WE*NEVER*THOUGHT*THAT*SHE*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*SO*CARRIED*AWAY."


OUR*VISITOR*HAD*RECOVERED*SOMETHING*OF*HIS*ASSURANCE*WHILE*HOLMES*HAD*BEEN*TALKING,*AND*HE*ROSE*FROM*HIS*CHAIR*NOW*WITH*A*COLD*SNEER*UPON*HIS*PALE*FACE.

"IT*MAY*BE*SO,*OR*IT*MAY*NOT,*MR.*HOLMES,"*SAID*HE,*"BUT*IF*YOU*ARE*SO*VERY*SHARP*YOU*OUGHT*TO*BE*SHARP*ENOUGH*TO*KNOW*THAT*IT*IS*YOU*WHO*ARE*BREAKING*THE*LAW*NOW,*AND*NOT*ME.*I*HAVE*DONE*NOTHING*ACTIONABLE*FROM*THE*FIRST,*BUT*AS*LONG*AS*YOU*KEEP*THAT*DOOR*LOCKED*YOU*LAY*YOURSELF*OPEN*TO*AN*ACTION*FOR*ASSAULT*AND*ILLEGAL*CONSTRAINT."

"THE*LAW*CANNOT,*AS*YOU*SAY,*TOUCH*YOU,"*SAID*HOLMES,*UNLOCKING*AND*THROWING*OPEN*THE*DOOR,*"YET*THERE*NEVER*WAS*A*MAN*WHO*DESERVED*PUNISHMENT*MORE.*IF*THE*YOUNG*LADY*HAS*A*BROTHER*OR*A*FRIEND,*HE*OUGHT*TO*LAY*A*WHIP*ACROSS*YOUR*SHOULDERS.*BY*JOVE!"*HE*CONTINUED,*FLUSHING*UP*AT*THE*SIGHT*OF*THE*BITTER*SNEER*UPON*THE*MAN'S*FACE,*"IT*IS*NOT*PART*OF*MY*DUTIES*TO*MY*CLIENT,*BUT*HERE'S*A*HUNTING*CROP*HANDY,*AND*I*THINK*I*SHALL*JUST*TREAT*MYSELF*TO--"*HE*TOOK*TWO*SWIFT*STEPS*TO*THE*WHIP,*BUT*BEFORE*HE*COULD*GRASP*IT*THERE*WAS*A*WILD*CLATTER*OF*STEPS*UPON*THE*STAIRS,*THE*HEAVY*HALL*DOOR*BANGED,*AND*FROM*THE*WINDOW*WE*COULD*SEE*MR.*JAMES*WINDIBANK*RUNNING*AT*THE*TOP*OF*HIS*SPEED*DOWN*THE*ROAD.

"THERE'S*A*COLD-BLOODED*SCOUNDREL!"*SAID*HOLMES,*LAUGHING,*AS*HE*THREW*HIMSELF*DOWN*INTO*HIS*CHAIR*ONCE*MORE.*"THAT*FELLOW*WILL*RISE*FROM*CRIME*TO*CRIME*UNTIL*HE*DOES*SOMETHING*VERY*BAD,*AND*ENDS*ON*A*GALLOWS.*THE*CASE*HAS,*IN*SOME*RESPECTS,*BEEN*NOT*ENTIRELY*DEVOID*OF*INTEREST."

"I*CANNOT*NOW*ENTIRELY*SEE*ALL*THE*STEPS*OF*YOUR*REASONING,"*I*REMARKED.

"WELL,*OF*COURSE*IT*WAS*OBVIOUS*FROM*THE*FIRST*THAT*THIS*MR.*HOSMER*ANGEL*MUST*HAVE*SOME*STRONG*OBJECT*FOR*HIS*CURIOUS*CONDUCT,*AND*IT*WAS*EQUALLY*CLEAR*THAT*THE*ONLY*MAN*WHO*REALLY*PROFITED*BY*THE*INCIDENT,*AS*FAR*AS*WE*COULD*SEE,*WAS*THE*STEPFATHER.*THEN*THE*FACT*THAT*THE*TWO*MEN*WERE*NEVER*TOGETHER,*BUT*THAT*THE*ONE*ALWAYS*APPEARED*WHEN*THE*OTHER*WAS*AWAY,*WAS*SUGGESTIVE.*SO*WERE*THE*TINTED*SPECTACLES*AND*THE*CURIOUS*VOICE,*WHICH*BOTH*HINTED*AT*A*DISGUISE,*AS*DID*THE*BUSHY*WHISKERS.*MY*SUSPICIONS*WERE*ALL*CONFIRMED*BY*HIS*PECULIAR*ACTION*IN*TYPEWRITING*HIS*SIGNATURE,*WHICH,*OF*COURSE,*INFERRED*THAT*HIS*HANDWRITING*WAS*SO*FAMILIAR*TO*HER*THAT*SHE*WOULD*RECOGNISE*EVEN*THE*SMALLEST*SAMPLE*OF*IT.*YOU*SEE*ALL*THESE*ISOLATED*FACTS,*TOGETHER*WITH*MANY*MINOR*ONES,*ALL*POINTED*IN*THE*SAME*DIRECTION."

"AND*HOW*DID*YOU*VERIFY*THEM?"

"HAVING*ONCE*SPOTTED*MY*MAN,*IT*WAS*EASY*TO*GET*CORROBORATION.*I*KNEW*THE*FIRM*FOR*WHICH*THIS*MAN*WORKED.*HAVING*TAKEN*THE*PRINTED*DESCRIPTION.*I*ELIMINATED*EVERYTHING*FROM*IT*WHICH*COULD*BE*THE*RESULT*OF*A*DISGUISE--THE*WHISKERS,*THE*GLASSES,*THE*VOICE,*AND*I*SENT*IT*TO*THE*FIRM,*WITH*A*REQUEST*THAT*THEY*WOULD*INFORM*ME*WHETHER*IT*ANSWERED*TO*THE*DESCRIPTION*OF*ANY*OF*THEIR*TRAVELLERS.*I*HAD*ALREADY*NOTICED*THE*PECULIARITIES*OF*THE*TYPEWRITER,*AND*I*WROTE*TO*THE*MAN*HIMSELF*AT*HIS*BUSINESS*ADDRESS*ASKING*HIM*IF*HE*WOULD*COME*HERE.*AS*I*EXPECTED,*HIS*REPLY*WAS*TYPEWRITTEN*AND*REVEALED*THE*SAME*TRIVIAL*BUT*CHARACTERISTIC*DEFECTS.*THE*SAME*POST*BROUGHT*ME*A*LETTER*FROM*WESTHOUSE*&*MARBANK,*OF*FENCHURCH*STREET,*TO*SAY*THAT*THE*DESCRIPTION*TALLIED*IN*EVERY*RESPECT*WITH*THAT*OF*THEIR*EMPLOYE,*JAMES*WINDIBANK.*VOILA*TOUT!"

"AND*MISS*SUTHERLAND?"

"IF*I*TELL*HER*SHE*WILL*NOT*BELIEVE*ME.*YOU*MAY*REMEMBER*THE*OLD*PERSIAN*SAYING,*'THERE*IS*DANGER*FOR*HIM*WHO*TAKETH*THE*TIGER*CUB,*AND*DANGER*ALSO*FOR*WHOSO*SNATCHES*A*DELUSION*FROM*A*WOMAN.'*THERE*IS*AS*MUCH*SENSE*IN*HAFIZ*AS*IN*HORACE,*AND*AS*MUCH*KNOWLEDGE*OF*THE*WORLD."

ADVENTURE*IV.*THE*BOSCOMBE*VALLEY*MYSTERY


WE*WERE*SEATED*AT*BREAKFAST*ONE*MORNING,*MY*WIFE*AND*I,*WHEN*THE*MAID*BROUGHT*IN*A*TELEGRAM.*IT*WAS*FROM*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*AND*RAN*IN*THIS*WAY:

"HAVE*YOU*A*COUPLE*OF*DAYS*TO*SPARE?*HAVE*JUST*BEEN*WIRED*FOR*FROM*THE*WEST*OF*ENGLAND*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*BOSCOMBE*VALLEY*TRAGEDY.*SHALL*BE*GLAD*IF*YOU*WILL*COME*WITH*ME.*AIR*AND*SCENERY*PERFECT.*LEAVE*PADDINGTON*BY*THE*11:15."

"WHAT*DO*YOU*SAY,*DEAR?"*SAID*MY*WIFE,*LOOKING*ACROSS*AT*ME.*"WILL*YOU*GO?"

"I*REALLY*DON'T*KNOW*WHAT*TO*SAY.*I*HAVE*A*FAIRLY*LONG*LIST*AT*PRESENT."

"OH,*ANSTRUTHER*WOULD*DO*YOUR*WORK*FOR*YOU.*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*LOOKING*A*LITTLE*PALE*LATELY.*I*THINK*THAT*THE*CHANGE*WOULD*DO*YOU*GOOD,*AND*YOU*ARE*ALWAYS*SO*INTERESTED*IN*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES'*CASES."

"I*SHOULD*BE*UNGRATEFUL*IF*I*WERE*NOT,*SEEING*WHAT*I*GAINED*THROUGH*ONE*OF*THEM,"*I*ANSWERED.*"BUT*IF*I*AM*TO*GO,*I*MUST*PACK*AT*ONCE,*FOR*I*HAVE*ONLY*HALF*AN*HOUR."

MY*EXPERIENCE*OF*CAMP*LIFE*IN*AFGHANISTAN*HAD*AT*LEAST*HAD*THE*EFFECT*OF*MAKING*ME*A*PROMPT*AND*READY*TRAVELLER.*MY*WANTS*WERE*FEW*AND*SIMPLE,*SO*THAT*IN*LESS*THAN*THE*TIME*STATED*I*WAS*IN*A*CAB*WITH*MY*VALISE,*RATTLING*AWAY*TO*PADDINGTON*STATION.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*WAS*PACING*UP*AND*DOWN*THE*PLATFORM,*HIS*TALL,*GAUNT*FIGURE*MADE*EVEN*GAUNTER*AND*TALLER*BY*HIS*LONG*GREY*TRAVELLING-CLOAK*AND*CLOSE-FITTING*CLOTH*CAP.

"IT*IS*REALLY*VERY*GOOD*OF*YOU*TO*COME,*WATSON,"*SAID*HE.*"IT*MAKES*A*CONSIDERABLE*DIFFERENCE*TO*ME,*HAVING*SOMEONE*WITH*ME*ON*WHOM*I*CAN*THOROUGHLY*RELY.*LOCAL*AID*IS*ALWAYS*EITHER*WORTHLESS*OR*ELSE*BIASSED.*IF*YOU*WILL*KEEP*THE*TWO*CORNER*SEATS*I*SHALL*GET*THE*TICKETS."

WE*HAD*THE*CARRIAGE*TO*OURSELVES*SAVE*FOR*AN*IMMENSE*LITTER*OF*PAPERS*WHICH*HOLMES*HAD*BROUGHT*WITH*HIM.*AMONG*THESE*HE*RUMMAGED*AND*READ,*WITH*INTERVALS*OF*NOTE-TAKING*AND*OF*MEDITATION,*UNTIL*WE*WERE*PAST*READING.*THEN*HE*SUDDENLY*ROLLED*THEM*ALL*INTO*A*GIGANTIC*BALL*AND*TOSSED*THEM*UP*ONTO*THE*RACK.

"HAVE*YOU*HEARD*ANYTHING*OF*THE*CASE?"*HE*ASKED.

"NOT*A*WORD.*I*HAVE*NOT*SEEN*A*PAPER*FOR*SOME*DAYS."

"THE*LONDON*PRESS*HAS*NOT*HAD*VERY*FULL*ACCOUNTS.*I*HAVE*JUST*BEEN*LOOKING*THROUGH*ALL*THE*RECENT*PAPERS*IN*ORDER*TO*MASTER*THE*PARTICULARS.*IT*SEEMS,*FROM*WHAT*I*GATHER,*TO*BE*ONE*OF*THOSE*SIMPLE*CASES*WHICH*ARE*SO*EXTREMELY*DIFFICULT."

"THAT*SOUNDS*A*LITTLE*PARADOXICAL."

"BUT*IT*IS*PROFOUNDLY*TRUE.*SINGULARITY*IS*ALMOST*INVARIABLY*A*CLUE.*THE*MORE*FEATURELESS*AND*COMMONPLACE*A*CRIME*IS,*THE*MORE*DIFFICULT*IT*IS*TO*BRING*IT*HOME.*IN*THIS*CASE,*HOWEVER,*THEY*HAVE*ESTABLISHED*A*VERY*SERIOUS*CASE*AGAINST*THE*SON*OF*THE*MURDERED*MAN."

"IT*IS*A*MURDER,*THEN?"

"WELL,*IT*IS*CONJECTURED*TO*BE*SO.*I*SHALL*TAKE*NOTHING*FOR*GRANTED*UNTIL*I*HAVE*THE*OPPORTUNITY*OF*LOOKING*PERSONALLY*INTO*IT.*I*WILL*EXPLAIN*THE*STATE*OF*THINGS*TO*YOU,*AS*FAR*AS*I*HAVE*BEEN*ABLE*TO*UNDERSTAND*IT,*IN*A*VERY*FEW*WORDS.


"ON*JUNE*3RD,*THAT*IS,*ON*MONDAY*LAST,*MCCARTHY*LEFT*HIS*HOUSE*AT*HATHERLEY*ABOUT*THREE*IN*THE*AFTERNOON*AND*WALKED*DOWN*TO*THE*BOSCOMBE*POOL,*WHICH*IS*A*SMALL*LAKE*FORMED*BY*THE*SPREADING*OUT*OF*THE*STREAM*WHICH*RUNS*DOWN*THE*BOSCOMBE*VALLEY.*HE*HAD*BEEN*OUT*WITH*HIS*SERVING-MAN*IN*THE*MORNING*AT*ROSS,*AND*HE*HAD*TOLD*THE*MAN*THAT*HE*MUST*HURRY,*AS*HE*HAD*AN*APPOINTMENT*OF*IMPORTANCE*TO*KEEP*AT*THREE.*FROM*THAT*APPOINTMENT*HE*NEVER*CAME*BACK*ALIVE.

"FROM*HATHERLEY*FARMHOUSE*TO*THE*BOSCOMBE*POOL*IS*A*QUARTER*OF*A*MILE,*AND*TWO*PEOPLE*SAW*HIM*AS*HE*PASSED*OVER*THIS*GROUND.*ONE*WAS*AN*OLD*WOMAN,*WHOSE*NAME*IS*NOT*MENTIONED,*AND*THE*OTHER*WAS*WILLIAM*CROWDER,*A*GAME-KEEPER*IN*THE*EMPLOY*OF*MR.*TURNER.*BOTH*THESE*WITNESSES*DEPOSE*THAT*MR.*MCCARTHY*WAS*WALKING*ALONE.*THE*GAME-KEEPER*ADDS*THAT*WITHIN*A*FEW*MINUTES*OF*HIS*SEEING*MR.*MCCARTHY*PASS*HE*HAD*SEEN*HIS*SON,*MR.*JAMES*MCCARTHY,*GOING*THE*SAME*WAY*WITH*A*GUN*UNDER*HIS*ARM.*TO*THE*BEST*OF*HIS*BELIEF,*THE*FATHER*WAS*ACTUALLY*IN*SIGHT*AT*THE*TIME,*AND*THE*SON*WAS*FOLLOWING*HIM.*HE*THOUGHT*NO*MORE*OF*THE*MATTER*UNTIL*HE*HEARD*IN*THE*EVENING*OF*THE*TRAGEDY*THAT*HAD*OCCURRED.


"I*COULD*HARDLY*IMAGINE*A*MORE*DAMNING*CASE,"*I*REMARKED.*"IF*EVER*CIRCUMSTANTIAL*EVIDENCE*POINTED*TO*A*CRIMINAL*IT*DOES*SO*HERE."

"CIRCUMSTANTIAL*EVIDENCE*IS*A*VERY*TRICKY*THING,"*ANSWERED*HOLMES*THOUGHTFULLY.*"IT*MAY*SEEM*TO*POINT*VERY*STRAIGHT*TO*ONE*THING,*BUT*IF*YOU*SHIFT*YOUR*OWN*POINT*OF*VIEW*A*LITTLE,*YOU*MAY*FIND*IT*POINTING*IN*AN*EQUALLY*UNCOMPROMISING*MANNER*TO*SOMETHING*ENTIRELY*DIFFERENT.*IT*MUST*BE*CONFESSED,*HOWEVER,*THAT*THE*CASE*LOOKS*EXCEEDINGLY*GRAVE*AGAINST*THE*YOUNG*MAN,*AND*IT*IS*VERY*POSSIBLE*THAT*HE*IS*INDEED*THE*CULPRIT.*THERE*ARE*SEVERAL*PEOPLE*IN*THE*NEIGHBOURHOOD,*HOWEVER,*AND*AMONG*THEM*MISS*TURNER,*THE*DAUGHTER*OF*THE*NEIGHBOURING*LANDOWNER,*WHO*BELIEVE*IN*HIS*INNOCENCE,*AND*WHO*HAVE*RETAINED*LESTRADE,*WHOM*YOU*MAY*RECOLLECT*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*THE*STUDY*IN*SCARLET,*TO*WORK*OUT*THE*CASE*IN*HIS*INTEREST.*LESTRADE,*BEING*RATHER*PUZZLED,*HAS*REFERRED*THE*CASE*TO*ME,*AND*HENCE*IT*IS*THAT*TWO*MIDDLE-AGED*GENTLEMEN*ARE*FLYING*WESTWARD*AT*FIFTY*MILES*AN*HOUR*INSTEAD*OF*QUIETLY*DIGESTING*THEIR*BREAKFASTS*AT*HOME."

"I*AM*AFRAID,"*SAID*I,*"THAT*THE*FACTS*ARE*SO*OBVIOUS*THAT*YOU*WILL*FIND*LITTLE*CREDIT*TO*BE*GAINED*OUT*OF*THIS*CASE."

"THERE*IS*NOTHING*MORE*DECEPTIVE*THAN*AN*OBVIOUS*FACT,"*HE*ANSWERED,*LAUGHING.*"BESIDES,*WE*MAY*CHANCE*TO*HIT*UPON*SOME*OTHER*OBVIOUS*FACTS*WHICH*MAY*HAVE*BEEN*BY*NO*MEANS*OBVIOUS*TO*MR.*LESTRADE.*YOU*KNOW*ME*TOO*WELL*TO*THINK*THAT*I*AM*BOASTING*WHEN*I*SAY*THAT*I*SHALL*EITHER*CONFIRM*OR*DESTROY*HIS*THEORY*BY*MEANS*WHICH*HE*IS*QUITE*INCAPABLE*OF*EMPLOYING,*OR*EVEN*OF*UNDERSTANDING.*TO*TAKE*THE*FIRST*EXAMPLE*TO*HAND,*I*VERY*CLEARLY*PERCEIVE*THAT*IN*YOUR*BEDROOM*THE*WINDOW*IS*UPON*THE*RIGHT-HAND*SIDE,*AND*YET*I*QUESTION*WHETHER*MR.*LESTRADE*WOULD*HAVE*NOTED*EVEN*SO*SELF-EVIDENT*A*THING*AS*THAT."

"HOW*ON*EARTH--"

"MY*DEAR*FELLOW,*I*KNOW*YOU*WELL.*I*KNOW*THE*MILITARY*NEATNESS*WHICH*CHARACTERISES*YOU.*YOU*SHAVE*EVERY*MORNING,*AND*IN*THIS*SEASON*YOU*SHAVE*BY*THE*SUNLIGHT;*BUT*SINCE*YOUR*SHAVING*IS*LESS*AND*LESS*COMPLETE*AS*WE*GET*FARTHER*BACK*ON*THE*LEFT*SIDE,*UNTIL*IT*BECOMES*POSITIVELY*SLOVENLY*AS*WE*GET*ROUND*THE*ANGLE*OF*THE*JAW,*IT*IS*SURELY*VERY*CLEAR*THAT*THAT*SIDE*IS*LESS*ILLUMINATED*THAN*THE*OTHER.*I*COULD*NOT*IMAGINE*A*MAN*OF*YOUR*HABITS*LOOKING*AT*HIMSELF*IN*AN*EQUAL*LIGHT*AND*BEING*SATISFIED*WITH*SUCH*A*RESULT.*I*ONLY*QUOTE*THIS*AS*A*TRIVIAL*EXAMPLE*OF*OBSERVATION*AND*INFERENCE.*THEREIN*LIES*MY*METIER,*AND*IT*IS*JUST*POSSIBLE*THAT*IT*MAY*BE*OF*SOME*SERVICE*IN*THE*INVESTIGATION*WHICH*LIES*BEFORE*US.*THERE*ARE*ONE*OR*TWO*MINOR*POINTS*WHICH*WERE*BROUGHT*OUT*IN*THE*INQUEST,*AND*WHICH*ARE*WORTH*CONSIDERING."

"WHAT*ARE*THEY?"

"IT*APPEARS*THAT*HIS*ARREST*DID*NOT*TAKE*PLACE*AT*ONCE,*BUT*AFTER*THE*RETURN*TO*HATHERLEY*FARM.*ON*THE*INSPECTOR*OF*CONSTABULARY*INFORMING*HIM*THAT*HE*WAS*A*PRISONER,*HE*REMARKED*THAT*HE*WAS*NOT*SURPRISED*TO*HEAR*IT,*AND*THAT*IT*WAS*NO*MORE*THAN*HIS*DESERTS.*THIS*OBSERVATION*OF*HIS*HAD*THE*NATURAL*EFFECT*OF*REMOVING*ANY*TRACES*OF*DOUBT*WHICH*MIGHT*HAVE*REMAINED*IN*THE*MINDS*OF*THE*CORONER'S*JURY."

"IT*WAS*A*CONFESSION,"*I*EJACULATED.

"NO,*FOR*IT*WAS*FOLLOWED*BY*A*PROTESTATION*OF*INNOCENCE."

"COMING*ON*THE*TOP*OF*SUCH*A*DAMNING*SERIES*OF*EVENTS,*IT*WAS*AT*LEAST*A*MOST*SUSPICIOUS*REMARK."


I*SHOOK*MY*HEAD.*"MANY*MEN*HAVE*BEEN*HANGED*ON*FAR*SLIGHTER*EVIDENCE,"*I*REMARKED.

"SO*THEY*HAVE.*AND*MANY*MEN*HAVE*BEEN*WRONGFULLY*HANGED."

"WHAT*IS*THE*YOUNG*MAN'S*OWN*ACCOUNT*OF*THE*MATTER?"

"IT*IS,*I*AM*AFRAID,*NOT*VERY*ENCOURAGING*TO*HIS*SUPPORTERS,*THOUGH*THERE*ARE*ONE*OR*TWO*POINTS*IN*IT*WHICH*ARE*SUGGESTIVE.*YOU*WILL*FIND*IT*HERE,*AND*MAY*READ*IT*FOR*YOURSELF."

HE*PICKED*OUT*FROM*HIS*BUNDLE*A*COPY*OF*THE*LOCAL*HEREFORDSHIRE*PAPER,*AND*HAVING*TURNED*DOWN*THE*SHEET*HE*POINTED*OUT*THE*PARAGRAPH*IN*WHICH*THE*UNFORTUNATE*YOUNG*MAN*HAD*GIVEN*HIS*OWN*STATEMENT*OF*WHAT*HAD*OCCURRED.*I*SETTLED*MYSELF*DOWN*IN*THE*CORNER*OF*THE*CARRIAGE*AND*READ*IT*VERY*CAREFULLY.*IT*RAN*IN*THIS*WAY:


"THE*CORONER:*DID*YOUR*FATHER*MAKE*ANY*STATEMENT*TO*YOU*BEFORE*HE*DIED?

"WITNESS:*HE*MUMBLED*A*FEW*WORDS,*BUT*I*COULD*ONLY*CATCH*SOME*ALLUSION*TO*A*RAT.

"THE*CORONER:*WHAT*DID*YOU*UNDERSTAND*BY*THAT?

"WITNESS:*IT*CONVEYED*NO*MEANING*TO*ME.*I*THOUGHT*THAT*HE*WAS*DELIRIOUS.

"THE*CORONER:*WHAT*WAS*THE*POINT*UPON*WHICH*YOU*AND*YOUR*FATHER*HAD*THIS*FINAL*QUARREL?

"WITNESS:*I*SHOULD*PREFER*NOT*TO*ANSWER.

"THE*CORONER:*I*AM*AFRAID*THAT*I*MUST*PRESS*IT.

"WITNESS:*IT*IS*REALLY*IMPOSSIBLE*FOR*ME*TO*TELL*YOU.*I*CAN*ASSURE*YOU*THAT*IT*HAS*NOTHING*TO*DO*WITH*THE*SAD*TRAGEDY*WHICH*FOLLOWED.

"THE*CORONER:*THAT*IS*FOR*THE*COURT*TO*DECIDE.*I*NEED*NOT*POINT*OUT*TO*YOU*THAT*YOUR*REFUSAL*TO*ANSWER*WILL*PREJUDICE*YOUR*CASE*CONSIDERABLY*IN*ANY*FUTURE*PROCEEDINGS*WHICH*MAY*ARISE.

"WITNESS:*I*MUST*STILL*REFUSE.

"THE*CORONER:*I*UNDERSTAND*THAT*THE*CRY*OF*'COOEE'*WAS*A*COMMON*SIGNAL*BETWEEN*YOU*AND*YOUR*FATHER?

"WITNESS:*IT*WAS.

"THE*CORONER:*HOW*WAS*IT,*THEN,*THAT*HE*UTTERED*IT*BEFORE*HE*SAW*YOU,*AND*BEFORE*HE*EVEN*KNEW*THAT*YOU*HAD*RETURNED*FROM*BRISTOL?

"WITNESS*(WITH*CONSIDERABLE*CONFUSION):*I*DO*NOT*KNOW.

"A*JURYMAN:*DID*YOU*SEE*NOTHING*WHICH*AROUSED*YOUR*SUSPICIONS*WHEN*YOU*RETURNED*ON*HEARING*THE*CRY*AND*FOUND*YOUR*FATHER*FATALLY*INJURED?

"WITNESS:*NOTHING*DEFINITE.

"THE*CORONER:*WHAT*DO*YOU*MEAN?

"WITNESS:*I*WAS*SO*DISTURBED*AND*EXCITED*AS*I*RUSHED*OUT*INTO*THE*OPEN,*THAT*I*COULD*THINK*OF*NOTHING*EXCEPT*OF*MY*FATHER.*YET*I*HAVE*A*VAGUE*IMPRESSION*THAT*AS*I*RAN*FORWARD*SOMETHING*LAY*UPON*THE*GROUND*TO*THE*LEFT*OF*ME.*IT*SEEMED*TO*ME*TO*BE*SOMETHING*GREY*IN*COLOUR,*A*COAT*OF*SOME*SORT,*OR*A*PLAID*PERHAPS.*WHEN*I*ROSE*FROM*MY*FATHER*I*LOOKED*ROUND*FOR*IT,*BUT*IT*WAS*GONE.

"*'DO*YOU*MEAN*THAT*IT*DISAPPEARED*BEFORE*YOU*WENT*FOR*HELP?'

"*'YES,*IT*WAS*GONE.'

"*'YOU*CANNOT*SAY*WHAT*IT*WAS?'

"*'NO,*I*HAD*A*FEELING*SOMETHING*WAS*THERE.'

"*'HOW*FAR*FROM*THE*BODY?'

"*'A*DOZEN*YARDS*OR*SO.'

"*'AND*HOW*FAR*FROM*THE*EDGE*OF*THE*WOOD?'

"*'ABOUT*THE*SAME.'

"*'THEN*IF*IT*WAS*REMOVED*IT*WAS*WHILE*YOU*WERE*WITHIN*A*DOZEN*YARDS*OF*IT?'

"*'YES,*BUT*WITH*MY*BACK*TOWARDS*IT.'

"THIS*CONCLUDED*THE*EXAMINATION*OF*THE*WITNESS."

"I*SEE,"*SAID*I*AS*I*GLANCED*DOWN*THE*COLUMN,*"THAT*THE*CORONER*IN*HIS*CONCLUDING*REMARKS*WAS*RATHER*SEVERE*UPON*YOUNG*MCCARTHY.*HE*CALLS*ATTENTION,*AND*WITH*REASON,*TO*THE*DISCREPANCY*ABOUT*HIS*FATHER*HAVING*SIGNALLED*TO*HIM*BEFORE*SEEING*HIM,*ALSO*TO*HIS*REFUSAL*TO*GIVE*DETAILS*OF*HIS*CONVERSATION*WITH*HIS*FATHER,*AND*HIS*SINGULAR*ACCOUNT*OF*HIS*FATHER'S*DYING*WORDS.*THEY*ARE*ALL,*AS*HE*REMARKS,*VERY*MUCH*AGAINST*THE*SON."

HOLMES*LAUGHED*SOFTLY*TO*HIMSELF*AND*STRETCHED*HIMSELF*OUT*UPON*THE*CUSHIONED*SEAT.*"BOTH*YOU*AND*THE*CORONER*HAVE*BEEN*AT*SOME*PAINS,"*SAID*HE,*"TO*SINGLE*OUT*THE*VERY*STRONGEST*POINTS*IN*THE*YOUNG*MAN'S*FAVOUR.*DON'T*YOU*SEE*THAT*YOU*ALTERNATELY*GIVE*HIM*CREDIT*FOR*HAVING*TOO*MUCH*IMAGINATION*AND*TOO*LITTLE?*TOO*LITTLE,*IF*HE*COULD*NOT*INVENT*A*CAUSE*OF*QUARREL*WHICH*WOULD*GIVE*HIM*THE*SYMPATHY*OF*THE*JURY;*TOO*MUCH,*IF*HE*EVOLVED*FROM*HIS*OWN*INNER*CONSCIOUSNESS*ANYTHING*SO*OUTRE*AS*A*DYING*REFERENCE*TO*A*RAT,*AND*THE*INCIDENT*OF*THE*VANISHING*CLOTH.*NO,*SIR,*I*SHALL*APPROACH*THIS*CASE*FROM*THE*POINT*OF*VIEW*THAT*WHAT*THIS*YOUNG*MAN*SAYS*IS*TRUE,*AND*WE*SHALL*SEE*WHITHER*THAT*HYPOTHESIS*WILL*LEAD*US.*AND*NOW*HERE*IS*MY*POCKET*PETRARCH,*AND*NOT*ANOTHER*WORD*SHALL*I*SAY*OF*THIS*CASE*UNTIL*WE*ARE*ON*THE*SCENE*OF*ACTION.*WE*LUNCH*AT*SWINDON,*AND*I*SEE*THAT*WE*SHALL*BE*THERE*IN*TWENTY*MINUTES."

IT*WAS*NEARLY*FOUR*O'CLOCK*WHEN*WE*AT*LAST,*AFTER*PASSING*THROUGH*THE*BEAUTIFUL*STROUD*VALLEY,*AND*OVER*THE*BROAD*GLEAMING*SEVERN,*FOUND*OURSELVES*AT*THE*PRETTY*LITTLE*COUNTRY-TOWN*OF*ROSS.*A*LEAN,*FERRET-LIKE*MAN,*FURTIVE*AND*SLY-LOOKING,*WAS*WAITING*FOR*US*UPON*THE*PLATFORM.*IN*SPITE*OF*THE*LIGHT*BROWN*DUSTCOAT*AND*LEATHER-LEGGINGS*WHICH*HE*WORE*IN*DEFERENCE*TO*HIS*RUSTIC*SURROUNDINGS,*I*HAD*NO*DIFFICULTY*IN*RECOGNISING*LESTRADE,*OF*SCOTLAND*YARD.*WITH*HIM*WE*DROVE*TO*THE*HEREFORD*ARMS*WHERE*A*ROOM*HAD*ALREADY*BEEN*ENGAGED*FOR*US.

"I*HAVE*ORDERED*A*CARRIAGE,"*SAID*LESTRADE*AS*WE*SAT*OVER*A*CUP*OF*TEA.*"I*KNEW*YOUR*ENERGETIC*NATURE,*AND*THAT*YOU*WOULD*NOT*BE*HAPPY*UNTIL*YOU*HAD*BEEN*ON*THE*SCENE*OF*THE*CRIME."

"IT*WAS*VERY*NICE*AND*COMPLIMENTARY*OF*YOU,"*HOLMES*ANSWERED.*"IT*IS*ENTIRELY*A*QUESTION*OF*BAROMETRIC*PRESSURE."

LESTRADE*LOOKED*STARTLED.*"I*DO*NOT*QUITE*FOLLOW,"*HE*SAID.

"HOW*IS*THE*GLASS?*TWENTY-NINE,*I*SEE.*NO*WIND,*AND*NOT*A*CLOUD*IN*THE*SKY.*I*HAVE*A*CASEFUL*OF*CIGARETTES*HERE*WHICH*NEED*SMOKING,*AND*THE*SOFA*IS*VERY*MUCH*SUPERIOR*TO*THE*USUAL*COUNTRY*HOTEL*ABOMINATION.*I*DO*NOT*THINK*THAT*IT*IS*PROBABLE*THAT*I*SHALL*USE*THE*CARRIAGE*TO-NIGHT."

LESTRADE*LAUGHED*INDULGENTLY.*"YOU*HAVE,*NO*DOUBT,*ALREADY*FORMED*YOUR*CONCLUSIONS*FROM*THE*NEWSPAPERS,"*HE*SAID.*"THE*CASE*IS*AS*PLAIN*AS*A*PIKESTAFF,*AND*THE*MORE*ONE*GOES*INTO*IT*THE*PLAINER*IT*BECOMES.*STILL,*OF*COURSE,*ONE*CAN'T*REFUSE*A*LADY,*AND*SUCH*A*VERY*POSITIVE*ONE,*TOO.*SHE*HAS*HEARD*OF*YOU,*AND*WOULD*HAVE*YOUR*OPINION,*THOUGH*I*REPEATEDLY*TOLD*HER*THAT*THERE*WAS*NOTHING*WHICH*YOU*COULD*DO*WHICH*I*HAD*NOT*ALREADY*DONE.*WHY,*BLESS*MY*SOUL!*HERE*IS*HER*CARRIAGE*AT*THE*DOOR."

HE*HAD*HARDLY*SPOKEN*BEFORE*THERE*RUSHED*INTO*THE*ROOM*ONE*OF*THE*MOST*LOVELY*YOUNG*WOMEN*THAT*I*HAVE*EVER*SEEN*IN*MY*LIFE.*HER*VIOLET*EYES*SHINING,*HER*LIPS*PARTED,*A*PINK*FLUSH*UPON*HER*CHEEKS,*ALL*THOUGHT*OF*HER*NATURAL*RESERVE*LOST*IN*HER*OVERPOWERING*EXCITEMENT*AND*CONCERN.

"OH,*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES!"*SHE*CRIED,*GLANCING*FROM*ONE*TO*THE*OTHER*OF*US,*AND*FINALLY,*WITH*A*WOMAN'S*QUICK*INTUITION,*FASTENING*UPON*MY*COMPANION,*"I*AM*SO*GLAD*THAT*YOU*HAVE*COME.*I*HAVE*DRIVEN*DOWN*TO*TELL*YOU*SO.*I*KNOW*THAT*JAMES*DIDN'T*DO*IT.*I*KNOW*IT,*AND*I*WANT*YOU*TO*START*UPON*YOUR*WORK*KNOWING*IT,*TOO.*NEVER*LET*YOURSELF*DOUBT*UPON*THAT*POINT.*WE*HAVE*KNOWN*EACH*OTHER*SINCE*WE*WERE*LITTLE*CHILDREN,*AND*I*KNOW*HIS*FAULTS*AS*NO*ONE*ELSE*DOES;*BUT*HE*IS*TOO*TENDER-HEARTED*TO*HURT*A*FLY.*SUCH*A*CHARGE*IS*ABSURD*TO*ANYONE*WHO*REALLY*KNOWS*HIM."

"I*HOPE*WE*MAY*CLEAR*HIM,*MISS*TURNER,"*SAID*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.*"YOU*MAY*RELY*UPON*MY*DOING*ALL*THAT*I*CAN."

"BUT*YOU*HAVE*READ*THE*EVIDENCE.*YOU*HAVE*FORMED*SOME*CONCLUSION?*DO*YOU*NOT*SEE*SOME*LOOPHOLE,*SOME*FLAW?*DO*YOU*NOT*YOURSELF*THINK*THAT*HE*IS*INNOCENT?"

"I*THINK*THAT*IT*IS*VERY*PROBABLE."

"THERE,*NOW!"*SHE*CRIED,*THROWING*BACK*HER*HEAD*AND*LOOKING*DEFIANTLY*AT*LESTRADE.*"YOU*HEAR!*HE*GIVES*ME*HOPES."

LESTRADE*SHRUGGED*HIS*SHOULDERS.*"I*AM*AFRAID*THAT*MY*COLLEAGUE*HAS*BEEN*A*LITTLE*QUICK*IN*FORMING*HIS*CONCLUSIONS,"*HE*SAID.

"BUT*HE*IS*RIGHT.*OH!*I*KNOW*THAT*HE*IS*RIGHT.*JAMES*NEVER*DID*IT.*AND*ABOUT*HIS*QUARREL*WITH*HIS*FATHER,*I*AM*SURE*THAT*THE*REASON*WHY*HE*WOULD*NOT*SPEAK*ABOUT*IT*TO*THE*CORONER*WAS*BECAUSE*I*WAS*CONCERNED*IN*IT."

"IN*WHAT*WAY?"*ASKED*HOLMES.

"IT*IS*NO*TIME*FOR*ME*TO*HIDE*ANYTHING.*JAMES*AND*HIS*FATHER*HAD*MANY*DISAGREEMENTS*ABOUT*ME.*MR.*MCCARTHY*WAS*VERY*ANXIOUS*THAT*THERE*SHOULD*BE*A*MARRIAGE*BETWEEN*US.*JAMES*AND*I*HAVE*ALWAYS*LOVED*EACH*OTHER*AS*BROTHER*AND*SISTER;*BUT*OF*COURSE*HE*IS*YOUNG*AND*HAS*SEEN*VERY*LITTLE*OF*LIFE*YET,*AND--AND--WELL,*HE*NATURALLY*DID*NOT*WISH*TO*DO*ANYTHING*LIKE*THAT*YET.*SO*THERE*WERE*QUARRELS,*AND*THIS,*I*AM*SURE,*WAS*ONE*OF*THEM."

"AND*YOUR*FATHER?"*ASKED*HOLMES.*"WAS*HE*IN*FAVOUR*OF*SUCH*A*UNION?"

"NO,*HE*WAS*AVERSE*TO*IT*ALSO.*NO*ONE*BUT*MR.*MCCARTHY*WAS*IN*FAVOUR*OF*IT."*A*QUICK*BLUSH*PASSED*OVER*HER*FRESH*YOUNG*FACE*AS*HOLMES*SHOT*ONE*OF*HIS*KEEN,*QUESTIONING*GLANCES*AT*HER.

"THANK*YOU*FOR*THIS*INFORMATION,"*SAID*HE.*"MAY*I*SEE*YOUR*FATHER*IF*I*CALL*TO-MORROW?"

"I*AM*AFRAID*THE*DOCTOR*WON'T*ALLOW*IT."

"THE*DOCTOR?"

"YES,*HAVE*YOU*NOT*HEARD?*POOR*FATHER*HAS*NEVER*BEEN*STRONG*FOR*YEARS*BACK,*BUT*THIS*HAS*BROKEN*HIM*DOWN*COMPLETELY.*HE*HAS*TAKEN*TO*HIS*BED,*AND*DR.*WILLOWS*SAYS*THAT*HE*IS*A*WRECK*AND*THAT*HIS*NERVOUS*SYSTEM*IS*SHATTERED.*MR.*MCCARTHY*WAS*THE*ONLY*MAN*ALIVE*WHO*HAD*KNOWN*DAD*IN*THE*OLD*DAYS*IN*VICTORIA."

"HA!*IN*VICTORIA!*THAT*IS*IMPORTANT."

"YES,*AT*THE*MINES."

"QUITE*SO;*AT*THE*GOLD-MINES,*WHERE,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND,*MR.*TURNER*MADE*HIS*MONEY."

"YES,*CERTAINLY."

"THANK*YOU,*MISS*TURNER.*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*OF*MATERIAL*ASSISTANCE*TO*ME."

"YOU*WILL*TELL*ME*IF*YOU*HAVE*ANY*NEWS*TO-MORROW.*NO*DOUBT*YOU*WILL*GO*TO*THE*PRISON*TO*SEE*JAMES.*OH,*IF*YOU*DO,*MR.*HOLMES,*DO*TELL*HIM*THAT*I*KNOW*HIM*TO*BE*INNOCENT."

"I*WILL,*MISS*TURNER."

"I*MUST*GO*HOME*NOW,*FOR*DAD*IS*VERY*ILL,*AND*HE*MISSES*ME*SO*IF*I*LEAVE*HIM.*GOOD-BYE,*AND*GOD*HELP*YOU*IN*YOUR*UNDERTAKING."*SHE*HURRIED*FROM*THE*ROOM*AS*IMPULSIVELY*AS*SHE*HAD*ENTERED,*AND*WE*HEARD*THE*WHEELS*OF*HER*CARRIAGE*RATTLE*OFF*DOWN*THE*STREET.

"I*AM*ASHAMED*OF*YOU,*HOLMES,"*SAID*LESTRADE*WITH*DIGNITY*AFTER*A*FEW*MINUTES'*SILENCE.*"WHY*SHOULD*YOU*RAISE*UP*HOPES*WHICH*YOU*ARE*BOUND*TO*DISAPPOINT?*I*AM*NOT*OVER-TENDER*OF*HEART,*BUT*I*CALL*IT*CRUEL."

"I*THINK*THAT*I*SEE*MY*WAY*TO*CLEARING*JAMES*MCCARTHY,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"HAVE*YOU*AN*ORDER*TO*SEE*HIM*IN*PRISON?"

"YES,*BUT*ONLY*FOR*YOU*AND*ME."

"THEN*I*SHALL*RECONSIDER*MY*RESOLUTION*ABOUT*GOING*OUT.*WE*HAVE*STILL*TIME*TO*TAKE*A*TRAIN*TO*HEREFORD*AND*SEE*HIM*TO-NIGHT?"

"AMPLE."

"THEN*LET*US*DO*SO.*WATSON,*I*FEAR*THAT*YOU*WILL*FIND*IT*VERY*SLOW,*BUT*I*SHALL*ONLY*BE*AWAY*A*COUPLE*OF*HOURS."


IT*WAS*LATE*BEFORE*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*RETURNED.*HE*CAME*BACK*ALONE,*FOR*LESTRADE*WAS*STAYING*IN*LODGINGS*IN*THE*TOWN.

"THE*GLASS*STILL*KEEPS*VERY*HIGH,"*HE*REMARKED*AS*HE*SAT*DOWN.*"IT*IS*OF*IMPORTANCE*THAT*IT*SHOULD*NOT*RAIN*BEFORE*WE*ARE*ABLE*TO*GO*OVER*THE*GROUND.*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*A*MAN*SHOULD*BE*AT*HIS*VERY*BEST*AND*KEENEST*FOR*SUCH*NICE*WORK*AS*THAT,*AND*I*DID*NOT*WISH*TO*DO*IT*WHEN*FAGGED*BY*A*LONG*JOURNEY.*I*HAVE*SEEN*YOUNG*MCCARTHY."

"AND*WHAT*DID*YOU*LEARN*FROM*HIM?"

"NOTHING."

"COULD*HE*THROW*NO*LIGHT?"

"NONE*AT*ALL.*I*WAS*INCLINED*TO*THINK*AT*ONE*TIME*THAT*HE*KNEW*WHO*HAD*DONE*IT*AND*WAS*SCREENING*HIM*OR*HER,*BUT*I*AM*CONVINCED*NOW*THAT*HE*IS*AS*PUZZLED*AS*EVERYONE*ELSE.*HE*IS*NOT*A*VERY*QUICK-WITTED*YOUTH,*THOUGH*COMELY*TO*LOOK*AT*AND,*I*SHOULD*THINK,*SOUND*AT*HEART."

"I*CANNOT*ADMIRE*HIS*TASTE,"*I*REMARKED,*"IF*IT*IS*INDEED*A*FACT*THAT*HE*WAS*AVERSE*TO*A*MARRIAGE*WITH*SO*CHARMING*A*YOUNG*LADY*AS*THIS*MISS*TURNER."


"BUT*IF*HE*IS*INNOCENT,*WHO*HAS*DONE*IT?"

"AH!*WHO?*I*WOULD*CALL*YOUR*ATTENTION*VERY*PARTICULARLY*TO*TWO*POINTS.*ONE*IS*THAT*THE*MURDERED*MAN*HAD*AN*APPOINTMENT*WITH*SOMEONE*AT*THE*POOL,*AND*THAT*THE*SOMEONE*COULD*NOT*HAVE*BEEN*HIS*SON,*FOR*HIS*SON*WAS*AWAY,*AND*HE*DID*NOT*KNOW*WHEN*HE*WOULD*RETURN.*THE*SECOND*IS*THAT*THE*MURDERED*MAN*WAS*HEARD*TO*CRY*'COOEE!'*BEFORE*HE*KNEW*THAT*HIS*SON*HAD*RETURNED.*THOSE*ARE*THE*CRUCIAL*POINTS*UPON*WHICH*THE*CASE*DEPENDS.*AND*NOW*LET*US*TALK*ABOUT*GEORGE*MEREDITH,*IF*YOU*PLEASE,*AND*WE*SHALL*LEAVE*ALL*MINOR*MATTERS*UNTIL*TO-MORROW."

THERE*WAS*NO*RAIN,*AS*HOLMES*HAD*FORETOLD,*AND*THE*MORNING*BROKE*BRIGHT*AND*CLOUDLESS.*AT*NINE*O'CLOCK*LESTRADE*CALLED*FOR*US*WITH*THE*CARRIAGE,*AND*WE*SET*OFF*FOR*HATHERLEY*FARM*AND*THE*BOSCOMBE*POOL.

"THERE*IS*SERIOUS*NEWS*THIS*MORNING,"*LESTRADE*OBSERVED.*"IT*IS*SAID*THAT*MR.*TURNER,*OF*THE*HALL,*IS*SO*ILL*THAT*HIS*LIFE*IS*DESPAIRED*OF."

"AN*ELDERLY*MAN,*I*PRESUME?"*SAID*HOLMES.

"ABOUT*SIXTY;*BUT*HIS*CONSTITUTION*HAS*BEEN*SHATTERED*BY*HIS*LIFE*ABROAD,*AND*HE*HAS*BEEN*IN*FAILING*HEALTH*FOR*SOME*TIME.*THIS*BUSINESS*HAS*HAD*A*VERY*BAD*EFFECT*UPON*HIM.*HE*WAS*AN*OLD*FRIEND*OF*MCCARTHY'S,*AND,*I*MAY*ADD,*A*GREAT*BENEFACTOR*TO*HIM,*FOR*I*HAVE*LEARNED*THAT*HE*GAVE*HIM*HATHERLEY*FARM*RENT*FREE."

"INDEED!*THAT*IS*INTERESTING,"*SAID*HOLMES.

"OH,*YES!*IN*A*HUNDRED*OTHER*WAYS*HE*HAS*HELPED*HIM.*EVERYBODY*ABOUT*HERE*SPEAKS*OF*HIS*KINDNESS*TO*HIM."

"REALLY!*DOES*IT*NOT*STRIKE*YOU*AS*A*LITTLE*SINGULAR*THAT*THIS*MCCARTHY,*WHO*APPEARS*TO*HAVE*HAD*LITTLE*OF*HIS*OWN,*AND*TO*HAVE*BEEN*UNDER*SUCH*OBLIGATIONS*TO*TURNER,*SHOULD*STILL*TALK*OF*MARRYING*HIS*SON*TO*TURNER'S*DAUGHTER,*WHO*IS,*PRESUMABLY,*HEIRESS*TO*THE*ESTATE,*AND*THAT*IN*SUCH*A*VERY*COCKSURE*MANNER,*AS*IF*IT*WERE*MERELY*A*CASE*OF*A*PROPOSAL*AND*ALL*ELSE*WOULD*FOLLOW?*IT*IS*THE*MORE*STRANGE,*SINCE*WE*KNOW*THAT*TURNER*HIMSELF*WAS*AVERSE*TO*THE*IDEA.*THE*DAUGHTER*TOLD*US*AS*MUCH.*DO*YOU*NOT*DEDUCE*SOMETHING*FROM*THAT?"

"WE*HAVE*GOT*TO*THE*DEDUCTIONS*AND*THE*INFERENCES,"*SAID*LESTRADE,*WINKING*AT*ME.*"I*FIND*IT*HARD*ENOUGH*TO*TACKLE*FACTS,*HOLMES,*WITHOUT*FLYING*AWAY*AFTER*THEORIES*AND*FANCIES."

"YOU*ARE*RIGHT,"*SAID*HOLMES*DEMURELY;*"YOU*DO*FIND*IT*VERY*HARD*TO*TACKLE*THE*FACTS."

"ANYHOW,*I*HAVE*GRASPED*ONE*FACT*WHICH*YOU*SEEM*TO*FIND*IT*DIFFICULT*TO*GET*HOLD*OF,"*REPLIED*LESTRADE*WITH*SOME*WARMTH.

"AND*THAT*IS--"

"THAT*MCCARTHY*SENIOR*MET*HIS*DEATH*FROM*MCCARTHY*JUNIOR*AND*THAT*ALL*THEORIES*TO*THE*CONTRARY*ARE*THE*MEREST*MOONSHINE."

"WELL,*MOONSHINE*IS*A*BRIGHTER*THING*THAN*FOG,"*SAID*HOLMES,*LAUGHING.*"BUT*I*AM*VERY*MUCH*MISTAKEN*IF*THIS*IS*NOT*HATHERLEY*FARM*UPON*THE*LEFT."

"YES,*THAT*IS*IT."*IT*WAS*A*WIDESPREAD,*COMFORTABLE-LOOKING*BUILDING,*TWO-STORIED,*SLATE-ROOFED,*WITH*GREAT*YELLOW*BLOTCHES*OF*LICHEN*UPON*THE*GREY*WALLS.*THE*DRAWN*BLINDS*AND*THE*SMOKELESS*CHIMNEYS,*HOWEVER,*GAVE*IT*A*STRICKEN*LOOK,*AS*THOUGH*THE*WEIGHT*OF*THIS*HORROR*STILL*LAY*HEAVY*UPON*IT.*WE*CALLED*AT*THE*DOOR,*WHEN*THE*MAID,*AT*HOLMES'*REQUEST,*SHOWED*US*THE*BOOTS*WHICH*HER*MASTER*WORE*AT*THE*TIME*OF*HIS*DEATH,*AND*ALSO*A*PAIR*OF*THE*SON'S,*THOUGH*NOT*THE*PAIR*WHICH*HE*HAD*THEN*HAD.*HAVING*MEASURED*THESE*VERY*CAREFULLY*FROM*SEVEN*OR*EIGHT*DIFFERENT*POINTS,*HOLMES*DESIRED*TO*BE*LED*TO*THE*COURT-YARD,*FROM*WHICH*WE*ALL*FOLLOWED*THE*WINDING*TRACK*WHICH*LED*TO*BOSCOMBE*POOL.


THE*BOSCOMBE*POOL,*WHICH*IS*A*LITTLE*REED-GIRT*SHEET*OF*WATER*SOME*FIFTY*YARDS*ACROSS,*IS*SITUATED*AT*THE*BOUNDARY*BETWEEN*THE*HATHERLEY*FARM*AND*THE*PRIVATE*PARK*OF*THE*WEALTHY*MR.*TURNER.*ABOVE*THE*WOODS*WHICH*LINED*IT*UPON*THE*FARTHER*SIDE*WE*COULD*SEE*THE*RED,*JUTTING*PINNACLES*WHICH*MARKED*THE*SITE*OF*THE*RICH*LANDOWNER'S*DWELLING.*ON*THE*HATHERLEY*SIDE*OF*THE*POOL*THE*WOODS*GREW*VERY*THICK,*AND*THERE*WAS*A*NARROW*BELT*OF*SODDEN*GRASS*TWENTY*PACES*ACROSS*BETWEEN*THE*EDGE*OF*THE*TREES*AND*THE*REEDS*WHICH*LINED*THE*LAKE.*LESTRADE*SHOWED*US*THE*EXACT*SPOT*AT*WHICH*THE*BODY*HAD*BEEN*FOUND,*AND,*INDEED,*SO*MOIST*WAS*THE*GROUND,*THAT*I*COULD*PLAINLY*SEE*THE*TRACES*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*LEFT*BY*THE*FALL*OF*THE*STRICKEN*MAN.*TO*HOLMES,*AS*I*COULD*SEE*BY*HIS*EAGER*FACE*AND*PEERING*EYES,*VERY*MANY*OTHER*THINGS*WERE*TO*BE*READ*UPON*THE*TRAMPLED*GRASS.*HE*RAN*ROUND,*LIKE*A*DOG*WHO*IS*PICKING*UP*A*SCENT,*AND*THEN*TURNED*UPON*MY*COMPANION.

"WHAT*DID*YOU*GO*INTO*THE*POOL*FOR?"*HE*ASKED.

"I*FISHED*ABOUT*WITH*A*RAKE.*I*THOUGHT*THERE*MIGHT*BE*SOME*WEAPON*OR*OTHER*TRACE.*BUT*HOW*ON*EARTH--"


"IT*HAS*BEEN*A*CASE*OF*CONSIDERABLE*INTEREST,"*HE*REMARKED,*RETURNING*TO*HIS*NATURAL*MANNER.*"I*FANCY*THAT*THIS*GREY*HOUSE*ON*THE*RIGHT*MUST*BE*THE*LODGE.*I*THINK*THAT*I*WILL*GO*IN*AND*HAVE*A*WORD*WITH*MORAN,*AND*PERHAPS*WRITE*A*LITTLE*NOTE.*HAVING*DONE*THAT,*WE*MAY*DRIVE*BACK*TO*OUR*LUNCHEON.*YOU*MAY*WALK*TO*THE*CAB,*AND*I*SHALL*BE*WITH*YOU*PRESENTLY."

IT*WAS*ABOUT*TEN*MINUTES*BEFORE*WE*REGAINED*OUR*CAB*AND*DROVE*BACK*INTO*ROSS,*HOLMES*STILL*CARRYING*WITH*HIM*THE*STONE*WHICH*HE*HAD*PICKED*UP*IN*THE*WOOD.

"THIS*MAY*INTEREST*YOU,*LESTRADE,"*HE*REMARKED,*HOLDING*IT*OUT.*"THE*MURDER*WAS*DONE*WITH*IT."

"I*SEE*NO*MARKS."

"THERE*ARE*NONE."

"HOW*DO*YOU*KNOW,*THEN?"

"THE*GRASS*WAS*GROWING*UNDER*IT.*IT*HAD*ONLY*LAIN*THERE*A*FEW*DAYS.*THERE*WAS*NO*SIGN*OF*A*PLACE*WHENCE*IT*HAD*BEEN*TAKEN.*IT*CORRESPONDS*WITH*THE*INJURIES.*THERE*IS*NO*SIGN*OF*ANY*OTHER*WEAPON."

"AND*THE*MURDERER?"

"IS*A*TALL*MAN,*LEFT-HANDED,*LIMPS*WITH*THE*RIGHT*LEG,*WEARS*THICK-SOLED*SHOOTING-BOOTS*AND*A*GREY*CLOAK,*SMOKES*INDIAN*CIGARS,*USES*A*CIGAR-HOLDER,*AND*CARRIES*A*BLUNT*PEN-KNIFE*IN*HIS*POCKET.*THERE*ARE*SEVERAL*OTHER*INDICATIONS,*BUT*THESE*MAY*BE*ENOUGH*TO*AID*US*IN*OUR*SEARCH."

LESTRADE*LAUGHED.*"I*AM*AFRAID*THAT*I*AM*STILL*A*SCEPTIC,"*HE*SAID.*"THEORIES*ARE*ALL*VERY*WELL,*BUT*WE*HAVE*TO*DEAL*WITH*A*HARD-HEADED*BRITISH*JURY."

"NOUS*VERRONS,"*ANSWERED*HOLMES*CALMLY.*"YOU*WORK*YOUR*OWN*METHOD,*AND*I*SHALL*WORK*MINE.*I*SHALL*BE*BUSY*THIS*AFTERNOON,*AND*SHALL*PROBABLY*RETURN*TO*LONDON*BY*THE*EVENING*TRAIN."

"AND*LEAVE*YOUR*CASE*UNFINISHED?"

"NO,*FINISHED."

"BUT*THE*MYSTERY?"

"IT*IS*SOLVED."

"WHO*WAS*THE*CRIMINAL,*THEN?"

"THE*GENTLEMAN*I*DESCRIBE."

"BUT*WHO*IS*HE?"

"SURELY*IT*WOULD*NOT*BE*DIFFICULT*TO*FIND*OUT.*THIS*IS*NOT*SUCH*A*POPULOUS*NEIGHBOURHOOD."

LESTRADE*SHRUGGED*HIS*SHOULDERS.*"I*AM*A*PRACTICAL*MAN,"*HE*SAID,*"AND*I*REALLY*CANNOT*UNDERTAKE*TO*GO*ABOUT*THE*COUNTRY*LOOKING*FOR*A*LEFT-HANDED*GENTLEMAN*WITH*A*GAME*LEG.*I*SHOULD*BECOME*THE*LAUGHING-STOCK*OF*SCOTLAND*YARD."

"ALL*RIGHT,"*SAID*HOLMES*QUIETLY.*"I*HAVE*GIVEN*YOU*THE*CHANCE.*HERE*ARE*YOUR*LODGINGS.*GOOD-BYE.*I*SHALL*DROP*YOU*A*LINE*BEFORE*I*LEAVE."

HAVING*LEFT*LESTRADE*AT*HIS*ROOMS,*WE*DROVE*TO*OUR*HOTEL,*WHERE*WE*FOUND*LUNCH*UPON*THE*TABLE.*HOLMES*WAS*SILENT*AND*BURIED*IN*THOUGHT*WITH*A*PAINED*EXPRESSION*UPON*HIS*FACE,*AS*ONE*WHO*FINDS*HIMSELF*IN*A*PERPLEXING*POSITION.

"LOOK*HERE,*WATSON,"*HE*SAID*WHEN*THE*CLOTH*WAS*CLEARED*"JUST*SIT*DOWN*IN*THIS*CHAIR*AND*LET*ME*PREACH*TO*YOU*FOR*A*LITTLE.*I*DON'T*KNOW*QUITE*WHAT*TO*DO,*AND*I*SHOULD*VALUE*YOUR*ADVICE.*LIGHT*A*CIGAR*AND*LET*ME*EXPOUND."

"PRAY*DO*SO."

"WELL,*NOW,*IN*CONSIDERING*THIS*CASE*THERE*ARE*TWO*POINTS*ABOUT*YOUNG*MCCARTHY'S*NARRATIVE*WHICH*STRUCK*US*BOTH*INSTANTLY,*ALTHOUGH*THEY*IMPRESSED*ME*IN*HIS*FAVOUR*AND*YOU*AGAINST*HIM.*ONE*WAS*THE*FACT*THAT*HIS*FATHER*SHOULD,*ACCORDING*TO*HIS*ACCOUNT,*CRY*'COOEE!'*BEFORE*SEEING*HIM.*THE*OTHER*WAS*HIS*SINGULAR*DYING*REFERENCE*TO*A*RAT.*HE*MUMBLED*SEVERAL*WORDS,*YOU*UNDERSTAND,*BUT*THAT*WAS*ALL*THAT*CAUGHT*THE*SON'S*EAR.*NOW*FROM*THIS*DOUBLE*POINT*OUR*RESEARCH*MUST*COMMENCE,*AND*WE*WILL*BEGIN*IT*BY*PRESUMING*THAT*WHAT*THE*LAD*SAYS*IS*ABSOLUTELY*TRUE."

"WHAT*OF*THIS*'COOEE!'*THEN?"

"WELL,*OBVIOUSLY*IT*COULD*NOT*HAVE*BEEN*MEANT*FOR*THE*SON.*THE*SON,*AS*FAR*AS*HE*KNEW,*WAS*IN*BRISTOL.*IT*WAS*MERE*CHANCE*THAT*HE*WAS*WITHIN*EARSHOT.*THE*'COOEE!'*WAS*MEANT*TO*ATTRACT*THE*ATTENTION*OF*WHOEVER*IT*WAS*THAT*HE*HAD*THE*APPOINTMENT*WITH.*BUT*'COOEE'*IS*A*DISTINCTLY*AUSTRALIAN*CRY,*AND*ONE*WHICH*IS*USED*BETWEEN*AUSTRALIANS.*THERE*IS*A*STRONG*PRESUMPTION*THAT*THE*PERSON*WHOM*MCCARTHY*EXPECTED*TO*MEET*HIM*AT*BOSCOMBE*POOL*WAS*SOMEONE*WHO*HAD*BEEN*IN*AUSTRALIA."

"WHAT*OF*THE*RAT,*THEN?"

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*TOOK*A*FOLDED*PAPER*FROM*HIS*POCKET*AND*FLATTENED*IT*OUT*ON*THE*TABLE.*"THIS*IS*A*MAP*OF*THE*COLONY*OF*VICTORIA,"*HE*SAID.*"I*WIRED*TO*BRISTOL*FOR*IT*LAST*NIGHT."*HE*PUT*HIS*HAND*OVER*PART*OF*THE*MAP.*"WHAT*DO*YOU*READ?"

"ARAT,"*I*READ.

"AND*NOW?"*HE*RAISED*HIS*HAND.

"BALLARAT."

"QUITE*SO.*THAT*WAS*THE*WORD*THE*MAN*UTTERED,*AND*OF*WHICH*HIS*SON*ONLY*CAUGHT*THE*LAST*TWO*SYLLABLES.*HE*WAS*TRYING*TO*UTTER*THE*NAME*OF*HIS*MURDERER.*SO*AND*SO,*OF*BALLARAT."

"IT*IS*WONDERFUL!"*I*EXCLAIMED.

"IT*IS*OBVIOUS.*AND*NOW,*YOU*SEE,*I*HAD*NARROWED*THE*FIELD*DOWN*CONSIDERABLY.*THE*POSSESSION*OF*A*GREY*GARMENT*WAS*A*THIRD*POINT*WHICH,*GRANTING*THE*SON'S*STATEMENT*TO*BE*CORRECT,*WAS*A*CERTAINTY.*WE*HAVE*COME*NOW*OUT*OF*MERE*VAGUENESS*TO*THE*DEFINITE*CONCEPTION*OF*AN*AUSTRALIAN*FROM*BALLARAT*WITH*A*GREY*CLOAK."

"CERTAINLY."

"AND*ONE*WHO*WAS*AT*HOME*IN*THE*DISTRICT,*FOR*THE*POOL*CAN*ONLY*BE*APPROACHED*BY*THE*FARM*OR*BY*THE*ESTATE,*WHERE*STRANGERS*COULD*HARDLY*WANDER."

"QUITE*SO."

"THEN*COMES*OUR*EXPEDITION*OF*TO-DAY.*BY*AN*EXAMINATION*OF*THE*GROUND*I*GAINED*THE*TRIFLING*DETAILS*WHICH*I*GAVE*TO*THAT*IMBECILE*LESTRADE,*AS*TO*THE*PERSONALITY*OF*THE*CRIMINAL."

"BUT*HOW*DID*YOU*GAIN*THEM?"

"YOU*KNOW*MY*METHOD.*IT*IS*FOUNDED*UPON*THE*OBSERVATION*OF*TRIFLES."

"HIS*HEIGHT*I*KNOW*THAT*YOU*MIGHT*ROUGHLY*JUDGE*FROM*THE*LENGTH*OF*HIS*STRIDE.*HIS*BOOTS,*TOO,*MIGHT*BE*TOLD*FROM*THEIR*TRACES."

"YES,*THEY*WERE*PECULIAR*BOOTS."

"BUT*HIS*LAMENESS?"

"THE*IMPRESSION*OF*HIS*RIGHT*FOOT*WAS*ALWAYS*LESS*DISTINCT*THAN*HIS*LEFT.*HE*PUT*LESS*WEIGHT*UPON*IT.*WHY?*BECAUSE*HE*LIMPED--HE*WAS*LAME."

"BUT*HIS*LEFT-HANDEDNESS."

"YOU*WERE*YOURSELF*STRUCK*BY*THE*NATURE*OF*THE*INJURY*AS*RECORDED*BY*THE*SURGEON*AT*THE*INQUEST.*THE*BLOW*WAS*STRUCK*FROM*IMMEDIATELY*BEHIND,*AND*YET*WAS*UPON*THE*LEFT*SIDE.*NOW,*HOW*CAN*THAT*BE*UNLESS*IT*WERE*BY*A*LEFT-HANDED*MAN?*HE*HAD*STOOD*BEHIND*THAT*TREE*DURING*THE*INTERVIEW*BETWEEN*THE*FATHER*AND*SON.*HE*HAD*EVEN*SMOKED*THERE.*I*FOUND*THE*ASH*OF*A*CIGAR,*WHICH*MY*SPECIAL*KNOWLEDGE*OF*TOBACCO*ASHES*ENABLES*ME*TO*PRONOUNCE*AS*AN*INDIAN*CIGAR.*I*HAVE,*AS*YOU*KNOW,*DEVOTED*SOME*ATTENTION*TO*THIS,*AND*WRITTEN*A*LITTLE*MONOGRAPH*ON*THE*ASHES*OF*140*DIFFERENT*VARIETIES*OF*PIPE,*CIGAR,*AND*CIGARETTE*TOBACCO.*HAVING*FOUND*THE*ASH,*I*THEN*LOOKED*ROUND*AND*DISCOVERED*THE*STUMP*AMONG*THE*MOSS*WHERE*HE*HAD*TOSSED*IT.*IT*WAS*AN*INDIAN*CIGAR,*OF*THE*VARIETY*WHICH*ARE*ROLLED*IN*ROTTERDAM."

"AND*THE*CIGAR-HOLDER?"

"I*COULD*SEE*THAT*THE*END*HAD*NOT*BEEN*IN*HIS*MOUTH.*THEREFORE*HE*USED*A*HOLDER.*THE*TIP*HAD*BEEN*CUT*OFF,*NOT*BITTEN*OFF,*BUT*THE*CUT*WAS*NOT*A*CLEAN*ONE,*SO*I*DEDUCED*A*BLUNT*PEN-KNIFE."

"HOLMES,"*I*SAID,*"YOU*HAVE*DRAWN*A*NET*ROUND*THIS*MAN*FROM*WHICH*HE*CANNOT*ESCAPE,*AND*YOU*HAVE*SAVED*AN*INNOCENT*HUMAN*LIFE*AS*TRULY*AS*IF*YOU*HAD*CUT*THE*CORD*WHICH*WAS*HANGING*HIM.*I*SEE*THE*DIRECTION*IN*WHICH*ALL*THIS*POINTS.*THE*CULPRIT*IS--"

"MR.*JOHN*TURNER,"*CRIED*THE*HOTEL*WAITER,*OPENING*THE*DOOR*OF*OUR*SITTING-ROOM,*AND*USHERING*IN*A*VISITOR.

THE*MAN*WHO*ENTERED*WAS*A*STRANGE*AND*IMPRESSIVE*FIGURE.*HIS*SLOW,*LIMPING*STEP*AND*BOWED*SHOULDERS*GAVE*THE*APPEARANCE*OF*DECREPITUDE,*AND*YET*HIS*HARD,*DEEP-LINED,*CRAGGY*FEATURES,*AND*HIS*ENORMOUS*LIMBS*SHOWED*THAT*HE*WAS*POSSESSED*OF*UNUSUAL*STRENGTH*OF*BODY*AND*OF*CHARACTER.*HIS*TANGLED*BEARD,*GRIZZLED*HAIR,*AND*OUTSTANDING,*DROOPING*EYEBROWS*COMBINED*TO*GIVE*AN*AIR*OF*DIGNITY*AND*POWER*TO*HIS*APPEARANCE,*BUT*HIS*FACE*WAS*OF*AN*ASHEN*WHITE,*WHILE*HIS*LIPS*AND*THE*CORNERS*OF*HIS*NOSTRILS*WERE*TINGED*WITH*A*SHADE*OF*BLUE.*IT*WAS*CLEAR*TO*ME*AT*A*GLANCE*THAT*HE*WAS*IN*THE*GRIP*OF*SOME*DEADLY*AND*CHRONIC*DISEASE.

"PRAY*SIT*DOWN*ON*THE*SOFA,"*SAID*HOLMES*GENTLY.*"YOU*HAD*MY*NOTE?"

"YES,*THE*LODGE-KEEPER*BROUGHT*IT*UP.*YOU*SAID*THAT*YOU*WISHED*TO*SEE*ME*HERE*TO*AVOID*SCANDAL."

"I*THOUGHT*PEOPLE*WOULD*TALK*IF*I*WENT*TO*THE*HALL."

"AND*WHY*DID*YOU*WISH*TO*SEE*ME?"*HE*LOOKED*ACROSS*AT*MY*COMPANION*WITH*DESPAIR*IN*HIS*WEARY*EYES,*AS*THOUGH*HIS*QUESTION*WAS*ALREADY*ANSWERED.

"YES,"*SAID*HOLMES,*ANSWERING*THE*LOOK*RATHER*THAN*THE*WORDS.*"IT*IS*SO.*I*KNOW*ALL*ABOUT*MCCARTHY."

THE*OLD*MAN*SANK*HIS*FACE*IN*HIS*HANDS.*"GOD*HELP*ME!"*HE*CRIED.*"BUT*I*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*LET*THE*YOUNG*MAN*COME*TO*HARM.*I*GIVE*YOU*MY*WORD*THAT*I*WOULD*HAVE*SPOKEN*OUT*IF*IT*WENT*AGAINST*HIM*AT*THE*ASSIZES."

"I*AM*GLAD*TO*HEAR*YOU*SAY*SO,"*SAID*HOLMES*GRAVELY.

"I*WOULD*HAVE*SPOKEN*NOW*HAD*IT*NOT*BEEN*FOR*MY*DEAR*GIRL.*IT*WOULD*BREAK*HER*HEART--IT*WILL*BREAK*HER*HEART*WHEN*SHE*HEARS*THAT*I*AM*ARRESTED."

"IT*MAY*NOT*COME*TO*THAT,"*SAID*HOLMES.

"WHAT?"

"I*AM*NO*OFFICIAL*AGENT.*I*UNDERSTAND*THAT*IT*WAS*YOUR*DAUGHTER*WHO*REQUIRED*MY*PRESENCE*HERE,*AND*I*AM*ACTING*IN*HER*INTERESTS.*YOUNG*MCCARTHY*MUST*BE*GOT*OFF,*HOWEVER."

"I*AM*A*DYING*MAN,"*SAID*OLD*TURNER.*"I*HAVE*HAD*DIABETES*FOR*YEARS.*MY*DOCTOR*SAYS*IT*IS*A*QUESTION*WHETHER*I*SHALL*LIVE*A*MONTH.*YET*I*WOULD*RATHER*DIE*UNDER*MY*OWN*ROOF*THAN*IN*A*GAOL."

HOLMES*ROSE*AND*SAT*DOWN*AT*THE*TABLE*WITH*HIS*PEN*IN*HIS*HAND*AND*A*BUNDLE*OF*PAPER*BEFORE*HIM.*"JUST*TELL*US*THE*TRUTH,"*HE*SAID.*"I*SHALL*JOT*DOWN*THE*FACTS.*YOU*WILL*SIGN*IT,*AND*WATSON*HERE*CAN*WITNESS*IT.*THEN*I*COULD*PRODUCE*YOUR*CONFESSION*AT*THE*LAST*EXTREMITY*TO*SAVE*YOUNG*MCCARTHY.*I*PROMISE*YOU*THAT*I*SHALL*NOT*USE*IT*UNLESS*IT*IS*ABSOLUTELY*NEEDED."

"IT'S*AS*WELL,"*SAID*THE*OLD*MAN;*"IT'S*A*QUESTION*WHETHER*I*SHALL*LIVE*TO*THE*ASSIZES,*SO*IT*MATTERS*LITTLE*TO*ME,*BUT*I*SHOULD*WISH*TO*SPARE*ALICE*THE*SHOCK.*AND*NOW*I*WILL*MAKE*THE*THING*CLEAR*TO*YOU;*IT*HAS*BEEN*A*LONG*TIME*IN*THE*ACTING,*BUT*WILL*NOT*TAKE*ME*LONG*TO*TELL.

"YOU*DIDN'T*KNOW*THIS*DEAD*MAN,*MCCARTHY.*HE*WAS*A*DEVIL*INCARNATE.*I*TELL*YOU*THAT.*GOD*KEEP*YOU*OUT*OF*THE*CLUTCHES*OF*SUCH*A*MAN*AS*HE.*HIS*GRIP*HAS*BEEN*UPON*ME*THESE*TWENTY*YEARS,*AND*HE*HAS*BLASTED*MY*LIFE.*I'LL*TELL*YOU*FIRST*HOW*I*CAME*TO*BE*IN*HIS*POWER.

"IT*WAS*IN*THE*EARLY*'60'S*AT*THE*DIGGINGS.*I*WAS*A*YOUNG*CHAP*THEN,*HOT-BLOODED*AND*RECKLESS,*READY*TO*TURN*MY*HAND*AT*ANYTHING;*I*GOT*AMONG*BAD*COMPANIONS,*TOOK*TO*DRINK,*HAD*NO*LUCK*WITH*MY*CLAIM,*TOOK*TO*THE*BUSH,*AND*IN*A*WORD*BECAME*WHAT*YOU*WOULD*CALL*OVER*HERE*A*HIGHWAY*ROBBER.*THERE*WERE*SIX*OF*US,*AND*WE*HAD*A*WILD,*FREE*LIFE*OF*IT,*STICKING*UP*A*STATION*FROM*TIME*TO*TIME,*OR*STOPPING*THE*WAGONS*ON*THE*ROAD*TO*THE*DIGGINGS.*BLACK*JACK*OF*BALLARAT*WAS*THE*NAME*I*WENT*UNDER,*AND*OUR*PARTY*IS*STILL*REMEMBERED*IN*THE*COLONY*AS*THE*BALLARAT*GANG.


"I*HAD*GONE*UP*TO*TOWN*ABOUT*AN*INVESTMENT,*AND*I*MET*HIM*IN*REGENT*STREET*WITH*HARDLY*A*COAT*TO*HIS*BACK*OR*A*BOOT*TO*HIS*FOOT.

"*'HERE*WE*ARE,*JACK,'*SAYS*HE,*TOUCHING*ME*ON*THE*ARM;*'WE'LL*BE*AS*GOOD*AS*A*FAMILY*TO*YOU.*THERE'S*TWO*OF*US,*ME*AND*MY*SON,*AND*YOU*CAN*HAVE*THE*KEEPING*OF*US.*IF*YOU*DON'T--IT'S*A*FINE,*LAW-ABIDING*COUNTRY*IS*ENGLAND,*AND*THERE'S*ALWAYS*A*POLICEMAN*WITHIN*HAIL.'

"WELL,*DOWN*THEY*CAME*TO*THE*WEST*COUNTRY,*THERE*WAS*NO*SHAKING*THEM*OFF,*AND*THERE*THEY*HAVE*LIVED*RENT*FREE*ON*MY*BEST*LAND*EVER*SINCE.*THERE*WAS*NO*REST*FOR*ME,*NO*PEACE,*NO*FORGETFULNESS;*TURN*WHERE*I*WOULD,*THERE*WAS*HIS*CUNNING,*GRINNING*FACE*AT*MY*ELBOW.*IT*GREW*WORSE*AS*ALICE*GREW*UP,*FOR*HE*SOON*SAW*I*WAS*MORE*AFRAID*OF*HER*KNOWING*MY*PAST*THAN*OF*THE*POLICE.*WHATEVER*HE*WANTED*HE*MUST*HAVE,*AND*WHATEVER*IT*WAS*I*GAVE*HIM*WITHOUT*QUESTION,*LAND,*MONEY,*HOUSES,*UNTIL*AT*LAST*HE*ASKED*A*THING*WHICH*I*COULD*NOT*GIVE.*HE*ASKED*FOR*ALICE.

"HIS*SON,*YOU*SEE,*HAD*GROWN*UP,*AND*SO*HAD*MY*GIRL,*AND*AS*I*WAS*KNOWN*TO*BE*IN*WEAK*HEALTH,*IT*SEEMED*A*FINE*STROKE*TO*HIM*THAT*HIS*LAD*SHOULD*STEP*INTO*THE*WHOLE*PROPERTY.*BUT*THERE*I*WAS*FIRM.*I*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*HIS*CURSED*STOCK*MIXED*WITH*MINE;*NOT*THAT*I*HAD*ANY*DISLIKE*TO*THE*LAD,*BUT*HIS*BLOOD*WAS*IN*HIM,*AND*THAT*WAS*ENOUGH.*I*STOOD*FIRM.*MCCARTHY*THREATENED.*I*BRAVED*HIM*TO*DO*HIS*WORST.*WE*WERE*TO*MEET*AT*THE*POOL*MIDWAY*BETWEEN*OUR*HOUSES*TO*TALK*IT*OVER.


"WELL,*IT*IS*NOT*FOR*ME*TO*JUDGE*YOU,"*SAID*HOLMES*AS*THE*OLD*MAN*SIGNED*THE*STATEMENT*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*DRAWN*OUT.*"I*PRAY*THAT*WE*MAY*NEVER*BE*EXPOSED*TO*SUCH*A*TEMPTATION."

"I*PRAY*NOT,*SIR.*AND*WHAT*DO*YOU*INTEND*TO*DO?"

"IN*VIEW*OF*YOUR*HEALTH,*NOTHING.*YOU*ARE*YOURSELF*AWARE*THAT*YOU*WILL*SOON*HAVE*TO*ANSWER*FOR*YOUR*DEED*AT*A*HIGHER*COURT*THAN*THE*ASSIZES.*I*WILL*KEEP*YOUR*CONFESSION,*AND*IF*MCCARTHY*IS*CONDEMNED*I*SHALL*BE*FORCED*TO*USE*IT.*IF*NOT,*IT*SHALL*NEVER*BE*SEEN*BY*MORTAL*EYE;*AND*YOUR*SECRET,*WHETHER*YOU*BE*ALIVE*OR*DEAD,*SHALL*BE*SAFE*WITH*US."

"FAREWELL,*THEN,"*SAID*THE*OLD*MAN*SOLEMNLY.*"YOUR*OWN*DEATHBEDS,*WHEN*THEY*COME,*WILL*BE*THE*EASIER*FOR*THE*THOUGHT*OF*THE*PEACE*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*GIVEN*TO*MINE."*TOTTERING*AND*SHAKING*IN*ALL*HIS*GIANT*FRAME,*HE*STUMBLED*SLOWLY*FROM*THE*ROOM.

"GOD*HELP*US!"*SAID*HOLMES*AFTER*A*LONG*SILENCE.*"WHY*DOES*FATE*PLAY*SUCH*TRICKS*WITH*POOR,*HELPLESS*WORMS?*I*NEVER*HEAR*OF*SUCH*A*CASE*AS*THIS*THAT*I*DO*NOT*THINK*OF*BAXTER'S*WORDS,*AND*SAY,*'THERE,*BUT*FOR*THE*GRACE*OF*GOD,*GOES*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.'*"

JAMES*MCCARTHY*WAS*ACQUITTED*AT*THE*ASSIZES*ON*THE*STRENGTH*OF*A*NUMBER*OF*OBJECTIONS*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*DRAWN*OUT*BY*HOLMES*AND*SUBMITTED*TO*THE*DEFENDING*COUNSEL.*OLD*TURNER*LIVED*FOR*SEVEN*MONTHS*AFTER*OUR*INTERVIEW,*BUT*HE*IS*NOW*DEAD;*AND*THERE*IS*EVERY*PROSPECT*THAT*THE*SON*AND*DAUGHTER*MAY*COME*TO*LIVE*HAPPILY*TOGETHER*IN*IGNORANCE*OF*THE*BLACK*CLOUD*WHICH*RESTS*UPON*THEIR*PAST.

ADVENTURE**V.**THE*FIVE*ORANGE*PIPS



THE*YEAR*'87*FURNISHED*US*WITH*A*LONG*SERIES*OF*CASES*OF*GREATER*OR*LESS*INTEREST,*OF*WHICH*I*RETAIN*THE*RECORDS.*AMONG*MY*HEADINGS*UNDER*THIS*ONE*TWELVE*MONTHS*I*FIND*AN*ACCOUNT*OF*THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*PARADOL*CHAMBER,*OF*THE*AMATEUR*MENDICANT*SOCIETY,*WHO*HELD*A*LUXURIOUS*CLUB*IN*THE*LOWER*VAULT*OF*A*FURNITURE*WAREHOUSE,*OF*THE*FACTS*CONNECTED*WITH*THE*LOSS*OF*THE*BRITISH*BARQUE*SOPHY*ANDERSON,*OF*THE*SINGULAR*ADVENTURES*OF*THE*GRICE*PATERSONS*IN*THE*ISLAND*OF*UFFA,*AND*FINALLY*OF*THE*CAMBERWELL*POISONING*CASE.*IN*THE*LATTER,*AS*MAY*BE*REMEMBERED,*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*WAS*ABLE,*BY*WINDING*UP*THE*DEAD*MAN'S*WATCH,*TO*PROVE*THAT*IT*HAD*BEEN*WOUND*UP*TWO*HOURS*BEFORE,*AND*THAT*THEREFORE*THE*DECEASED*HAD*GONE*TO*BED*WITHIN*THAT*TIME--A*DEDUCTION*WHICH*WAS*OF*THE*GREATEST*IMPORTANCE*IN*CLEARING*UP*THE*CASE.*ALL*THESE*I*MAY*SKETCH*OUT*AT*SOME*FUTURE*DATE,*BUT*NONE*OF*THEM*PRESENT*SUCH*SINGULAR*FEATURES*AS*THE*STRANGE*TRAIN*OF*CIRCUMSTANCES*WHICH*I*HAVE*NOW*TAKEN*UP*MY*PEN*TO*DESCRIBE.

IT*WAS*IN*THE*LATTER*DAYS*OF*SEPTEMBER,*AND*THE*EQUINOCTIAL*GALES*HAD*SET*IN*WITH*EXCEPTIONAL*VIOLENCE.*ALL*DAY*THE*WIND*HAD*SCREAMED*AND*THE*RAIN*HAD*BEATEN*AGAINST*THE*WINDOWS,*SO*THAT*EVEN*HERE*IN*THE*HEART*OF*GREAT,*HAND-MADE*LONDON*WE*WERE*FORCED*TO*RAISE*OUR*MINDS*FOR*THE*INSTANT*FROM*THE*ROUTINE*OF*LIFE*AND*TO*RECOGNISE*THE*PRESENCE*OF*THOSE*GREAT*ELEMENTAL*FORCES*WHICH*SHRIEK*AT*MANKIND*THROUGH*THE*BARS*OF*HIS*CIVILISATION,*LIKE*UNTAMED*BEASTS*IN*A*CAGE.*AS*EVENING*DREW*IN,*THE*STORM*GREW*HIGHER*AND*LOUDER,*AND*THE*WIND*CRIED*AND*SOBBED*LIKE*A*CHILD*IN*THE*CHIMNEY.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*SAT*MOODILY*AT*ONE*SIDE*OF*THE*FIREPLACE*CROSS-INDEXING*HIS*RECORDS*OF*CRIME,*WHILE*I*AT*THE*OTHER*WAS*DEEP*IN*ONE*OF*CLARK*RUSSELL'S*FINE*SEA-STORIES*UNTIL*THE*HOWL*OF*THE*GALE*FROM*WITHOUT*SEEMED*TO*BLEND*WITH*THE*TEXT,*AND*THE*SPLASH*OF*THE*RAIN*TO*LENGTHEN*OUT*INTO*THE*LONG*SWASH*OF*THE*SEA*WAVES.*MY*WIFE*WAS*ON*A*VISIT*TO*HER*MOTHER'S,*AND*FOR*A*FEW*DAYS*I*WAS*A*DWELLER*ONCE*MORE*IN*MY*OLD*QUARTERS*AT*BAKER*STREET.

"WHY,"*SAID*I,*GLANCING*UP*AT*MY*COMPANION,*"THAT*WAS*SURELY*THE*BELL.*WHO*COULD*COME*TO-NIGHT?*SOME*FRIEND*OF*YOURS,*PERHAPS?"

"EXCEPT*YOURSELF*I*HAVE*NONE,"*HE*ANSWERED.*"I*DO*NOT*ENCOURAGE*VISITORS."

"A*CLIENT,*THEN?"

"IF*SO,*IT*IS*A*SERIOUS*CASE.*NOTHING*LESS*WOULD*BRING*A*MAN*OUT*ON*SUCH*A*DAY*AND*AT*SUCH*AN*HOUR.*BUT*I*TAKE*IT*THAT*IT*IS*MORE*LIKELY*TO*BE*SOME*CRONY*OF*THE*LANDLADY'S."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*WAS*WRONG*IN*HIS*CONJECTURE,*HOWEVER,*FOR*THERE*CAME*A*STEP*IN*THE*PASSAGE*AND*A*TAPPING*AT*THE*DOOR.*HE*STRETCHED*OUT*HIS*LONG*ARM*TO*TURN*THE*LAMP*AWAY*FROM*HIMSELF*AND*TOWARDS*THE*VACANT*CHAIR*UPON*WHICH*A*NEWCOMER*MUST*SIT.

"COME*IN!"*SAID*HE.

THE*MAN*WHO*ENTERED*WAS*YOUNG,*SOME*TWO-AND-TWENTY*AT*THE*OUTSIDE,*WELL-GROOMED*AND*TRIMLY*CLAD,*WITH*SOMETHING*OF*REFINEMENT*AND*DELICACY*IN*HIS*BEARING.*THE*STREAMING*UMBRELLA*WHICH*HE*HELD*IN*HIS*HAND,*AND*HIS*LONG*SHINING*WATERPROOF*TOLD*OF*THE*FIERCE*WEATHER*THROUGH*WHICH*HE*HAD*COME.*HE*LOOKED*ABOUT*HIM*ANXIOUSLY*IN*THE*GLARE*OF*THE*LAMP,*AND*I*COULD*SEE*THAT*HIS*FACE*WAS*PALE*AND*HIS*EYES*HEAVY,*LIKE*THOSE*OF*A*MAN*WHO*IS*WEIGHED*DOWN*WITH*SOME*GREAT*ANXIETY.

"I*OWE*YOU*AN*APOLOGY,"*HE*SAID,*RAISING*HIS*GOLDEN*PINCE-NEZ*TO*HIS*EYES.*"I*TRUST*THAT*I*AM*NOT*INTRUDING.*I*FEAR*THAT*I*HAVE*BROUGHT*SOME*TRACES*OF*THE*STORM*AND*RAIN*INTO*YOUR*SNUG*CHAMBER."

"GIVE*ME*YOUR*COAT*AND*UMBRELLA,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"THEY*MAY*REST*HERE*ON*THE*HOOK*AND*WILL*BE*DRY*PRESENTLY.*YOU*HAVE*COME*UP*FROM*THE*SOUTH-WEST,*I*SEE."

"YES,*FROM*HORSHAM."

"THAT*CLAY*AND*CHALK*MIXTURE*WHICH*I*SEE*UPON*YOUR*TOE*CAPS*IS*QUITE*DISTINCTIVE."

"I*HAVE*COME*FOR*ADVICE."

"THAT*IS*EASILY*GOT."

"AND*HELP."

"THAT*IS*NOT*ALWAYS*SO*EASY."

"I*HAVE*HEARD*OF*YOU,*MR.*HOLMES.*I*HEARD*FROM*MAJOR*PRENDERGAST*HOW*YOU*SAVED*HIM*IN*THE*TANKERVILLE*CLUB*SCANDAL."

"AH,*OF*COURSE.*HE*WAS*WRONGFULLY*ACCUSED*OF*CHEATING*AT*CARDS."

"HE*SAID*THAT*YOU*COULD*SOLVE*ANYTHING."

"HE*SAID*TOO*MUCH."

"THAT*YOU*ARE*NEVER*BEATEN."

"I*HAVE*BEEN*BEATEN*FOUR*TIMES--THREE*TIMES*BY*MEN,*AND*ONCE*BY*A*WOMAN."

"BUT*WHAT*IS*THAT*COMPARED*WITH*THE*NUMBER*OF*YOUR*SUCCESSES?"

"IT*IS*TRUE*THAT*I*HAVE*BEEN*GENERALLY*SUCCESSFUL."

"THEN*YOU*MAY*BE*SO*WITH*ME."

"I*BEG*THAT*YOU*WILL*DRAW*YOUR*CHAIR*UP*TO*THE*FIRE*AND*FAVOUR*ME*WITH*SOME*DETAILS*AS*TO*YOUR*CASE."

"IT*IS*NO*ORDINARY*ONE."

"NONE*OF*THOSE*WHICH*COME*TO*ME*ARE.*I*AM*THE*LAST*COURT*OF*APPEAL."

"AND*YET*I*QUESTION,*SIR,*WHETHER,*IN*ALL*YOUR*EXPERIENCE,*YOU*HAVE*EVER*LISTENED*TO*A*MORE*MYSTERIOUS*AND*INEXPLICABLE*CHAIN*OF*EVENTS*THAN*THOSE*WHICH*HAVE*HAPPENED*IN*MY*OWN*FAMILY."

"YOU*FILL*ME*WITH*INTEREST,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"PRAY*GIVE*US*THE*ESSENTIAL*FACTS*FROM*THE*COMMENCEMENT,*AND*I*CAN*AFTERWARDS*QUESTION*YOU*AS*TO*THOSE*DETAILS*WHICH*SEEM*TO*ME*TO*BE*MOST*IMPORTANT."

THE*YOUNG*MAN*PULLED*HIS*CHAIR*UP*AND*PUSHED*HIS*WET*FEET*OUT*TOWARDS*THE*BLAZE.

"MY*NAME,"*SAID*HE,*"IS*JOHN*OPENSHAW,*BUT*MY*OWN*AFFAIRS*HAVE,*AS*FAR*AS*I*CAN*UNDERSTAND,*LITTLE*TO*DO*WITH*THIS*AWFUL*BUSINESS.*IT*IS*A*HEREDITARY*MATTER;*SO*IN*ORDER*TO*GIVE*YOU*AN*IDEA*OF*THE*FACTS,*I*MUST*GO*BACK*TO*THE*COMMENCEMENT*OF*THE*AFFAIR.

"YOU*MUST*KNOW*THAT*MY*GRANDFATHER*HAD*TWO*SONS--MY*UNCLE*ELIAS*AND*MY*FATHER*JOSEPH.*MY*FATHER*HAD*A*SMALL*FACTORY*AT*COVENTRY,*WHICH*HE*ENLARGED*AT*THE*TIME*OF*THE*INVENTION*OF*BICYCLING.*HE*WAS*A*PATENTEE*OF*THE*OPENSHAW*UNBREAKABLE*TIRE,*AND*HIS*BUSINESS*MET*WITH*SUCH*SUCCESS*THAT*HE*WAS*ABLE*TO*SELL*IT*AND*TO*RETIRE*UPON*A*HANDSOME*COMPETENCE.



"ONE*DAY--IT*WAS*IN*MARCH,*1883--A*LETTER*WITH*A*FOREIGN*STAMP*LAY*UPON*THE*TABLE*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*COLONEL'S*PLATE.*IT*WAS*NOT*A*COMMON*THING*FOR*HIM*TO*RECEIVE*LETTERS,*FOR*HIS*BILLS*WERE*ALL*PAID*IN*READY*MONEY,*AND*HE*HAD*NO*FRIENDS*OF*ANY*SORT.*'FROM*INDIA!'*SAID*HE*AS*HE*TOOK*IT*UP,*'PONDICHERRY*POSTMARK!*WHAT*CAN*THIS*BE?'*OPENING*IT*HURRIEDLY,*OUT*THERE*JUMPED*FIVE*LITTLE*DRIED*ORANGE*PIPS,*WHICH*PATTERED*DOWN*UPON*HIS*PLATE.*I*BEGAN*TO*LAUGH*AT*THIS,*BUT*THE*LAUGH*WAS*STRUCK*FROM*MY*LIPS*AT*THE*SIGHT*OF*HIS*FACE.*HIS*LIP*HAD*FALLEN,*HIS*EYES*WERE*PROTRUDING,*HIS*SKIN*THE*COLOUR*OF*PUTTY,*AND*HE*GLARED*AT*THE*ENVELOPE*WHICH*HE*STILL*HELD*IN*HIS*TREMBLING*HAND,*'K.*K.*K.!'*HE*SHRIEKED,*AND*THEN,*'MY*GOD,*MY*GOD,*MY*SINS*HAVE*OVERTAKEN*ME!'

"*'WHAT*IS*IT,*UNCLE?'*I*CRIED.

"*'DEATH,'*SAID*HE,*AND*RISING*FROM*THE*TABLE*HE*RETIRED*TO*HIS*ROOM,*LEAVING*ME*PALPITATING*WITH*HORROR.*I*TOOK*UP*THE*ENVELOPE*AND*SAW*SCRAWLED*IN*RED*INK*UPON*THE*INNER*FLAP,*JUST*ABOVE*THE*GUM,*THE*LETTER*K*THREE*TIMES*REPEATED.*THERE*WAS*NOTHING*ELSE*SAVE*THE*FIVE*DRIED*PIPS.*WHAT*COULD*BE*THE*REASON*OF*HIS*OVERPOWERING*TERROR?*I*LEFT*THE*BREAKFAST-TABLE,*AND*AS*I*ASCENDED*THE*STAIR*I*MET*HIM*COMING*DOWN*WITH*AN*OLD*RUSTY*KEY,*WHICH*MUST*HAVE*BELONGED*TO*THE*ATTIC,*IN*ONE*HAND,*AND*A*SMALL*BRASS*BOX,*LIKE*A*CASHBOX,*IN*THE*OTHER.

"*'THEY*MAY*DO*WHAT*THEY*LIKE,*BUT*I'LL*CHECKMATE*THEM*STILL,'*SAID*HE*WITH*AN*OATH.*'TELL*MARY*THAT*I*SHALL*WANT*A*FIRE*IN*MY*ROOM*TO-DAY,*AND*SEND*DOWN*TO*FORDHAM,*THE*HORSHAM*LAWYER.'

"I*DID*AS*HE*ORDERED,*AND*WHEN*THE*LAWYER*ARRIVED*I*WAS*ASKED*TO*STEP*UP*TO*THE*ROOM.*THE*FIRE*WAS*BURNING*BRIGHTLY,*AND*IN*THE*GRATE*THERE*WAS*A*MASS*OF*BLACK,*FLUFFY*ASHES,*AS*OF*BURNED*PAPER,*WHILE*THE*BRASS*BOX*STOOD*OPEN*AND*EMPTY*BESIDE*IT.*AS*I*GLANCED*AT*THE*BOX*I*NOTICED,*WITH*A*START,*THAT*UPON*THE*LID*WAS*PRINTED*THE*TREBLE*K*WHICH*I*HAD*READ*IN*THE*MORNING*UPON*THE*ENVELOPE.

"*'I*WISH*YOU,*JOHN,'*SAID*MY*UNCLE,*'TO*WITNESS*MY*WILL.*I*LEAVE*MY*ESTATE,*WITH*ALL*ITS*ADVANTAGES*AND*ALL*ITS*DISADVANTAGES,*TO*MY*BROTHER,*YOUR*FATHER,*WHENCE*IT*WILL,*NO*DOUBT,*DESCEND*TO*YOU.*IF*YOU*CAN*ENJOY*IT*IN*PEACE,*WELL*AND*GOOD!*IF*YOU*FIND*YOU*CANNOT,*TAKE*MY*ADVICE,*MY*BOY,*AND*LEAVE*IT*TO*YOUR*DEADLIEST*ENEMY.*I*AM*SORRY*TO*GIVE*YOU*SUCH*A*TWO-EDGED*THING,*BUT*I*CAN'T*SAY*WHAT*TURN*THINGS*ARE*GOING*TO*TAKE.*KINDLY*SIGN*THE*PAPER*WHERE*MR.*FORDHAM*SHOWS*YOU.'


"WELL,*TO*COME*TO*AN*END*OF*THE*MATTER,*MR.*HOLMES,*AND*NOT*TO*ABUSE*YOUR*PATIENCE,*THERE*CAME*A*NIGHT*WHEN*HE*MADE*ONE*OF*THOSE*DRUNKEN*SALLIES*FROM*WHICH*HE*NEVER*CAME*BACK.*WE*FOUND*HIM,*WHEN*WE*WENT*TO*SEARCH*FOR*HIM,*FACE*DOWNWARD*IN*A*LITTLE*GREEN-SCUMMED*POOL,*WHICH*LAY*AT*THE*FOOT*OF*THE*GARDEN.*THERE*WAS*NO*SIGN*OF*ANY*VIOLENCE,*AND*THE*WATER*WAS*BUT*TWO*FEET*DEEP,*SO*THAT*THE*JURY,*HAVING*REGARD*TO*HIS*KNOWN*ECCENTRICITY,*BROUGHT*IN*A*VERDICT*OF*'SUICIDE.'*BUT*I,*WHO*KNEW*HOW*HE*WINCED*FROM*THE*VERY*THOUGHT*OF*DEATH,*HAD*MUCH*ADO*TO*PERSUADE*MYSELF*THAT*HE*HAD*GONE*OUT*OF*HIS*WAY*TO*MEET*IT.*THE*MATTER*PASSED,*HOWEVER,*AND*MY*FATHER*ENTERED*INTO*POSSESSION*OF*THE*ESTATE,*AND*OF*SOME*$14,000,*WHICH*LAY*TO*HIS*CREDIT*AT*THE*BANK."

"ONE*MOMENT,"*HOLMES*INTERPOSED,*"YOUR*STATEMENT*IS,*I*FORESEE,*ONE*OF*THE*MOST*REMARKABLE*TO*WHICH*I*HAVE*EVER*LISTENED.*LET*ME*HAVE*THE*DATE*OF*THE*RECEPTION*BY*YOUR*UNCLE*OF*THE*LETTER,*AND*THE*DATE*OF*HIS*SUPPOSED*SUICIDE."

"THE*LETTER*ARRIVED*ON*MARCH*10,*1883.*HIS*DEATH*WAS*SEVEN*WEEKS*LATER,*UPON*THE*NIGHT*OF*MAY*2ND."

"THANK*YOU.*PRAY*PROCEED."

"WHEN*MY*FATHER*TOOK*OVER*THE*HORSHAM*PROPERTY,*HE,*AT*MY*REQUEST,*MADE*A*CAREFUL*EXAMINATION*OF*THE*ATTIC,*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*ALWAYS*LOCKED*UP.*WE*FOUND*THE*BRASS*BOX*THERE,*ALTHOUGH*ITS*CONTENTS*HAD*BEEN*DESTROYED.*ON*THE*INSIDE*OF*THE*COVER*WAS*A*PAPER*LABEL,*WITH*THE*INITIALS*OF*K.*K.*K.*REPEATED*UPON*IT,*AND*'LETTERS,*MEMORANDA,*RECEIPTS,*AND*A*REGISTER'*WRITTEN*BENEATH.*THESE,*WE*PRESUME,*INDICATED*THE*NATURE*OF*THE*PAPERS*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*DESTROYED*BY*COLONEL*OPENSHAW.*FOR*THE*REST,*THERE*WAS*NOTHING*OF*MUCH*IMPORTANCE*IN*THE*ATTIC*SAVE*A*GREAT*MANY*SCATTERED*PAPERS*AND*NOTE-BOOKS*BEARING*UPON*MY*UNCLE'S*LIFE*IN*AMERICA.*SOME*OF*THEM*WERE*OF*THE*WAR*TIME*AND*SHOWED*THAT*HE*HAD*DONE*HIS*DUTY*WELL*AND*HAD*BORNE*THE*REPUTE*OF*A*BRAVE*SOLDIER.*OTHERS*WERE*OF*A*DATE*DURING*THE*RECONSTRUCTION*OF*THE*SOUTHERN*STATES,*AND*WERE*MOSTLY*CONCERNED*WITH*POLITICS,*FOR*HE*HAD*EVIDENTLY*TAKEN*A*STRONG*PART*IN*OPPOSING*THE*CARPET-BAG*POLITICIANS*WHO*HAD*BEEN*SENT*DOWN*FROM*THE*NORTH.

"WELL,*IT*WAS*THE*BEGINNING*OF*'84*WHEN*MY*FATHER*CAME*TO*LIVE*AT*HORSHAM,*AND*ALL*WENT*AS*WELL*AS*POSSIBLE*WITH*US*UNTIL*THE*JANUARY*OF*'85.*ON*THE*FOURTH*DAY*AFTER*THE*NEW*YEAR*I*HEARD*MY*FATHER*GIVE*A*SHARP*CRY*OF*SURPRISE*AS*WE*SAT*TOGETHER*AT*THE*BREAKFAST-TABLE.*THERE*HE*WAS,*SITTING*WITH*A*NEWLY*OPENED*ENVELOPE*IN*ONE*HAND*AND*FIVE*DRIED*ORANGE*PIPS*IN*THE*OUTSTRETCHED*PALM*OF*THE*OTHER*ONE.*HE*HAD*ALWAYS*LAUGHED*AT*WHAT*HE*CALLED*MY*COCK-AND-BULL*STORY*ABOUT*THE*COLONEL,*BUT*HE*LOOKED*VERY*SCARED*AND*PUZZLED*NOW*THAT*THE*SAME*THING*HAD*COME*UPON*HIMSELF.

"*'WHY,*WHAT*ON*EARTH*DOES*THIS*MEAN,*JOHN?'*HE*STAMMERED.

"MY*HEART*HAD*TURNED*TO*LEAD.*'IT*IS*K.*K.*K.,'*SAID*I.

"HE*LOOKED*INSIDE*THE*ENVELOPE.*'SO*IT*IS,'*HE*CRIED.*'HERE*ARE*THE*VERY*LETTERS.*BUT*WHAT*IS*THIS*WRITTEN*ABOVE*THEM?'

"*'PUT*THE*PAPERS*ON*THE*SUNDIAL,'*I*READ,*PEEPING*OVER*HIS*SHOULDER.

"*'WHAT*PAPERS?*WHAT*SUNDIAL?'*HE*ASKED.

"*'THE*SUNDIAL*IN*THE*GARDEN.*THERE*IS*NO*OTHER,'*SAID*I;*'BUT*THE*PAPERS*MUST*BE*THOSE*THAT*ARE*DESTROYED.'

"*'POOH!'*SAID*HE,*GRIPPING*HARD*AT*HIS*COURAGE.*'WE*ARE*IN*A*CIVILISED*LAND*HERE,*AND*WE*CAN'T*HAVE*TOMFOOLERY*OF*THIS*KIND.*WHERE*DOES*THE*THING*COME*FROM?'

"*'FROM*DUNDEE,'*I*ANSWERED,*GLANCING*AT*THE*POSTMARK.

"*'SOME*PREPOSTEROUS*PRACTICAL*JOKE,'*SAID*HE.*'WHAT*HAVE*I*TO*DO*WITH*SUNDIALS*AND*PAPERS?*I*SHALL*TAKE*NO*NOTICE*OF*SUCH*NONSENSE.'

"*'I*SHOULD*CERTAINLY*SPEAK*TO*THE*POLICE,'*I*SAID.

"*'AND*BE*LAUGHED*AT*FOR*MY*PAINS.*NOTHING*OF*THE*SORT.'

"*'THEN*LET*ME*DO*SO?'

"*'NO,*I*FORBID*YOU.*I*WON'T*HAVE*A*FUSS*MADE*ABOUT*SUCH*NONSENSE.'

"IT*WAS*IN*VAIN*TO*ARGUE*WITH*HIM,*FOR*HE*WAS*A*VERY*OBSTINATE*MAN.*I*WENT*ABOUT,*HOWEVER,*WITH*A*HEART*WHICH*WAS*FULL*OF*FOREBODINGS.


"IN*THIS*SINISTER*WAY*I*CAME*INTO*MY*INHERITANCE.*YOU*WILL*ASK*ME*WHY*I*DID*NOT*DISPOSE*OF*IT?*I*ANSWER,*BECAUSE*I*WAS*WELL*CONVINCED*THAT*OUR*TROUBLES*WERE*IN*SOME*WAY*DEPENDENT*UPON*AN*INCIDENT*IN*MY*UNCLE'S*LIFE,*AND*THAT*THE*DANGER*WOULD*BE*AS*PRESSING*IN*ONE*HOUSE*AS*IN*ANOTHER.

"IT*WAS*IN*JANUARY,*'85,*THAT*MY*POOR*FATHER*MET*HIS*END,*AND*TWO*YEARS*AND*EIGHT*MONTHS*HAVE*ELAPSED*SINCE*THEN.*DURING*THAT*TIME*I*HAVE*LIVED*HAPPILY*AT*HORSHAM,*AND*I*HAD*BEGUN*TO*HOPE*THAT*THIS*CURSE*HAD*PASSED*AWAY*FROM*THE*FAMILY,*AND*THAT*IT*HAD*ENDED*WITH*THE*LAST*GENERATION.*I*HAD*BEGUN*TO*TAKE*COMFORT*TOO*SOON,*HOWEVER;*YESTERDAY*MORNING*THE*BLOW*FELL*IN*THE*VERY*SHAPE*IN*WHICH*IT*HAD*COME*UPON*MY*FATHER."

THE*YOUNG*MAN*TOOK*FROM*HIS*WAISTCOAT*A*CRUMPLED*ENVELOPE,*AND*TURNING*TO*THE*TABLE*HE*SHOOK*OUT*UPON*IT*FIVE*LITTLE*DRIED*ORANGE*PIPS.

"THIS*IS*THE*ENVELOPE,"*HE*CONTINUED.*"THE*POSTMARK*IS*LONDON--EASTERN*DIVISION.*WITHIN*ARE*THE*VERY*WORDS*WHICH*WERE*UPON*MY*FATHER'S*LAST*MESSAGE:*'K.*K.*K.';*AND*THEN*'PUT*THE*PAPERS*ON*THE*SUNDIAL.'*"

"WHAT*HAVE*YOU*DONE?"*ASKED*HOLMES.

"NOTHING."

"NOTHING?"

"TO*TELL*THE*TRUTH"--HE*SANK*HIS*FACE*INTO*HIS*THIN,*WHITE*HANDS--"I*HAVE*FELT*HELPLESS.*I*HAVE*FELT*LIKE*ONE*OF*THOSE*POOR*RABBITS*WHEN*THE*SNAKE*IS*WRITHING*TOWARDS*IT.*I*SEEM*TO*BE*IN*THE*GRASP*OF*SOME*RESISTLESS,*INEXORABLE*EVIL,*WHICH*NO*FORESIGHT*AND*NO*PRECAUTIONS*CAN*GUARD*AGAINST."

"TUT!*TUT!"*CRIED*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.*"YOU*MUST*ACT,*MAN,*OR*YOU*ARE*LOST.*NOTHING*BUT*ENERGY*CAN*SAVE*YOU.*THIS*IS*NO*TIME*FOR*DESPAIR."

"I*HAVE*SEEN*THE*POLICE."

"AH!"

"BUT*THEY*LISTENED*TO*MY*STORY*WITH*A*SMILE.*I*AM*CONVINCED*THAT*THE*INSPECTOR*HAS*FORMED*THE*OPINION*THAT*THE*LETTERS*ARE*ALL*PRACTICAL*JOKES,*AND*THAT*THE*DEATHS*OF*MY*RELATIONS*WERE*REALLY*ACCIDENTS,*AS*THE*JURY*STATED,*AND*WERE*NOT*TO*BE*CONNECTED*WITH*THE*WARNINGS."

HOLMES*SHOOK*HIS*CLENCHED*HANDS*IN*THE*AIR.*"INCREDIBLE*IMBECILITY!"*HE*CRIED.

"THEY*HAVE,*HOWEVER,*ALLOWED*ME*A*POLICEMAN,*WHO*MAY*REMAIN*IN*THE*HOUSE*WITH*ME."

"HAS*HE*COME*WITH*YOU*TO-NIGHT?"

"NO.*HIS*ORDERS*WERE*TO*STAY*IN*THE*HOUSE."

AGAIN*HOLMES*RAVED*IN*THE*AIR.

"WHY*DID*YOU*COME*TO*ME,"*HE*CRIED,*"AND,*ABOVE*ALL,*WHY*DID*YOU*NOT*COME*AT*ONCE?"

"I*DID*NOT*KNOW.*IT*WAS*ONLY*TO-DAY*THAT*I*SPOKE*TO*MAJOR*PRENDERGAST*ABOUT*MY*TROUBLES*AND*WAS*ADVISED*BY*HIM*TO*COME*TO*YOU."

"IT*IS*REALLY*TWO*DAYS*SINCE*YOU*HAD*THE*LETTER.*WE*SHOULD*HAVE*ACTED*BEFORE*THIS.*YOU*HAVE*NO*FURTHER*EVIDENCE,*I*SUPPOSE,*THAN*THAT*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*PLACED*BEFORE*US--NO*SUGGESTIVE*DETAIL*WHICH*MIGHT*HELP*US?"

"THERE*IS*ONE*THING,"*SAID*JOHN*OPENSHAW.*HE*RUMMAGED*IN*HIS*COAT*POCKET,*AND,*DRAWING*OUT*A*PIECE*OF*DISCOLOURED,*BLUE-TINTED*PAPER,*HE*LAID*IT*OUT*UPON*THE*TABLE.*"I*HAVE*SOME*REMEMBRANCE,"*SAID*HE,*"THAT*ON*THE*DAY*WHEN*MY*UNCLE*BURNED*THE*PAPERS*I*OBSERVED*THAT*THE*SMALL,*UNBURNED*MARGINS*WHICH*LAY*AMID*THE*ASHES*WERE*OF*THIS*PARTICULAR*COLOUR.*I*FOUND*THIS*SINGLE*SHEET*UPON*THE*FLOOR*OF*HIS*ROOM,*AND*I*AM*INCLINED*TO*THINK*THAT*IT*MAY*BE*ONE*OF*THE*PAPERS*WHICH*HAS,*PERHAPS,*FLUTTERED*OUT*FROM*AMONG*THE*OTHERS,*AND*IN*THAT*WAY*HAS*ESCAPED*DESTRUCTION.*BEYOND*THE*MENTION*OF*PIPS,*I*DO*NOT*SEE*THAT*IT*HELPS*US*MUCH.*I*THINK*MYSELF*THAT*IT*IS*A*PAGE*FROM*SOME*PRIVATE*DIARY.*THE*WRITING*IS*UNDOUBTEDLY*MY*UNCLE'S."

HOLMES*MOVED*THE*LAMP,*AND*WE*BOTH*BENT*OVER*THE*SHEET*OF*PAPER,*WHICH*SHOWED*BY*ITS*RAGGED*EDGE*THAT*IT*HAD*INDEED*BEEN*TORN*FROM*A*BOOK.*IT*WAS*HEADED,*"MARCH,*1869,"*AND*BENEATH*WERE*THE*FOLLOWING*ENIGMATICAL*NOTICES:

"4TH.*HUDSON*CAME.*SAME*OLD*PLATFORM.

"7TH.*SET*THE*PIPS*ON*MCCAULEY,*PARAMORE,*AND

********JOHN*SWAIN,*OF*ST.*AUGUSTINE.

"9TH.*MCCAULEY*CLEARED.

"10TH.*JOHN*SWAIN*CLEARED.

"12TH.*VISITED*PARAMORE.*ALL*WELL."

"THANK*YOU!"*SAID*HOLMES,*FOLDING*UP*THE*PAPER*AND*RETURNING*IT*TO*OUR*VISITOR.*"AND*NOW*YOU*MUST*ON*NO*ACCOUNT*LOSE*ANOTHER*INSTANT.*WE*CANNOT*SPARE*TIME*EVEN*TO*DISCUSS*WHAT*YOU*HAVE*TOLD*ME.*YOU*MUST*GET*HOME*INSTANTLY*AND*ACT."

"WHAT*SHALL*I*DO?"

"THERE*IS*BUT*ONE*THING*TO*DO.*IT*MUST*BE*DONE*AT*ONCE.*YOU*MUST*PUT*THIS*PIECE*OF*PAPER*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*SHOWN*US*INTO*THE*BRASS*BOX*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*DESCRIBED.*YOU*MUST*ALSO*PUT*IN*A*NOTE*TO*SAY*THAT*ALL*THE*OTHER*PAPERS*WERE*BURNED*BY*YOUR*UNCLE,*AND*THAT*THIS*IS*THE*ONLY*ONE*WHICH*REMAINS.*YOU*MUST*ASSERT*THAT*IN*SUCH*WORDS*AS*WILL*CARRY*CONVICTION*WITH*THEM.*HAVING*DONE*THIS,*YOU*MUST*AT*ONCE*PUT*THE*BOX*OUT*UPON*THE*SUNDIAL,*AS*DIRECTED.*DO*YOU*UNDERSTAND?"

"ENTIRELY."

"DO*NOT*THINK*OF*REVENGE,*OR*ANYTHING*OF*THE*SORT,*AT*PRESENT.*I*THINK*THAT*WE*MAY*GAIN*THAT*BY*MEANS*OF*THE*LAW;*BUT*WE*HAVE*OUR*WEB*TO*WEAVE,*WHILE*THEIRS*IS*ALREADY*WOVEN.*THE*FIRST*CONSIDERATION*IS*TO*REMOVE*THE*PRESSING*DANGER*WHICH*THREATENS*YOU.*THE*SECOND*IS*TO*CLEAR*UP*THE*MYSTERY*AND*TO*PUNISH*THE*GUILTY*PARTIES."

"I*THANK*YOU,"*SAID*THE*YOUNG*MAN,*RISING*AND*PULLING*ON*HIS*OVERCOAT.*"YOU*HAVE*GIVEN*ME*FRESH*LIFE*AND*HOPE.*I*SHALL*CERTAINLY*DO*AS*YOU*ADVISE."

"DO*NOT*LOSE*AN*INSTANT.*AND,*ABOVE*ALL,*TAKE*CARE*OF*YOURSELF*IN*THE*MEANWHILE,*FOR*I*DO*NOT*THINK*THAT*THERE*CAN*BE*A*DOUBT*THAT*YOU*ARE*THREATENED*BY*A*VERY*REAL*AND*IMMINENT*DANGER.*HOW*DO*YOU*GO*BACK?"

"BY*TRAIN*FROM*WATERLOO."

"IT*IS*NOT*YET*NINE.*THE*STREETS*WILL*BE*CROWDED,*SO*I*TRUST*THAT*YOU*MAY*BE*IN*SAFETY.*AND*YET*YOU*CANNOT*GUARD*YOURSELF*TOO*CLOSELY."

"I*AM*ARMED."

"THAT*IS*WELL.*TO-MORROW*I*SHALL*SET*TO*WORK*UPON*YOUR*CASE."

"I*SHALL*SEE*YOU*AT*HORSHAM,*THEN?"

"NO,*YOUR*SECRET*LIES*IN*LONDON.*IT*IS*THERE*THAT*I*SHALL*SEEK*IT."

"THEN*I*SHALL*CALL*UPON*YOU*IN*A*DAY,*OR*IN*TWO*DAYS,*WITH*NEWS*AS*TO*THE*BOX*AND*THE*PAPERS.*I*SHALL*TAKE*YOUR*ADVICE*IN*EVERY*PARTICULAR."*HE*SHOOK*HANDS*WITH*US*AND*TOOK*HIS*LEAVE.*OUTSIDE*THE*WIND*STILL*SCREAMED*AND*THE*RAIN*SPLASHED*AND*PATTERED*AGAINST*THE*WINDOWS.*THIS*STRANGE,*WILD*STORY*SEEMED*TO*HAVE*COME*TO*US*FROM*AMID*THE*MAD*ELEMENTS--BLOWN*IN*UPON*US*LIKE*A*SHEET*OF*SEA-WEED*IN*A*GALE--AND*NOW*TO*HAVE*BEEN*REABSORBED*BY*THEM*ONCE*MORE.

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*SAT*FOR*SOME*TIME*IN*SILENCE,*WITH*HIS*HEAD*SUNK*FORWARD*AND*HIS*EYES*BENT*UPON*THE*RED*GLOW*OF*THE*FIRE.*THEN*HE*LIT*HIS*PIPE,*AND*LEANING*BACK*IN*HIS*CHAIR*HE*WATCHED*THE*BLUE*SMOKE-RINGS*AS*THEY*CHASED*EACH*OTHER*UP*TO*THE*CEILING.

"I*THINK,*WATSON,"*HE*REMARKED*AT*LAST,*"THAT*OF*ALL*OUR*CASES*WE*HAVE*HAD*NONE*MORE*FANTASTIC*THAN*THIS."

"SAVE,*PERHAPS,*THE*SIGN*OF*FOUR."

"WELL,*YES.*SAVE,*PERHAPS,*THAT.*AND*YET*THIS*JOHN*OPENSHAW*SEEMS*TO*ME*TO*BE*WALKING*AMID*EVEN*GREATER*PERILS*THAN*DID*THE*SHOLTOS."

"BUT*HAVE*YOU,"*I*ASKED,*"FORMED*ANY*DEFINITE*CONCEPTION*AS*TO*WHAT*THESE*PERILS*ARE?"

"THERE*CAN*BE*NO*QUESTION*AS*TO*THEIR*NATURE,"*HE*ANSWERED.

"THEN*WHAT*ARE*THEY?*WHO*IS*THIS*K.*K.*K.,*AND*WHY*DOES*HE*PURSUE*THIS*UNHAPPY*FAMILY?"


"YES,"*I*ANSWERED,*LAUGHING.*"IT*WAS*A*SINGULAR*DOCUMENT.*PHILOSOPHY,*ASTRONOMY,*AND*POLITICS*WERE*MARKED*AT*ZERO,*I*REMEMBER.*BOTANY*VARIABLE,*GEOLOGY*PROFOUND*AS*REGARDS*THE*MUD-STAINS*FROM*ANY*REGION*WITHIN*FIFTY*MILES*OF*TOWN,*CHEMISTRY*ECCENTRIC,*ANATOMY*UNSYSTEMATIC,*SENSATIONAL*LITERATURE*AND*CRIME*RECORDS*UNIQUE,*VIOLIN-PLAYER,*BOXER,*SWORDSMAN,*LAWYER,*AND*SELF-POISONER*BY*COCAINE*AND*TOBACCO.*THOSE,*I*THINK,*WERE*THE*MAIN*POINTS*OF*MY*ANALYSIS."


"THE*FIRST*WAS*FROM*PONDICHERRY,*THE*SECOND*FROM*DUNDEE,*AND*THE*THIRD*FROM*LONDON."

"FROM*EAST*LONDON.*WHAT*DO*YOU*DEDUCE*FROM*THAT?"

"THEY*ARE*ALL*SEAPORTS.*THAT*THE*WRITER*WAS*ON*BOARD*OF*A*SHIP."

"EXCELLENT.*WE*HAVE*ALREADY*A*CLUE.*THERE*CAN*BE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*THE*PROBABILITY--THE*STRONG*PROBABILITY--IS*THAT*THE*WRITER*WAS*ON*BOARD*OF*A*SHIP.*AND*NOW*LET*US*CONSIDER*ANOTHER*POINT.*IN*THE*CASE*OF*PONDICHERRY,*SEVEN*WEEKS*ELAPSED*BETWEEN*THE*THREAT*AND*ITS*FULFILMENT,*IN*DUNDEE*IT*WAS*ONLY*SOME*THREE*OR*FOUR*DAYS.*DOES*THAT*SUGGEST*ANYTHING?"

"A*GREATER*DISTANCE*TO*TRAVEL."

"BUT*THE*LETTER*HAD*ALSO*A*GREATER*DISTANCE*TO*COME."

"THEN*I*DO*NOT*SEE*THE*POINT."

"THERE*IS*AT*LEAST*A*PRESUMPTION*THAT*THE*VESSEL*IN*WHICH*THE*MAN*OR*MEN*ARE*IS*A*SAILING-SHIP.*IT*LOOKS*AS*IF*THEY*ALWAYS*SEND*THEIR*SINGULAR*WARNING*OR*TOKEN*BEFORE*THEM*WHEN*STARTING*UPON*THEIR*MISSION.*YOU*SEE*HOW*QUICKLY*THE*DEED*FOLLOWED*THE*SIGN*WHEN*IT*CAME*FROM*DUNDEE.*IF*THEY*HAD*COME*FROM*PONDICHERRY*IN*A*STEAMER*THEY*WOULD*HAVE*ARRIVED*ALMOST*AS*SOON*AS*THEIR*LETTER.*BUT,*AS*A*MATTER*OF*FACT,*SEVEN*WEEKS*ELAPSED.*I*THINK*THAT*THOSE*SEVEN*WEEKS*REPRESENTED*THE*DIFFERENCE*BETWEEN*THE*MAIL-BOAT*WHICH*BROUGHT*THE*LETTER*AND*THE*SAILING*VESSEL*WHICH*BROUGHT*THE*WRITER."

"IT*IS*POSSIBLE."

"MORE*THAN*THAT.*IT*IS*PROBABLE.*AND*NOW*YOU*SEE*THE*DEADLY*URGENCY*OF*THIS*NEW*CASE,*AND*WHY*I*URGED*YOUNG*OPENSHAW*TO*CAUTION.*THE*BLOW*HAS*ALWAYS*FALLEN*AT*THE*END*OF*THE*TIME*WHICH*IT*WOULD*TAKE*THE*SENDERS*TO*TRAVEL*THE*DISTANCE.*BUT*THIS*ONE*COMES*FROM*LONDON,*AND*THEREFORE*WE*CANNOT*COUNT*UPON*DELAY."

"GOOD*GOD!"*I*CRIED.*"WHAT*CAN*IT*MEAN,*THIS*RELENTLESS*PERSECUTION?"

"THE*PAPERS*WHICH*OPENSHAW*CARRIED*ARE*OBVIOUSLY*OF*VITAL*IMPORTANCE*TO*THE*PERSON*OR*PERSONS*IN*THE*SAILING-SHIP.*I*THINK*THAT*IT*IS*QUITE*CLEAR*THAT*THERE*MUST*BE*MORE*THAN*ONE*OF*THEM.*A*SINGLE*MAN*COULD*NOT*HAVE*CARRIED*OUT*TWO*DEATHS*IN*SUCH*A*WAY*AS*TO*DECEIVE*A*CORONER'S*JURY.*THERE*MUST*HAVE*BEEN*SEVERAL*IN*IT,*AND*THEY*MUST*HAVE*BEEN*MEN*OF*RESOURCE*AND*DETERMINATION.*THEIR*PAPERS*THEY*MEAN*TO*HAVE,*BE*THE*HOLDER*OF*THEM*WHO*IT*MAY.*IN*THIS*WAY*YOU*SEE*K.*K.*K.*CEASES*TO*BE*THE*INITIALS*OF*AN*INDIVIDUAL*AND*BECOMES*THE*BADGE*OF*A*SOCIETY."

"BUT*OF*WHAT*SOCIETY?"

"HAVE*YOU*NEVER--"*SAID*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*BENDING*FORWARD*AND*SINKING*HIS*VOICE--"HAVE*YOU*NEVER*HEARD*OF*THE*KU*KLUX*KLAN?"

"I*NEVER*HAVE."

HOLMES*TURNED*OVER*THE*LEAVES*OF*THE*BOOK*UPON*HIS*KNEE.*"HERE*IT*IS,"*SAID*HE*PRESENTLY:


"YOU*WILL*OBSERVE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*LAYING*DOWN*THE*VOLUME,*"THAT*THE*SUDDEN*BREAKING*UP*OF*THE*SOCIETY*WAS*COINCIDENT*WITH*THE*DISAPPEARANCE*OF*OPENSHAW*FROM*AMERICA*WITH*THEIR*PAPERS.*IT*MAY*WELL*HAVE*BEEN*CAUSE*AND*EFFECT.*IT*IS*NO*WONDER*THAT*HE*AND*HIS*FAMILY*HAVE*SOME*OF*THE*MORE*IMPLACABLE*SPIRITS*UPON*THEIR*TRACK.*YOU*CAN*UNDERSTAND*THAT*THIS*REGISTER*AND*DIARY*MAY*IMPLICATE*SOME*OF*THE*FIRST*MEN*IN*THE*SOUTH,*AND*THAT*THERE*MAY*BE*MANY*WHO*WILL*NOT*SLEEP*EASY*AT*NIGHT*UNTIL*IT*IS*RECOVERED."

"THEN*THE*PAGE*WE*HAVE*SEEN--"

"IS*SUCH*AS*WE*MIGHT*EXPECT.*IT*RAN,*IF*I*REMEMBER*RIGHT,*'SENT*THE*PIPS*TO*A,*B,*AND*C'--THAT*IS,*SENT*THE*SOCIETY'S*WARNING*TO*THEM.*THEN*THERE*ARE*SUCCESSIVE*ENTRIES*THAT*A*AND*B*CLEARED,*OR*LEFT*THE*COUNTRY,*AND*FINALLY*THAT*C*WAS*VISITED,*WITH,*I*FEAR,*A*SINISTER*RESULT*FOR*C.*WELL,*I*THINK,*DOCTOR,*THAT*WE*MAY*LET*SOME*LIGHT*INTO*THIS*DARK*PLACE,*AND*I*BELIEVE*THAT*THE*ONLY*CHANCE*YOUNG*OPENSHAW*HAS*IN*THE*MEANTIME*IS*TO*DO*WHAT*I*HAVE*TOLD*HIM.*THERE*IS*NOTHING*MORE*TO*BE*SAID*OR*TO*BE*DONE*TO-NIGHT,*SO*HAND*ME*OVER*MY*VIOLIN*AND*LET*US*TRY*TO*FORGET*FOR*HALF*AN*HOUR*THE*MISERABLE*WEATHER*AND*THE*STILL*MORE*MISERABLE*WAYS*OF*OUR*FELLOW*MEN."

IT*HAD*CLEARED*IN*THE*MORNING,*AND*THE*SUN*WAS*SHINING*WITH*A*SUBDUED*BRIGHTNESS*THROUGH*THE*DIM*VEIL*WHICH*HANGS*OVER*THE*GREAT*CITY.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*WAS*ALREADY*AT*BREAKFAST*WHEN*I*CAME*DOWN.

"YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*ME*FOR*NOT*WAITING*FOR*YOU,"*SAID*HE;*"I*HAVE,*I*FORESEE,*A*VERY*BUSY*DAY*BEFORE*ME*IN*LOOKING*INTO*THIS*CASE*OF*YOUNG*OPENSHAW'S."

"WHAT*STEPS*WILL*YOU*TAKE?"*I*ASKED.

"IT*WILL*VERY*MUCH*DEPEND*UPON*THE*RESULTS*OF*MY*FIRST*INQUIRIES.*I*MAY*HAVE*TO*GO*DOWN*TO*HORSHAM,*AFTER*ALL."

"YOU*WILL*NOT*GO*THERE*FIRST?"

"NO,*I*SHALL*COMMENCE*WITH*THE*CITY.*JUST*RING*THE*BELL*AND*THE*MAID*WILL*BRING*UP*YOUR*COFFEE."

AS*I*WAITED,*I*LIFTED*THE*UNOPENED*NEWSPAPER*FROM*THE*TABLE*AND*GLANCED*MY*EYE*OVER*IT.*IT*RESTED*UPON*A*HEADING*WHICH*SENT*A*CHILL*TO*MY*HEART.

"HOLMES,"*I*CRIED,*"YOU*ARE*TOO*LATE."

"AH!"*SAID*HE,*LAYING*DOWN*HIS*CUP,*"I*FEARED*AS*MUCH.*HOW*WAS*IT*DONE?"*HE*SPOKE*CALMLY,*BUT*I*COULD*SEE*THAT*HE*WAS*DEEPLY*MOVED.

"MY*EYE*CAUGHT*THE*NAME*OF*OPENSHAW,*AND*THE*HEADING*'TRAGEDY*NEAR*WATERLOO*BRIDGE.'*HERE*IS*THE*ACCOUNT:


WE*SAT*IN*SILENCE*FOR*SOME*MINUTES,*HOLMES*MORE*DEPRESSED*AND*SHAKEN*THAN*I*HAD*EVER*SEEN*HIM.

"THAT*HURTS*MY*PRIDE,*WATSON,"*HE*SAID*AT*LAST.*"IT*IS*A*PETTY*FEELING,*NO*DOUBT,*BUT*IT*HURTS*MY*PRIDE.*IT*BECOMES*A*PERSONAL*MATTER*WITH*ME*NOW,*AND,*IF*GOD*SENDS*ME*HEALTH,*I*SHALL*SET*MY*HAND*UPON*THIS*GANG.*THAT*HE*SHOULD*COME*TO*ME*FOR*HELP,*AND*THAT*I*SHOULD*SEND*HIM*AWAY*TO*HIS*DEATH--!"*HE*SPRANG*FROM*HIS*CHAIR*AND*PACED*ABOUT*THE*ROOM*IN*UNCONTROLLABLE*AGITATION,*WITH*A*FLUSH*UPON*HIS*SALLOW*CHEEKS*AND*A*NERVOUS*CLASPING*AND*UNCLASPING*OF*HIS*LONG*THIN*HANDS.

"THEY*MUST*BE*CUNNING*DEVILS,"*HE*EXCLAIMED*AT*LAST.*"HOW*COULD*THEY*HAVE*DECOYED*HIM*DOWN*THERE?*THE*EMBANKMENT*IS*NOT*ON*THE*DIRECT*LINE*TO*THE*STATION.*THE*BRIDGE,*NO*DOUBT,*WAS*TOO*CROWDED,*EVEN*ON*SUCH*A*NIGHT,*FOR*THEIR*PURPOSE.*WELL,*WATSON,*WE*SHALL*SEE*WHO*WILL*WIN*IN*THE*LONG*RUN.*I*AM*GOING*OUT*NOW!"

"TO*THE*POLICE?"

"NO;*I*SHALL*BE*MY*OWN*POLICE.*WHEN*I*HAVE*SPUN*THE*WEB*THEY*MAY*TAKE*THE*FLIES,*BUT*NOT*BEFORE."

ALL*DAY*I*WAS*ENGAGED*IN*MY*PROFESSIONAL*WORK,*AND*IT*WAS*LATE*IN*THE*EVENING*BEFORE*I*RETURNED*TO*BAKER*STREET.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*HAD*NOT*COME*BACK*YET.*IT*WAS*NEARLY*TEN*O'CLOCK*BEFORE*HE*ENTERED,*LOOKING*PALE*AND*WORN.*HE*WALKED*UP*TO*THE*SIDEBOARD,*AND*TEARING*A*PIECE*FROM*THE*LOAF*HE*DEVOURED*IT*VORACIOUSLY,*WASHING*IT*DOWN*WITH*A*LONG*DRAUGHT*OF*WATER.

"YOU*ARE*HUNGRY,"*I*REMARKED.

"STARVING.*IT*HAD*ESCAPED*MY*MEMORY.*I*HAVE*HAD*NOTHING*SINCE*BREAKFAST."

"NOTHING?"

"NOT*A*BITE.*I*HAD*NO*TIME*TO*THINK*OF*IT."

"AND*HOW*HAVE*YOU*SUCCEEDED?"

"WELL."

"YOU*HAVE*A*CLUE?"

"I*HAVE*THEM*IN*THE*HOLLOW*OF*MY*HAND.*YOUNG*OPENSHAW*SHALL*NOT*LONG*REMAIN*UNAVENGED.*WHY,*WATSON,*LET*US*PUT*THEIR*OWN*DEVILISH*TRADE-MARK*UPON*THEM.*IT*IS*WELL*THOUGHT*OF!"

"WHAT*DO*YOU*MEAN?"

HE*TOOK*AN*ORANGE*FROM*THE*CUPBOARD,*AND*TEARING*IT*TO*PIECES*HE*SQUEEZED*OUT*THE*PIPS*UPON*THE*TABLE.*OF*THESE*HE*TOOK*FIVE*AND*THRUST*THEM*INTO*AN*ENVELOPE.*ON*THE*INSIDE*OF*THE*FLAP*HE*WROTE*"S.*H.*FOR*J.*O."*THEN*HE*SEALED*IT*AND*ADDRESSED*IT*TO*"CAPTAIN*JAMES*CALHOUN,*BARQUE*LONE*STAR,*SAVANNAH,*GEORGIA."

"THAT*WILL*AWAIT*HIM*WHEN*HE*ENTERS*PORT,"*SAID*HE,*CHUCKLING.*"IT*MAY*GIVE*HIM*A*SLEEPLESS*NIGHT.*HE*WILL*FIND*IT*AS*SURE*A*PRECURSOR*OF*HIS*FATE*AS*OPENSHAW*DID*BEFORE*HIM."

"AND*WHO*IS*THIS*CAPTAIN*CALHOUN?"

"THE*LEADER*OF*THE*GANG.*I*SHALL*HAVE*THE*OTHERS,*BUT*HE*FIRST."

"HOW*DID*YOU*TRACE*IT,*THEN?"

HE*TOOK*A*LARGE*SHEET*OF*PAPER*FROM*HIS*POCKET,*ALL*COVERED*WITH*DATES*AND*NAMES.

"I*HAVE*SPENT*THE*WHOLE*DAY,"*SAID*HE,*"OVER*LLOYD'S*REGISTERS*AND*FILES*OF*THE*OLD*PAPERS,*FOLLOWING*THE*FUTURE*CAREER*OF*EVERY*VESSEL*WHICH*TOUCHED*AT*PONDICHERRY*IN*JANUARY*AND*FEBRUARY*IN*'83.*THERE*WERE*THIRTY-SIX*SHIPS*OF*FAIR*TONNAGE*WHICH*WERE*REPORTED*THERE*DURING*THOSE*MONTHS.*OF*THESE,*ONE,*THE*LONE*STAR,*INSTANTLY*ATTRACTED*MY*ATTENTION,*SINCE,*ALTHOUGH*IT*WAS*REPORTED*AS*HAVING*CLEARED*FROM*LONDON,*THE*NAME*IS*THAT*WHICH*IS*GIVEN*TO*ONE*OF*THE*STATES*OF*THE*UNION."

"TEXAS,*I*THINK."

"I*WAS*NOT*AND*AM*NOT*SURE*WHICH;*BUT*I*KNEW*THAT*THE*SHIP*MUST*HAVE*AN*AMERICAN*ORIGIN."

"WHAT*THEN?"

"I*SEARCHED*THE*DUNDEE*RECORDS,*AND*WHEN*I*FOUND*THAT*THE*BARQUE*LONE*STAR*WAS*THERE*IN*JANUARY,*'85,*MY*SUSPICION*BECAME*A*CERTAINTY.*I*THEN*INQUIRED*AS*TO*THE*VESSELS*WHICH*LAY*AT*PRESENT*IN*THE*PORT*OF*LONDON."

"YES?"

"THE*LONE*STAR*HAD*ARRIVED*HERE*LAST*WEEK.*I*WENT*DOWN*TO*THE*ALBERT*DOCK*AND*FOUND*THAT*SHE*HAD*BEEN*TAKEN*DOWN*THE*RIVER*BY*THE*EARLY*TIDE*THIS*MORNING,*HOMEWARD*BOUND*TO*SAVANNAH.*I*WIRED*TO*GRAVESEND*AND*LEARNED*THAT*SHE*HAD*PASSED*SOME*TIME*AGO,*AND*AS*THE*WIND*IS*EASTERLY*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*SHE*IS*NOW*PAST*THE*GOODWINS*AND*NOT*VERY*FAR*FROM*THE*ISLE*OF*WIGHT."

"WHAT*WILL*YOU*DO,*THEN?"

"OH,*I*HAVE*MY*HAND*UPON*HIM.*HE*AND*THE*TWO*MATES,*ARE*AS*I*LEARN,*THE*ONLY*NATIVE-BORN*AMERICANS*IN*THE*SHIP.*THE*OTHERS*ARE*FINNS*AND*GERMANS.*I*KNOW,*ALSO,*THAT*THEY*WERE*ALL*THREE*AWAY*FROM*THE*SHIP*LAST*NIGHT.*I*HAD*IT*FROM*THE*STEVEDORE*WHO*HAS*BEEN*LOADING*THEIR*CARGO.*BY*THE*TIME*THAT*THEIR*SAILING-SHIP*REACHES*SAVANNAH*THE*MAIL-BOAT*WILL*HAVE*CARRIED*THIS*LETTER,*AND*THE*CABLE*WILL*HAVE*INFORMED*THE*POLICE*OF*SAVANNAH*THAT*THESE*THREE*GENTLEMEN*ARE*BADLY*WANTED*HERE*UPON*A*CHARGE*OF*MURDER."

THERE*IS*EVER*A*FLAW,*HOWEVER,*IN*THE*BEST*LAID*OF*HUMAN*PLANS,*AND*THE*MURDERERS*OF*JOHN*OPENSHAW*WERE*NEVER*TO*RECEIVE*THE*ORANGE*PIPS*WHICH*WOULD*SHOW*THEM*THAT*ANOTHER,*AS*CUNNING*AND*AS*RESOLUTE*AS*THEMSELVES,*WAS*UPON*THEIR*TRACK.*VERY*LONG*AND*VERY*SEVERE*WERE*THE*EQUINOCTIAL*GALES*THAT*YEAR.*WE*WAITED*LONG*FOR*NEWS*OF*THE*LONE*STAR*OF*SAVANNAH,*BUT*NONE*EVER*REACHED*US.*WE*DID*AT*LAST*HEAR*THAT*SOMEWHERE*FAR*OUT*IN*THE*ATLANTIC*A*SHATTERED*STERN-POST*OF*A*BOAT*WAS*SEEN*SWINGING*IN*THE*TROUGH*OF*A*WAVE,*WITH*THE*LETTERS*"L.*S."*CARVED*UPON*IT,*AND*THAT*IS*ALL*WHICH*WE*SHALL*EVER*KNOW*OF*THE*FATE*OF*THE*LONE*STAR.

ADVENTURE**VI.**THE*MAN*WITH*THE*TWISTED*LIP


ISA*WHITNEY,*BROTHER*OF*THE*LATE*ELIAS*WHITNEY,*D.D.,*PRINCIPAL*OF*THE*THEOLOGICAL*COLLEGE*OF*ST.*GEORGE'S,*WAS*MUCH*ADDICTED*TO*OPIUM.*THE*HABIT*GREW*UPON*HIM,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND,*FROM*SOME*FOOLISH*FREAK*WHEN*HE*WAS*AT*COLLEGE;*FOR*HAVING*READ*DE*QUINCEY'S*DESCRIPTION*OF*HIS*DREAMS*AND*SENSATIONS,*HE*HAD*DRENCHED*HIS*TOBACCO*WITH*LAUDANUM*IN*AN*ATTEMPT*TO*PRODUCE*THE*SAME*EFFECTS.*HE*FOUND,*AS*SO*MANY*MORE*HAVE*DONE,*THAT*THE*PRACTICE*IS*EASIER*TO*ATTAIN*THAN*TO*GET*RID*OF,*AND*FOR*MANY*YEARS*HE*CONTINUED*TO*BE*A*SLAVE*TO*THE*DRUG,*AN*OBJECT*OF*MINGLED*HORROR*AND*PITY*TO*HIS*FRIENDS*AND*RELATIVES.*I*CAN*SEE*HIM*NOW,*WITH*YELLOW,*PASTY*FACE,*DROOPING*LIDS,*AND*PIN-POINT*PUPILS,*ALL*HUDDLED*IN*A*CHAIR,*THE*WRECK*AND*RUIN*OF*A*NOBLE*MAN.

ONE*NIGHT--IT*WAS*IN*JUNE,*'89--THERE*CAME*A*RING*TO*MY*BELL,*ABOUT*THE*HOUR*WHEN*A*MAN*GIVES*HIS*FIRST*YAWN*AND*GLANCES*AT*THE*CLOCK.*I*SAT*UP*IN*MY*CHAIR,*AND*MY*WIFE*LAID*HER*NEEDLE-WORK*DOWN*IN*HER*LAP*AND*MADE*A*LITTLE*FACE*OF*DISAPPOINTMENT.

"A*PATIENT!"*SAID*SHE.*"YOU'LL*HAVE*TO*GO*OUT."

I*GROANED,*FOR*I*WAS*NEWLY*COME*BACK*FROM*A*WEARY*DAY.

WE*HEARD*THE*DOOR*OPEN,*A*FEW*HURRIED*WORDS,*AND*THEN*QUICK*STEPS*UPON*THE*LINOLEUM.*OUR*OWN*DOOR*FLEW*OPEN,*AND*A*LADY,*CLAD*IN*SOME*DARK-COLOURED*STUFF,*WITH*A*BLACK*VEIL,*ENTERED*THE*ROOM.

"YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*MY*CALLING*SO*LATE,"*SHE*BEGAN,*AND*THEN,*SUDDENLY*LOSING*HER*SELF-CONTROL,*SHE*RAN*FORWARD,*THREW*HER*ARMS*ABOUT*MY*WIFE'S*NECK,*AND*SOBBED*UPON*HER*SHOULDER.*"OH,*I'M*IN*SUCH*TROUBLE!"*SHE*CRIED;*"I*DO*SO*WANT*A*LITTLE*HELP."

"WHY,"*SAID*MY*WIFE,*PULLING*UP*HER*VEIL,*"IT*IS*KATE*WHITNEY.*HOW*YOU*STARTLED*ME,*KATE!*I*HAD*NOT*AN*IDEA*WHO*YOU*WERE*WHEN*YOU*CAME*IN."

"I*DIDN'T*KNOW*WHAT*TO*DO,*SO*I*CAME*STRAIGHT*TO*YOU."*THAT*WAS*ALWAYS*THE*WAY.*FOLK*WHO*WERE*IN*GRIEF*CAME*TO*MY*WIFE*LIKE*BIRDS*TO*A*LIGHT-HOUSE.

"IT*WAS*VERY*SWEET*OF*YOU*TO*COME.*NOW,*YOU*MUST*HAVE*SOME*WINE*AND*WATER,*AND*SIT*HERE*COMFORTABLY*AND*TELL*US*ALL*ABOUT*IT.*OR*SHOULD*YOU*RATHER*THAT*I*SENT*JAMES*OFF*TO*BED?"

"OH,*NO,*NO!*I*WANT*THE*DOCTOR'S*ADVICE*AND*HELP,*TOO.*IT'S*ABOUT*ISA.*HE*HAS*NOT*BEEN*HOME*FOR*TWO*DAYS.*I*AM*SO*FRIGHTENED*ABOUT*HIM!"

IT*WAS*NOT*THE*FIRST*TIME*THAT*SHE*HAD*SPOKEN*TO*US*OF*HER*HUSBAND'S*TROUBLE,*TO*ME*AS*A*DOCTOR,*TO*MY*WIFE*AS*AN*OLD*FRIEND*AND*SCHOOL*COMPANION.*WE*SOOTHED*AND*COMFORTED*HER*BY*SUCH*WORDS*AS*WE*COULD*FIND.*DID*SHE*KNOW*WHERE*HER*HUSBAND*WAS?*WAS*IT*POSSIBLE*THAT*WE*COULD*BRING*HIM*BACK*TO*HER?

IT*SEEMS*THAT*IT*WAS.*SHE*HAD*THE*SUREST*INFORMATION*THAT*OF*LATE*HE*HAD,*WHEN*THE*FIT*WAS*ON*HIM,*MADE*USE*OF*AN*OPIUM*DEN*IN*THE*FARTHEST*EAST*OF*THE*CITY.*HITHERTO*HIS*ORGIES*HAD*ALWAYS*BEEN*CONFINED*TO*ONE*DAY,*AND*HE*HAD*COME*BACK,*TWITCHING*AND*SHATTERED,*IN*THE*EVENING.*BUT*NOW*THE*SPELL*HAD*BEEN*UPON*HIM*EIGHT-AND-FORTY*HOURS,*AND*HE*LAY*THERE,*DOUBTLESS*AMONG*THE*DREGS*OF*THE*DOCKS,*BREATHING*IN*THE*POISON*OR*SLEEPING*OFF*THE*EFFECTS.*THERE*HE*WAS*TO*BE*FOUND,*SHE*WAS*SURE*OF*IT,*AT*THE*BAR*OF*GOLD,*IN*UPPER*SWANDAM*LANE.*BUT*WHAT*WAS*SHE*TO*DO?*HOW*COULD*SHE,*A*YOUNG*AND*TIMID*WOMAN,*MAKE*HER*WAY*INTO*SUCH*A*PLACE*AND*PLUCK*HER*HUSBAND*OUT*FROM*AMONG*THE*RUFFIANS*WHO*SURROUNDED*HIM?

THERE*WAS*THE*CASE,*AND*OF*COURSE*THERE*WAS*BUT*ONE*WAY*OUT*OF*IT.*MIGHT*I*NOT*ESCORT*HER*TO*THIS*PLACE?*AND*THEN,*AS*A*SECOND*THOUGHT,*WHY*SHOULD*SHE*COME*AT*ALL?*I*WAS*ISA*WHITNEY'S*MEDICAL*ADVISER,*AND*AS*SUCH*I*HAD*INFLUENCE*OVER*HIM.*I*COULD*MANAGE*IT*BETTER*IF*I*WERE*ALONE.*I*PROMISED*HER*ON*MY*WORD*THAT*I*WOULD*SEND*HIM*HOME*IN*A*CAB*WITHIN*TWO*HOURS*IF*HE*WERE*INDEED*AT*THE*ADDRESS*WHICH*SHE*HAD*GIVEN*ME.*AND*SO*IN*TEN*MINUTES*I*HAD*LEFT*MY*ARMCHAIR*AND*CHEERY*SITTING-ROOM*BEHIND*ME,*AND*WAS*SPEEDING*EASTWARD*IN*A*HANSOM*ON*A*STRANGE*ERRAND,*AS*IT*SEEMED*TO*ME*AT*THE*TIME,*THOUGH*THE*FUTURE*ONLY*COULD*SHOW*HOW*STRANGE*IT*WAS*TO*BE.

BUT*THERE*WAS*NO*GREAT*DIFFICULTY*IN*THE*FIRST*STAGE*OF*MY*ADVENTURE.*UPPER*SWANDAM*LANE*IS*A*VILE*ALLEY*LURKING*BEHIND*THE*HIGH*WHARVES*WHICH*LINE*THE*NORTH*SIDE*OF*THE*RIVER*TO*THE*EAST*OF*LONDON*BRIDGE.*BETWEEN*A*SLOP-SHOP*AND*A*GIN-SHOP,*APPROACHED*BY*A*STEEP*FLIGHT*OF*STEPS*LEADING*DOWN*TO*A*BLACK*GAP*LIKE*THE*MOUTH*OF*A*CAVE,*I*FOUND*THE*DEN*OF*WHICH*I*WAS*IN*SEARCH.*ORDERING*MY*CAB*TO*WAIT,*I*PASSED*DOWN*THE*STEPS,*WORN*HOLLOW*IN*THE*CENTRE*BY*THE*CEASELESS*TREAD*OF*DRUNKEN*FEET;*AND*BY*THE*LIGHT*OF*A*FLICKERING*OIL-LAMP*ABOVE*THE*DOOR*I*FOUND*THE*LATCH*AND*MADE*MY*WAY*INTO*A*LONG,*LOW*ROOM,*THICK*AND*HEAVY*WITH*THE*BROWN*OPIUM*SMOKE,*AND*TERRACED*WITH*WOODEN*BERTHS,*LIKE*THE*FORECASTLE*OF*AN*EMIGRANT*SHIP.

THROUGH*THE*GLOOM*ONE*COULD*DIMLY*CATCH*A*GLIMPSE*OF*BODIES*LYING*IN*STRANGE*FANTASTIC*POSES,*BOWED*SHOULDERS,*BENT*KNEES,*HEADS*THROWN*BACK,*AND*CHINS*POINTING*UPWARD,*WITH*HERE*AND*THERE*A*DARK,*LACK-LUSTRE*EYE*TURNED*UPON*THE*NEWCOMER.*OUT*OF*THE*BLACK*SHADOWS*THERE*GLIMMERED*LITTLE*RED*CIRCLES*OF*LIGHT,*NOW*BRIGHT,*NOW*FAINT,*AS*THE*BURNING*POISON*WAXED*OR*WANED*IN*THE*BOWLS*OF*THE*METAL*PIPES.*THE*MOST*LAY*SILENT,*BUT*SOME*MUTTERED*TO*THEMSELVES,*AND*OTHERS*TALKED*TOGETHER*IN*A*STRANGE,*LOW,*MONOTONOUS*VOICE,*THEIR*CONVERSATION*COMING*IN*GUSHES,*AND*THEN*SUDDENLY*TAILING*OFF*INTO*SILENCE,*EACH*MUMBLING*OUT*HIS*OWN*THOUGHTS*AND*PAYING*LITTLE*HEED*TO*THE*WORDS*OF*HIS*NEIGHBOUR.*AT*THE*FARTHER*END*WAS*A*SMALL*BRAZIER*OF*BURNING*CHARCOAL,*BESIDE*WHICH*ON*A*THREE-LEGGED*WOODEN*STOOL*THERE*SAT*A*TALL,*THIN*OLD*MAN,*WITH*HIS*JAW*RESTING*UPON*HIS*TWO*FISTS,*AND*HIS*ELBOWS*UPON*HIS*KNEES,*STARING*INTO*THE*FIRE.

AS*I*ENTERED,*A*SALLOW*MALAY*ATTENDANT*HAD*HURRIED*UP*WITH*A*PIPE*FOR*ME*AND*A*SUPPLY*OF*THE*DRUG,*BECKONING*ME*TO*AN*EMPTY*BERTH.

"THANK*YOU.*I*HAVE*NOT*COME*TO*STAY,"*SAID*I.*"THERE*IS*A*FRIEND*OF*MINE*HERE,*MR.*ISA*WHITNEY,*AND*I*WISH*TO*SPEAK*WITH*HIM."

THERE*WAS*A*MOVEMENT*AND*AN*EXCLAMATION*FROM*MY*RIGHT,*AND*PEERING*THROUGH*THE*GLOOM,*I*SAW*WHITNEY,*PALE,*HAGGARD,*AND*UNKEMPT,*STARING*OUT*AT*ME.

"MY*GOD!*IT'S*WATSON,"*SAID*HE.*HE*WAS*IN*A*PITIABLE*STATE*OF*REACTION,*WITH*EVERY*NERVE*IN*A*TWITTER.*"I*SAY,*WATSON,*WHAT*O'CLOCK*IS*IT?"

"NEARLY*ELEVEN."

"OF*WHAT*DAY?"

"OF*FRIDAY,*JUNE*19TH."

"GOOD*HEAVENS!*I*THOUGHT*IT*WAS*WEDNESDAY.*IT*IS*WEDNESDAY.*WHAT*D'YOU*WANT*TO*FRIGHTEN*A*CHAP*FOR?"*HE*SANK*HIS*FACE*ONTO*HIS*ARMS*AND*BEGAN*TO*SOB*IN*A*HIGH*TREBLE*KEY.

"I*TELL*YOU*THAT*IT*IS*FRIDAY,*MAN.*YOUR*WIFE*HAS*BEEN*WAITING*THIS*TWO*DAYS*FOR*YOU.*YOU*SHOULD*BE*ASHAMED*OF*YOURSELF!"

"SO*I*AM.*BUT*YOU'VE*GOT*MIXED,*WATSON,*FOR*I*HAVE*ONLY*BEEN*HERE*A*FEW*HOURS,*THREE*PIPES,*FOUR*PIPES--I*FORGET*HOW*MANY.*BUT*I'LL*GO*HOME*WITH*YOU.*I*WOULDN'T*FRIGHTEN*KATE--POOR*LITTLE*KATE.*GIVE*ME*YOUR*HAND!*HAVE*YOU*A*CAB?"

"YES,*I*HAVE*ONE*WAITING."

"THEN*I*SHALL*GO*IN*IT.*BUT*I*MUST*OWE*SOMETHING.*FIND*WHAT*I*OWE,*WATSON.*I*AM*ALL*OFF*COLOUR.*I*CAN*DO*NOTHING*FOR*MYSELF."


"HOLMES!"*I*WHISPERED,*"WHAT*ON*EARTH*ARE*YOU*DOING*IN*THIS*DEN?"

"AS*LOW*AS*YOU*CAN,"*HE*ANSWERED;*"I*HAVE*EXCELLENT*EARS.*IF*YOU*WOULD*HAVE*THE*GREAT*KINDNESS*TO*GET*RID*OF*THAT*SOTTISH*FRIEND*OF*YOURS*I*SHOULD*BE*EXCEEDINGLY*GLAD*TO*HAVE*A*LITTLE*TALK*WITH*YOU."

"I*HAVE*A*CAB*OUTSIDE."

"THEN*PRAY*SEND*HIM*HOME*IN*IT.*YOU*MAY*SAFELY*TRUST*HIM,*FOR*HE*APPEARS*TO*BE*TOO*LIMP*TO*GET*INTO*ANY*MISCHIEF.*I*SHOULD*RECOMMEND*YOU*ALSO*TO*SEND*A*NOTE*BY*THE*CABMAN*TO*YOUR*WIFE*TO*SAY*THAT*YOU*HAVE*THROWN*IN*YOUR*LOT*WITH*ME.*IF*YOU*WILL*WAIT*OUTSIDE,*I*SHALL*BE*WITH*YOU*IN*FIVE*MINUTES."

IT*WAS*DIFFICULT*TO*REFUSE*ANY*OF*SHERLOCK*HOLMES'*REQUESTS,*FOR*THEY*WERE*ALWAYS*SO*EXCEEDINGLY*DEFINITE,*AND*PUT*FORWARD*WITH*SUCH*A*QUIET*AIR*OF*MASTERY.*I*FELT,*HOWEVER,*THAT*WHEN*WHITNEY*WAS*ONCE*CONFINED*IN*THE*CAB*MY*MISSION*WAS*PRACTICALLY*ACCOMPLISHED;*AND*FOR*THE*REST,*I*COULD*NOT*WISH*ANYTHING*BETTER*THAN*TO*BE*ASSOCIATED*WITH*MY*FRIEND*IN*ONE*OF*THOSE*SINGULAR*ADVENTURES*WHICH*WERE*THE*NORMAL*CONDITION*OF*HIS*EXISTENCE.*IN*A*FEW*MINUTES*I*HAD*WRITTEN*MY*NOTE,*PAID*WHITNEY'S*BILL,*LED*HIM*OUT*TO*THE*CAB,*AND*SEEN*HIM*DRIVEN*THROUGH*THE*DARKNESS.*IN*A*VERY*SHORT*TIME*A*DECREPIT*FIGURE*HAD*EMERGED*FROM*THE*OPIUM*DEN,*AND*I*WAS*WALKING*DOWN*THE*STREET*WITH*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.*FOR*TWO*STREETS*HE*SHUFFLED*ALONG*WITH*A*BENT*BACK*AND*AN*UNCERTAIN*FOOT.*THEN,*GLANCING*QUICKLY*ROUND,*HE*STRAIGHTENED*HIMSELF*OUT*AND*BURST*INTO*A*HEARTY*FIT*OF*LAUGHTER.

"I*SUPPOSE,*WATSON,"*SAID*HE,*"THAT*YOU*IMAGINE*THAT*I*HAVE*ADDED*OPIUM-SMOKING*TO*COCAINE*INJECTIONS,*AND*ALL*THE*OTHER*LITTLE*WEAKNESSES*ON*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*FAVOURED*ME*WITH*YOUR*MEDICAL*VIEWS."

"I*WAS*CERTAINLY*SURPRISED*TO*FIND*YOU*THERE."

"BUT*NOT*MORE*SO*THAN*I*TO*FIND*YOU."

"I*CAME*TO*FIND*A*FRIEND."

"AND*I*TO*FIND*AN*ENEMY."

"AN*ENEMY?"

"YES;*ONE*OF*MY*NATURAL*ENEMIES,*OR,*SHALL*I*SAY,*MY*NATURAL*PREY.*BRIEFLY,*WATSON,*I*AM*IN*THE*MIDST*OF*A*VERY*REMARKABLE*INQUIRY,*AND*I*HAVE*HOPED*TO*FIND*A*CLUE*IN*THE*INCOHERENT*RAMBLINGS*OF*THESE*SOTS,*AS*I*HAVE*DONE*BEFORE*NOW.*HAD*I*BEEN*RECOGNISED*IN*THAT*DEN*MY*LIFE*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*BEEN*WORTH*AN*HOUR'S*PURCHASE;*FOR*I*HAVE*USED*IT*BEFORE*NOW*FOR*MY*OWN*PURPOSES,*AND*THE*RASCALLY*LASCAR*WHO*RUNS*IT*HAS*SWORN*TO*HAVE*VENGEANCE*UPON*ME.*THERE*IS*A*TRAP-DOOR*AT*THE*BACK*OF*THAT*BUILDING,*NEAR*THE*CORNER*OF*PAUL'S*WHARF,*WHICH*COULD*TELL*SOME*STRANGE*TALES*OF*WHAT*HAS*PASSED*THROUGH*IT*UPON*THE*MOONLESS*NIGHTS."

"WHAT!*YOU*DO*NOT*MEAN*BODIES?"

"AY,*BODIES,*WATSON.*WE*SHOULD*BE*RICH*MEN*IF*WE*HAD*$1000*FOR*EVERY*POOR*DEVIL*WHO*HAS*BEEN*DONE*TO*DEATH*IN*THAT*DEN.*IT*IS*THE*VILEST*MURDER-TRAP*ON*THE*WHOLE*RIVERSIDE,*AND*I*FEAR*THAT*NEVILLE*ST.*CLAIR*HAS*ENTERED*IT*NEVER*TO*LEAVE*IT*MORE.*BUT*OUR*TRAP*SHOULD*BE*HERE."*HE*PUT*HIS*TWO*FOREFINGERS*BETWEEN*HIS*TEETH*AND*WHISTLED*SHRILLY--A*SIGNAL*WHICH*WAS*ANSWERED*BY*A*SIMILAR*WHISTLE*FROM*THE*DISTANCE,*FOLLOWED*SHORTLY*BY*THE*RATTLE*OF*WHEELS*AND*THE*CLINK*OF*HORSES'*HOOFS.

"NOW,*WATSON,"*SAID*HOLMES,*AS*A*TALL*DOG-CART*DASHED*UP*THROUGH*THE*GLOOM,*THROWING*OUT*TWO*GOLDEN*TUNNELS*OF*YELLOW*LIGHT*FROM*ITS*SIDE*LANTERNS.*"YOU'LL*COME*WITH*ME,*WON'T*YOU?"

"IF*I*CAN*BE*OF*USE."

"OH,*A*TRUSTY*COMRADE*IS*ALWAYS*OF*USE;*AND*A*CHRONICLER*STILL*MORE*SO.*MY*ROOM*AT*THE*CEDARS*IS*A*DOUBLE-BEDDED*ONE."

"THE*CEDARS?"

"YES;*THAT*IS*MR.*ST.*CLAIR'S*HOUSE.*I*AM*STAYING*THERE*WHILE*I*CONDUCT*THE*INQUIRY."

"WHERE*IS*IT,*THEN?"

"NEAR*LEE,*IN*KENT.*WE*HAVE*A*SEVEN-MILE*DRIVE*BEFORE*US."

"BUT*I*AM*ALL*IN*THE*DARK."

"OF*COURSE*YOU*ARE.*YOU'LL*KNOW*ALL*ABOUT*IT*PRESENTLY.*JUMP*UP*HERE.*ALL*RIGHT,*JOHN;*WE*SHALL*NOT*NEED*YOU.*HERE'S*HALF*A*CROWN.*LOOK*OUT*FOR*ME*TO-MORROW,*ABOUT*ELEVEN.*GIVE*HER*HER*HEAD.*SO*LONG,*THEN!"


"YOU*HAVE*A*GRAND*GIFT*OF*SILENCE,*WATSON,"*SAID*HE.*"IT*MAKES*YOU*QUITE*INVALUABLE*AS*A*COMPANION.*'PON*MY*WORD,*IT*IS*A*GREAT*THING*FOR*ME*TO*HAVE*SOMEONE*TO*TALK*TO,*FOR*MY*OWN*THOUGHTS*ARE*NOT*OVER-PLEASANT.*I*WAS*WONDERING*WHAT*I*SHOULD*SAY*TO*THIS*DEAR*LITTLE*WOMAN*TO-NIGHT*WHEN*SHE*MEETS*ME*AT*THE*DOOR."

"YOU*FORGET*THAT*I*KNOW*NOTHING*ABOUT*IT."

"I*SHALL*JUST*HAVE*TIME*TO*TELL*YOU*THE*FACTS*OF*THE*CASE*BEFORE*WE*GET*TO*LEE.*IT*SEEMS*ABSURDLY*SIMPLE,*AND*YET,*SOMEHOW*I*CAN*GET*NOTHING*TO*GO*UPON.*THERE'S*PLENTY*OF*THREAD,*NO*DOUBT,*BUT*I*CAN'T*GET*THE*END*OF*IT*INTO*MY*HAND.*NOW,*I'LL*STATE*THE*CASE*CLEARLY*AND*CONCISELY*TO*YOU,*WATSON,*AND*MAYBE*YOU*CAN*SEE*A*SPARK*WHERE*ALL*IS*DARK*TO*ME."

"PROCEED,*THEN."

"SOME*YEARS*AGO--TO*BE*DEFINITE,*IN*MAY,*1884--THERE*CAME*TO*LEE*A*GENTLEMAN,*NEVILLE*ST.*CLAIR*BY*NAME,*WHO*APPEARED*TO*HAVE*PLENTY*OF*MONEY.*HE*TOOK*A*LARGE*VILLA,*LAID*OUT*THE*GROUNDS*VERY*NICELY,*AND*LIVED*GENERALLY*IN*GOOD*STYLE.*BY*DEGREES*HE*MADE*FRIENDS*IN*THE*NEIGHBOURHOOD,*AND*IN*1887*HE*MARRIED*THE*DAUGHTER*OF*A*LOCAL*BREWER,*BY*WHOM*HE*NOW*HAS*TWO*CHILDREN.*HE*HAD*NO*OCCUPATION,*BUT*WAS*INTERESTED*IN*SEVERAL*COMPANIES*AND*WENT*INTO*TOWN*AS*A*RULE*IN*THE*MORNING,*RETURNING*BY*THE*5:14*FROM*CANNON*STREET*EVERY*NIGHT.*MR.*ST.*CLAIR*IS*NOW*THIRTY-SEVEN*YEARS*OF*AGE,*IS*A*MAN*OF*TEMPERATE*HABITS,*A*GOOD*HUSBAND,*A*VERY*AFFECTIONATE*FATHER,*AND*A*MAN*WHO*IS*POPULAR*WITH*ALL*WHO*KNOW*HIM.*I*MAY*ADD*THAT*HIS*WHOLE*DEBTS*AT*THE*PRESENT*MOMENT,*AS*FAR*AS*WE*HAVE*BEEN*ABLE*TO*ASCERTAIN,*AMOUNT*TO*$88*10S.,*WHILE*HE*HAS*$220*STANDING*TO*HIS*CREDIT*IN*THE*CAPITAL*AND*COUNTIES*BANK.*THERE*IS*NO*REASON,*THEREFORE,*TO*THINK*THAT*MONEY*TROUBLES*HAVE*BEEN*WEIGHING*UPON*HIS*MIND.

"LAST*MONDAY*MR.*NEVILLE*ST.*CLAIR*WENT*INTO*TOWN*RATHER*EARLIER*THAN*USUAL,*REMARKING*BEFORE*HE*STARTED*THAT*HE*HAD*TWO*IMPORTANT*COMMISSIONS*TO*PERFORM,*AND*THAT*HE*WOULD*BRING*HIS*LITTLE*BOY*HOME*A*BOX*OF*BRICKS.*NOW,*BY*THE*MEREST*CHANCE,*HIS*WIFE*RECEIVED*A*TELEGRAM*UPON*THIS*SAME*MONDAY,*VERY*SHORTLY*AFTER*HIS*DEPARTURE,*TO*THE*EFFECT*THAT*A*SMALL*PARCEL*OF*CONSIDERABLE*VALUE*WHICH*SHE*HAD*BEEN*EXPECTING*WAS*WAITING*FOR*HER*AT*THE*OFFICES*OF*THE*ABERDEEN*SHIPPING*COMPANY.*NOW,*IF*YOU*ARE*WELL*UP*IN*YOUR*LONDON,*YOU*WILL*KNOW*THAT*THE*OFFICE*OF*THE*COMPANY*IS*IN*FRESNO*STREET,*WHICH*BRANCHES*OUT*OF*UPPER*SWANDAM*LANE,*WHERE*YOU*FOUND*ME*TO-NIGHT.*MRS.*ST.*CLAIR*HAD*HER*LUNCH,*STARTED*FOR*THE*CITY,*DID*SOME*SHOPPING,*PROCEEDED*TO*THE*COMPANY'S*OFFICE,*GOT*HER*PACKET,*AND*FOUND*HERSELF*AT*EXACTLY*4:35*WALKING*THROUGH*SWANDAM*LANE*ON*HER*WAY*BACK*TO*THE*STATION.*HAVE*YOU*FOLLOWED*ME*SO*FAR?"

"IT*IS*VERY*CLEAR."

"IF*YOU*REMEMBER,*MONDAY*WAS*AN*EXCEEDINGLY*HOT*DAY,*AND*MRS.*ST.*CLAIR*WALKED*SLOWLY,*GLANCING*ABOUT*IN*THE*HOPE*OF*SEEING*A*CAB,*AS*SHE*DID*NOT*LIKE*THE*NEIGHBOURHOOD*IN*WHICH*SHE*FOUND*HERSELF.*WHILE*SHE*WAS*WALKING*IN*THIS*WAY*DOWN*SWANDAM*LANE,*SHE*SUDDENLY*HEARD*AN*EJACULATION*OR*CRY,*AND*WAS*STRUCK*COLD*TO*SEE*HER*HUSBAND*LOOKING*DOWN*AT*HER*AND,*AS*IT*SEEMED*TO*HER,*BECKONING*TO*HER*FROM*A*SECOND-FLOOR*WINDOW.*THE*WINDOW*WAS*OPEN,*AND*SHE*DISTINCTLY*SAW*HIS*FACE,*WHICH*SHE*DESCRIBES*AS*BEING*TERRIBLY*AGITATED.*HE*WAVED*HIS*HANDS*FRANTICALLY*TO*HER,*AND*THEN*VANISHED*FROM*THE*WINDOW*SO*SUDDENLY*THAT*IT*SEEMED*TO*HER*THAT*HE*HAD*BEEN*PLUCKED*BACK*BY*SOME*IRRESISTIBLE*FORCE*FROM*BEHIND.*ONE*SINGULAR*POINT*WHICH*STRUCK*HER*QUICK*FEMININE*EYE*WAS*THAT*ALTHOUGH*HE*WORE*SOME*DARK*COAT,*SUCH*AS*HE*HAD*STARTED*TO*TOWN*IN,*HE*HAD*ON*NEITHER*COLLAR*NOR*NECKTIE.



"AND*NOW*AS*TO*THE*VILLAINS*WHO*SEEMED*TO*BE*IMMEDIATELY*IMPLICATED*IN*THE*MATTER.*THE*LASCAR*WAS*KNOWN*TO*BE*A*MAN*OF*THE*VILEST*ANTECEDENTS,*BUT*AS,*BY*MRS.*ST.*CLAIR'S*STORY,*HE*WAS*KNOWN*TO*HAVE*BEEN*AT*THE*FOOT*OF*THE*STAIR*WITHIN*A*VERY*FEW*SECONDS*OF*HER*HUSBAND'S*APPEARANCE*AT*THE*WINDOW,*HE*COULD*HARDLY*HAVE*BEEN*MORE*THAN*AN*ACCESSORY*TO*THE*CRIME.*HIS*DEFENCE*WAS*ONE*OF*ABSOLUTE*IGNORANCE,*AND*HE*PROTESTED*THAT*HE*HAD*NO*KNOWLEDGE*AS*TO*THE*DOINGS*OF*HUGH*BOONE,*HIS*LODGER,*AND*THAT*HE*COULD*NOT*ACCOUNT*IN*ANY*WAY*FOR*THE*PRESENCE*OF*THE*MISSING*GENTLEMAN'S*CLOTHES.


"BUT*A*CRIPPLE!"*SAID*I.*"WHAT*COULD*HE*HAVE*DONE*SINGLE-HANDED*AGAINST*A*MAN*IN*THE*PRIME*OF*LIFE?"

"HE*IS*A*CRIPPLE*IN*THE*SENSE*THAT*HE*WALKS*WITH*A*LIMP;*BUT*IN*OTHER*RESPECTS*HE*APPEARS*TO*BE*A*POWERFUL*AND*WELL-NURTURED*MAN.*SURELY*YOUR*MEDICAL*EXPERIENCE*WOULD*TELL*YOU,*WATSON,*THAT*WEAKNESS*IN*ONE*LIMB*IS*OFTEN*COMPENSATED*FOR*BY*EXCEPTIONAL*STRENGTH*IN*THE*OTHERS."

"PRAY*CONTINUE*YOUR*NARRATIVE."


"AND*IT*DID,*THOUGH*THEY*HARDLY*FOUND*UPON*THE*MUD-BANK*WHAT*THEY*HAD*FEARED*TO*FIND.*IT*WAS*NEVILLE*ST.*CLAIR'S*COAT,*AND*NOT*NEVILLE*ST.*CLAIR,*WHICH*LAY*UNCOVERED*AS*THE*TIDE*RECEDED.*AND*WHAT*DO*YOU*THINK*THEY*FOUND*IN*THE*POCKETS?"

"I*CANNOT*IMAGINE."

"NO,*I*DON'T*THINK*YOU*WOULD*GUESS.*EVERY*POCKET*STUFFED*WITH*PENNIES*AND*HALF-PENNIES--421*PENNIES*AND*270*HALF-PENNIES.*IT*WAS*NO*WONDER*THAT*IT*HAD*NOT*BEEN*SWEPT*AWAY*BY*THE*TIDE.*BUT*A*HUMAN*BODY*IS*A*DIFFERENT*MATTER.*THERE*IS*A*FIERCE*EDDY*BETWEEN*THE*WHARF*AND*THE*HOUSE.*IT*SEEMED*LIKELY*ENOUGH*THAT*THE*WEIGHTED*COAT*HAD*REMAINED*WHEN*THE*STRIPPED*BODY*HAD*BEEN*SUCKED*AWAY*INTO*THE*RIVER."

"BUT*I*UNDERSTAND*THAT*ALL*THE*OTHER*CLOTHES*WERE*FOUND*IN*THE*ROOM.*WOULD*THE*BODY*BE*DRESSED*IN*A*COAT*ALONE?"


"IT*CERTAINLY*SOUNDS*FEASIBLE."

"WELL,*WE*WILL*TAKE*IT*AS*A*WORKING*HYPOTHESIS*FOR*WANT*OF*A*BETTER.*BOONE,*AS*I*HAVE*TOLD*YOU,*WAS*ARRESTED*AND*TAKEN*TO*THE*STATION,*BUT*IT*COULD*NOT*BE*SHOWN*THAT*THERE*HAD*EVER*BEFORE*BEEN*ANYTHING*AGAINST*HIM.*HE*HAD*FOR*YEARS*BEEN*KNOWN*AS*A*PROFESSIONAL*BEGGAR,*BUT*HIS*LIFE*APPEARED*TO*HAVE*BEEN*A*VERY*QUIET*AND*INNOCENT*ONE.*THERE*THE*MATTER*STANDS*AT*PRESENT,*AND*THE*QUESTIONS*WHICH*HAVE*TO*BE*SOLVED--WHAT*NEVILLE*ST.*CLAIR*WAS*DOING*IN*THE*OPIUM*DEN,*WHAT*HAPPENED*TO*HIM*WHEN*THERE,*WHERE*IS*HE*NOW,*AND*WHAT*HUGH*BOONE*HAD*TO*DO*WITH*HIS*DISAPPEARANCE--ARE*ALL*AS*FAR*FROM*A*SOLUTION*AS*EVER.*I*CONFESS*THAT*I*CANNOT*RECALL*ANY*CASE*WITHIN*MY*EXPERIENCE*WHICH*LOOKED*AT*THE*FIRST*GLANCE*SO*SIMPLE*AND*YET*WHICH*PRESENTED*SUCH*DIFFICULTIES."

WHILE*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*HAD*BEEN*DETAILING*THIS*SINGULAR*SERIES*OF*EVENTS,*WE*HAD*BEEN*WHIRLING*THROUGH*THE*OUTSKIRTS*OF*THE*GREAT*TOWN*UNTIL*THE*LAST*STRAGGLING*HOUSES*HAD*BEEN*LEFT*BEHIND,*AND*WE*RATTLED*ALONG*WITH*A*COUNTRY*HEDGE*UPON*EITHER*SIDE*OF*US.*JUST*AS*HE*FINISHED,*HOWEVER,*WE*DROVE*THROUGH*TWO*SCATTERED*VILLAGES,*WHERE*A*FEW*LIGHTS*STILL*GLIMMERED*IN*THE*WINDOWS.

"WE*ARE*ON*THE*OUTSKIRTS*OF*LEE,"*SAID*MY*COMPANION.*"WE*HAVE*TOUCHED*ON*THREE*ENGLISH*COUNTIES*IN*OUR*SHORT*DRIVE,*STARTING*IN*MIDDLESEX,*PASSING*OVER*AN*ANGLE*OF*SURREY,*AND*ENDING*IN*KENT.*SEE*THAT*LIGHT*AMONG*THE*TREES?*THAT*IS*THE*CEDARS,*AND*BESIDE*THAT*LAMP*SITS*A*WOMAN*WHOSE*ANXIOUS*EARS*HAVE*ALREADY,*I*HAVE*LITTLE*DOUBT,*CAUGHT*THE*CLINK*OF*OUR*HORSE'S*FEET."

"BUT*WHY*ARE*YOU*NOT*CONDUCTING*THE*CASE*FROM*BAKER*STREET?"*I*ASKED.

"BECAUSE*THERE*ARE*MANY*INQUIRIES*WHICH*MUST*BE*MADE*OUT*HERE.*MRS.*ST.*CLAIR*HAS*MOST*KINDLY*PUT*TWO*ROOMS*AT*MY*DISPOSAL,*AND*YOU*MAY*REST*ASSURED*THAT*SHE*WILL*HAVE*NOTHING*BUT*A*WELCOME*FOR*MY*FRIEND*AND*COLLEAGUE.*I*HATE*TO*MEET*HER,*WATSON,*WHEN*I*HAVE*NO*NEWS*OF*HER*HUSBAND.*HERE*WE*ARE.*WHOA,*THERE,*WHOA!"

WE*HAD*PULLED*UP*IN*FRONT*OF*A*LARGE*VILLA*WHICH*STOOD*WITHIN*ITS*OWN*GROUNDS.*A*STABLE-BOY*HAD*RUN*OUT*TO*THE*HORSE'S*HEAD,*AND*SPRINGING*DOWN,*I*FOLLOWED*HOLMES*UP*THE*SMALL,*WINDING*GRAVEL-DRIVE*WHICH*LED*TO*THE*HOUSE.*AS*WE*APPROACHED,*THE*DOOR*FLEW*OPEN,*AND*A*LITTLE*BLONDE*WOMAN*STOOD*IN*THE*OPENING,*CLAD*IN*SOME*SORT*OF*LIGHT*MOUSSELINE*DE*SOIE,*WITH*A*TOUCH*OF*FLUFFY*PINK*CHIFFON*AT*HER*NECK*AND*WRISTS.*SHE*STOOD*WITH*HER*FIGURE*OUTLINED*AGAINST*THE*FLOOD*OF*LIGHT,*ONE*HAND*UPON*THE*DOOR,*ONE*HALF-RAISED*IN*HER*EAGERNESS,*HER*BODY*SLIGHTLY*BENT,*HER*HEAD*AND*FACE*PROTRUDED,*WITH*EAGER*EYES*AND*PARTED*LIPS,*A*STANDING*QUESTION.

"WELL?"*SHE*CRIED,*"WELL?"*AND*THEN,*SEEING*THAT*THERE*WERE*TWO*OF*US,*SHE*GAVE*A*CRY*OF*HOPE*WHICH*SANK*INTO*A*GROAN*AS*SHE*SAW*THAT*MY*COMPANION*SHOOK*HIS*HEAD*AND*SHRUGGED*HIS*SHOULDERS.

"NO*GOOD*NEWS?"

"NONE."

"NO*BAD?"

"NO."

"THANK*GOD*FOR*THAT.*BUT*COME*IN.*YOU*MUST*BE*WEARY,*FOR*YOU*HAVE*HAD*A*LONG*DAY."

"THIS*IS*MY*FRIEND,*DR.*WATSON.*HE*HAS*BEEN*OF*MOST*VITAL*USE*TO*ME*IN*SEVERAL*OF*MY*CASES,*AND*A*LUCKY*CHANCE*HAS*MADE*IT*POSSIBLE*FOR*ME*TO*BRING*HIM*OUT*AND*ASSOCIATE*HIM*WITH*THIS*INVESTIGATION."

"I*AM*DELIGHTED*TO*SEE*YOU,"*SAID*SHE,*PRESSING*MY*HAND*WARMLY.*"YOU*WILL,*I*AM*SURE,*FORGIVE*ANYTHING*THAT*MAY*BE*WANTING*IN*OUR*ARRANGEMENTS,*WHEN*YOU*CONSIDER*THE*BLOW*WHICH*HAS*COME*SO*SUDDENLY*UPON*US."

"MY*DEAR*MADAM,"*SAID*I,*"I*AM*AN*OLD*CAMPAIGNER,*AND*IF*I*WERE*NOT*I*CAN*VERY*WELL*SEE*THAT*NO*APOLOGY*IS*NEEDED.*IF*I*CAN*BE*OF*ANY*ASSISTANCE,*EITHER*TO*YOU*OR*TO*MY*FRIEND*HERE,*I*SHALL*BE*INDEED*HAPPY."

"NOW,*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,"*SAID*THE*LADY*AS*WE*ENTERED*A*WELL-LIT*DINING-ROOM,*UPON*THE*TABLE*OF*WHICH*A*COLD*SUPPER*HAD*BEEN*LAID*OUT,*"I*SHOULD*VERY*MUCH*LIKE*TO*ASK*YOU*ONE*OR*TWO*PLAIN*QUESTIONS,*TO*WHICH*I*BEG*THAT*YOU*WILL*GIVE*A*PLAIN*ANSWER."

"CERTAINLY,*MADAM."

"DO*NOT*TROUBLE*ABOUT*MY*FEELINGS.*I*AM*NOT*HYSTERICAL,*NOR*GIVEN*TO*FAINTING.*I*SIMPLY*WISH*TO*HEAR*YOUR*REAL,*REAL*OPINION."

"UPON*WHAT*POINT?"

"IN*YOUR*HEART*OF*HEARTS,*DO*YOU*THINK*THAT*NEVILLE*IS*ALIVE?"

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*SEEMED*TO*BE*EMBARRASSED*BY*THE*QUESTION.*"FRANKLY,*NOW!"*SHE*REPEATED,*STANDING*UPON*THE*RUG*AND*LOOKING*KEENLY*DOWN*AT*HIM*AS*HE*LEANED*BACK*IN*A*BASKET-CHAIR.

"FRANKLY,*THEN,*MADAM,*I*DO*NOT."

"YOU*THINK*THAT*HE*IS*DEAD?"

"I*DO."

"MURDERED?"

"I*DON'T*SAY*THAT.*PERHAPS."

"AND*ON*WHAT*DAY*DID*HE*MEET*HIS*DEATH?"

"ON*MONDAY."

"THEN*PERHAPS,*MR.*HOLMES,*YOU*WILL*BE*GOOD*ENOUGH*TO*EXPLAIN*HOW*IT*IS*THAT*I*HAVE*RECEIVED*A*LETTER*FROM*HIM*TO-DAY."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*SPRANG*OUT*OF*HIS*CHAIR*AS*IF*HE*HAD*BEEN*GALVANISED.

"WHAT!"*HE*ROARED.

"YES,*TO-DAY."*SHE*STOOD*SMILING,*HOLDING*UP*A*LITTLE*SLIP*OF*PAPER*IN*THE*AIR.

"MAY*I*SEE*IT?"

"CERTAINLY."

HE*SNATCHED*IT*FROM*HER*IN*HIS*EAGERNESS,*AND*SMOOTHING*IT*OUT*UPON*THE*TABLE*HE*DREW*OVER*THE*LAMP*AND*EXAMINED*IT*INTENTLY.*I*HAD*LEFT*MY*CHAIR*AND*WAS*GAZING*AT*IT*OVER*HIS*SHOULDER.*THE*ENVELOPE*WAS*A*VERY*COARSE*ONE*AND*WAS*STAMPED*WITH*THE*GRAVESEND*POSTMARK*AND*WITH*THE*DATE*OF*THAT*VERY*DAY,*OR*RATHER*OF*THE*DAY*BEFORE,*FOR*IT*WAS*CONSIDERABLY*AFTER*MIDNIGHT.

"COARSE*WRITING,"*MURMURED*HOLMES.*"SURELY*THIS*IS*NOT*YOUR*HUSBAND'S*WRITING,*MADAM."

"NO,*BUT*THE*ENCLOSURE*IS."

"I*PERCEIVE*ALSO*THAT*WHOEVER*ADDRESSED*THE*ENVELOPE*HAD*TO*GO*AND*INQUIRE*AS*TO*THE*ADDRESS."

"HOW*CAN*YOU*TELL*THAT?"

"THE*NAME,*YOU*SEE,*IS*IN*PERFECTLY*BLACK*INK,*WHICH*HAS*DRIED*ITSELF.*THE*REST*IS*OF*THE*GREYISH*COLOUR,*WHICH*SHOWS*THAT*BLOTTING-PAPER*HAS*BEEN*USED.*IF*IT*HAD*BEEN*WRITTEN*STRAIGHT*OFF,*AND*THEN*BLOTTED,*NONE*WOULD*BE*OF*A*DEEP*BLACK*SHADE.*THIS*MAN*HAS*WRITTEN*THE*NAME,*AND*THERE*HAS*THEN*BEEN*A*PAUSE*BEFORE*HE*WROTE*THE*ADDRESS,*WHICH*CAN*ONLY*MEAN*THAT*HE*WAS*NOT*FAMILIAR*WITH*IT.*IT*IS,*OF*COURSE,*A*TRIFLE,*BUT*THERE*IS*NOTHING*SO*IMPORTANT*AS*TRIFLES.*LET*US*NOW*SEE*THE*LETTER.*HA!*THERE*HAS*BEEN*AN*ENCLOSURE*HERE!"

"YES,*THERE*WAS*A*RING.*HIS*SIGNET-RING."

"AND*YOU*ARE*SURE*THAT*THIS*IS*YOUR*HUSBAND'S*HAND?"

"ONE*OF*HIS*HANDS."

"ONE?"

"HIS*HAND*WHEN*HE*WROTE*HURRIEDLY.*IT*IS*VERY*UNLIKE*HIS*USUAL*WRITING,*AND*YET*I*KNOW*IT*WELL."

"*'DEAREST*DO*NOT*BE*FRIGHTENED.*ALL*WILL*COME*WELL.*THERE*IS*A*HUGE*ERROR*WHICH*IT*MAY*TAKE*SOME*LITTLE*TIME*TO*RECTIFY.*WAIT*IN*PATIENCE.--NEVILLE.'*WRITTEN*IN*PENCIL*UPON*THE*FLY-LEAF*OF*A*BOOK,*OCTAVO*SIZE,*NO*WATER-MARK.*HUM!*POSTED*TO-DAY*IN*GRAVESEND*BY*A*MAN*WITH*A*DIRTY*THUMB.*HA!*AND*THE*FLAP*HAS*BEEN*GUMMED,*IF*I*AM*NOT*VERY*MUCH*IN*ERROR,*BY*A*PERSON*WHO*HAD*BEEN*CHEWING*TOBACCO.*AND*YOU*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*IT*IS*YOUR*HUSBAND'S*HAND,*MADAM?"

"NONE.*NEVILLE*WROTE*THOSE*WORDS."

"AND*THEY*WERE*POSTED*TO-DAY*AT*GRAVESEND.*WELL,*MRS.*ST.*CLAIR,*THE*CLOUDS*LIGHTEN,*THOUGH*I*SHOULD*NOT*VENTURE*TO*SAY*THAT*THE*DANGER*IS*OVER."

"BUT*HE*MUST*BE*ALIVE,*MR.*HOLMES."

"UNLESS*THIS*IS*A*CLEVER*FORGERY*TO*PUT*US*ON*THE*WRONG*SCENT.*THE*RING,*AFTER*ALL,*PROVES*NOTHING.*IT*MAY*HAVE*BEEN*TAKEN*FROM*HIM."

"NO,*NO;*IT*IS,*IT*IS*HIS*VERY*OWN*WRITING!"

"VERY*WELL.*IT*MAY,*HOWEVER,*HAVE*BEEN*WRITTEN*ON*MONDAY*AND*ONLY*POSTED*TO-DAY."

"THAT*IS*POSSIBLE."

"IF*SO,*MUCH*MAY*HAVE*HAPPENED*BETWEEN."

"OH,*YOU*MUST*NOT*DISCOURAGE*ME,*MR.*HOLMES.*I*KNOW*THAT*ALL*IS*WELL*WITH*HIM.*THERE*IS*SO*KEEN*A*SYMPATHY*BETWEEN*US*THAT*I*SHOULD*KNOW*IF*EVIL*CAME*UPON*HIM.*ON*THE*VERY*DAY*THAT*I*SAW*HIM*LAST*HE*CUT*HIMSELF*IN*THE*BEDROOM,*AND*YET*I*IN*THE*DINING-ROOM*RUSHED*UPSTAIRS*INSTANTLY*WITH*THE*UTMOST*CERTAINTY*THAT*SOMETHING*HAD*HAPPENED.*DO*YOU*THINK*THAT*I*WOULD*RESPOND*TO*SUCH*A*TRIFLE*AND*YET*BE*IGNORANT*OF*HIS*DEATH?"

"I*HAVE*SEEN*TOO*MUCH*NOT*TO*KNOW*THAT*THE*IMPRESSION*OF*A*WOMAN*MAY*BE*MORE*VALUABLE*THAN*THE*CONCLUSION*OF*AN*ANALYTICAL*REASONER.*AND*IN*THIS*LETTER*YOU*CERTAINLY*HAVE*A*VERY*STRONG*PIECE*OF*EVIDENCE*TO*CORROBORATE*YOUR*VIEW.*BUT*IF*YOUR*HUSBAND*IS*ALIVE*AND*ABLE*TO*WRITE*LETTERS,*WHY*SHOULD*HE*REMAIN*AWAY*FROM*YOU?"

"I*CANNOT*IMAGINE.*IT*IS*UNTHINKABLE."

"AND*ON*MONDAY*HE*MADE*NO*REMARKS*BEFORE*LEAVING*YOU?"

"NO."

"AND*YOU*WERE*SURPRISED*TO*SEE*HIM*IN*SWANDAM*LANE?"

"VERY*MUCH*SO."

"WAS*THE*WINDOW*OPEN?"

"YES."

"THEN*HE*MIGHT*HAVE*CALLED*TO*YOU?"

"HE*MIGHT."

"HE*ONLY,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND,*GAVE*AN*INARTICULATE*CRY?"

"YES."

"A*CALL*FOR*HELP,*YOU*THOUGHT?"

"YES.*HE*WAVED*HIS*HANDS."

"BUT*IT*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*A*CRY*OF*SURPRISE.*ASTONISHMENT*AT*THE*UNEXPECTED*SIGHT*OF*YOU*MIGHT*CAUSE*HIM*TO*THROW*UP*HIS*HANDS?"

"IT*IS*POSSIBLE."

"AND*YOU*THOUGHT*HE*WAS*PULLED*BACK?"

"HE*DISAPPEARED*SO*SUDDENLY."

"HE*MIGHT*HAVE*LEAPED*BACK.*YOU*DID*NOT*SEE*ANYONE*ELSE*IN*THE*ROOM?"

"NO,*BUT*THIS*HORRIBLE*MAN*CONFESSED*TO*HAVING*BEEN*THERE,*AND*THE*LASCAR*WAS*AT*THE*FOOT*OF*THE*STAIRS."

"QUITE*SO.*YOUR*HUSBAND,*AS*FAR*AS*YOU*COULD*SEE,*HAD*HIS*ORDINARY*CLOTHES*ON?"

"BUT*WITHOUT*HIS*COLLAR*OR*TIE.*I*DISTINCTLY*SAW*HIS*BARE*THROAT."

"HAD*HE*EVER*SPOKEN*OF*SWANDAM*LANE?"

"NEVER."

"HAD*HE*EVER*SHOWED*ANY*SIGNS*OF*HAVING*TAKEN*OPIUM?"

"NEVER."

"THANK*YOU,*MRS.*ST.*CLAIR.*THOSE*ARE*THE*PRINCIPAL*POINTS*ABOUT*WHICH*I*WISHED*TO*BE*ABSOLUTELY*CLEAR.*WE*SHALL*NOW*HAVE*A*LITTLE*SUPPER*AND*THEN*RETIRE,*FOR*WE*MAY*HAVE*A*VERY*BUSY*DAY*TO-MORROW."


"AWAKE,*WATSON?"*HE*ASKED.

"YES."

"GAME*FOR*A*MORNING*DRIVE?"

"CERTAINLY."

"THEN*DRESS.*NO*ONE*IS*STIRRING*YET,*BUT*I*KNOW*WHERE*THE*STABLE-BOY*SLEEPS,*AND*WE*SHALL*SOON*HAVE*THE*TRAP*OUT."*HE*CHUCKLED*TO*HIMSELF*AS*HE*SPOKE,*HIS*EYES*TWINKLED,*AND*HE*SEEMED*A*DIFFERENT*MAN*TO*THE*SOMBRE*THINKER*OF*THE*PREVIOUS*NIGHT.

AS*I*DRESSED*I*GLANCED*AT*MY*WATCH.*IT*WAS*NO*WONDER*THAT*NO*ONE*WAS*STIRRING.*IT*WAS*TWENTY-FIVE*MINUTES*PAST*FOUR.*I*HAD*HARDLY*FINISHED*WHEN*HOLMES*RETURNED*WITH*THE*NEWS*THAT*THE*BOY*WAS*PUTTING*IN*THE*HORSE.

"I*WANT*TO*TEST*A*LITTLE*THEORY*OF*MINE,"*SAID*HE,*PULLING*ON*HIS*BOOTS.*"I*THINK,*WATSON,*THAT*YOU*ARE*NOW*STANDING*IN*THE*PRESENCE*OF*ONE*OF*THE*MOST*ABSOLUTE*FOOLS*IN*EUROPE.*I*DESERVE*TO*BE*KICKED*FROM*HERE*TO*CHARING*CROSS.*BUT*I*THINK*I*HAVE*THE*KEY*OF*THE*AFFAIR*NOW."

"AND*WHERE*IS*IT?"*I*ASKED,*SMILING.

"IN*THE*BATHROOM,"*HE*ANSWERED.*"OH,*YES,*I*AM*NOT*JOKING,"*HE*CONTINUED,*SEEING*MY*LOOK*OF*INCREDULITY.*"I*HAVE*JUST*BEEN*THERE,*AND*I*HAVE*TAKEN*IT*OUT,*AND*I*HAVE*GOT*IT*IN*THIS*GLADSTONE*BAG.*COME*ON,*MY*BOY,*AND*WE*SHALL*SEE*WHETHER*IT*WILL*NOT*FIT*THE*LOCK."

WE*MADE*OUR*WAY*DOWNSTAIRS*AS*QUIETLY*AS*POSSIBLE,*AND*OUT*INTO*THE*BRIGHT*MORNING*SUNSHINE.*IN*THE*ROAD*STOOD*OUR*HORSE*AND*TRAP,*WITH*THE*HALF-CLAD*STABLE-BOY*WAITING*AT*THE*HEAD.*WE*BOTH*SPRANG*IN,*AND*AWAY*WE*DASHED*DOWN*THE*LONDON*ROAD.*A*FEW*COUNTRY*CARTS*WERE*STIRRING,*BEARING*IN*VEGETABLES*TO*THE*METROPOLIS,*BUT*THE*LINES*OF*VILLAS*ON*EITHER*SIDE*WERE*AS*SILENT*AND*LIFELESS*AS*SOME*CITY*IN*A*DREAM.

"IT*HAS*BEEN*IN*SOME*POINTS*A*SINGULAR*CASE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*FLICKING*THE*HORSE*ON*INTO*A*GALLOP.*"I*CONFESS*THAT*I*HAVE*BEEN*AS*BLIND*AS*A*MOLE,*BUT*IT*IS*BETTER*TO*LEARN*WISDOM*LATE*THAN*NEVER*TO*LEARN*IT*AT*ALL."

IN*TOWN*THE*EARLIEST*RISERS*WERE*JUST*BEGINNING*TO*LOOK*SLEEPILY*FROM*THEIR*WINDOWS*AS*WE*DROVE*THROUGH*THE*STREETS*OF*THE*SURREY*SIDE.*PASSING*DOWN*THE*WATERLOO*BRIDGE*ROAD*WE*CROSSED*OVER*THE*RIVER,*AND*DASHING*UP*WELLINGTON*STREET*WHEELED*SHARPLY*TO*THE*RIGHT*AND*FOUND*OURSELVES*IN*BOW*STREET.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*WAS*WELL*KNOWN*TO*THE*FORCE,*AND*THE*TWO*CONSTABLES*AT*THE*DOOR*SALUTED*HIM.*ONE*OF*THEM*HELD*THE*HORSE'S*HEAD*WHILE*THE*OTHER*LED*US*IN.

"WHO*IS*ON*DUTY?"*ASKED*HOLMES.

"INSPECTOR*BRADSTREET,*SIR."

"AH,*BRADSTREET,*HOW*ARE*YOU?"*A*TALL,*STOUT*OFFICIAL*HAD*COME*DOWN*THE*STONE-FLAGGED*PASSAGE,*IN*A*PEAKED*CAP*AND*FROGGED*JACKET.*"I*WISH*TO*HAVE*A*QUIET*WORD*WITH*YOU,*BRADSTREET."*"CERTAINLY,*MR.*HOLMES.*STEP*INTO*MY*ROOM*HERE."*IT*WAS*A*SMALL,*OFFICE-LIKE*ROOM,*WITH*A*HUGE*LEDGER*UPON*THE*TABLE,*AND*A*TELEPHONE*PROJECTING*FROM*THE*WALL.*THE*INSPECTOR*SAT*DOWN*AT*HIS*DESK.

"WHAT*CAN*I*DO*FOR*YOU,*MR.*HOLMES?"

"I*CALLED*ABOUT*THAT*BEGGARMAN,*BOONE--THE*ONE*WHO*WAS*CHARGED*WITH*BEING*CONCERNED*IN*THE*DISAPPEARANCE*OF*MR.*NEVILLE*ST.*CLAIR,*OF*LEE."

"YES.*HE*WAS*BROUGHT*UP*AND*REMANDED*FOR*FURTHER*INQUIRIES."

"SO*I*HEARD.*YOU*HAVE*HIM*HERE?"

"IN*THE*CELLS."

"IS*HE*QUIET?"

"OH,*HE*GIVES*NO*TROUBLE.*BUT*HE*IS*A*DIRTY*SCOUNDREL."

"DIRTY?"

"YES,*IT*IS*ALL*WE*CAN*DO*TO*MAKE*HIM*WASH*HIS*HANDS,*AND*HIS*FACE*IS*AS*BLACK*AS*A*TINKER'S.*WELL,*WHEN*ONCE*HIS*CASE*HAS*BEEN*SETTLED,*HE*WILL*HAVE*A*REGULAR*PRISON*BATH;*AND*I*THINK,*IF*YOU*SAW*HIM,*YOU*WOULD*AGREE*WITH*ME*THAT*HE*NEEDED*IT."

"I*SHOULD*LIKE*TO*SEE*HIM*VERY*MUCH."

"WOULD*YOU?*THAT*IS*EASILY*DONE.*COME*THIS*WAY.*YOU*CAN*LEAVE*YOUR*BAG."

"NO,*I*THINK*THAT*I'LL*TAKE*IT."

"VERY*GOOD.*COME*THIS*WAY,*IF*YOU*PLEASE."*HE*LED*US*DOWN*A*PASSAGE,*OPENED*A*BARRED*DOOR,*PASSED*DOWN*A*WINDING*STAIR,*AND*BROUGHT*US*TO*A*WHITEWASHED*CORRIDOR*WITH*A*LINE*OF*DOORS*ON*EACH*SIDE.

"THE*THIRD*ON*THE*RIGHT*IS*HIS,"*SAID*THE*INSPECTOR.*"HERE*IT*IS!"*HE*QUIETLY*SHOT*BACK*A*PANEL*IN*THE*UPPER*PART*OF*THE*DOOR*AND*GLANCED*THROUGH.

"HE*IS*ASLEEP,"*SAID*HE.*"YOU*CAN*SEE*HIM*VERY*WELL."

WE*BOTH*PUT*OUR*EYES*TO*THE*GRATING.*THE*PRISONER*LAY*WITH*HIS*FACE*TOWARDS*US,*IN*A*VERY*DEEP*SLEEP,*BREATHING*SLOWLY*AND*HEAVILY.*HE*WAS*A*MIDDLE-SIZED*MAN,*COARSELY*CLAD*AS*BECAME*HIS*CALLING,*WITH*A*COLOURED*SHIRT*PROTRUDING*THROUGH*THE*RENT*IN*HIS*TATTERED*COAT.*HE*WAS,*AS*THE*INSPECTOR*HAD*SAID,*EXTREMELY*DIRTY,*BUT*THE*GRIME*WHICH*COVERED*HIS*FACE*COULD*NOT*CONCEAL*ITS*REPULSIVE*UGLINESS.*A*BROAD*WHEAL*FROM*AN*OLD*SCAR*RAN*RIGHT*ACROSS*IT*FROM*EYE*TO*CHIN,*AND*BY*ITS*CONTRACTION*HAD*TURNED*UP*ONE*SIDE*OF*THE*UPPER*LIP,*SO*THAT*THREE*TEETH*WERE*EXPOSED*IN*A*PERPETUAL*SNARL.*A*SHOCK*OF*VERY*BRIGHT*RED*HAIR*GREW*LOW*OVER*HIS*EYES*AND*FOREHEAD.

"HE'S*A*BEAUTY,*ISN'T*HE?"*SAID*THE*INSPECTOR.

"HE*CERTAINLY*NEEDS*A*WASH,"*REMARKED*HOLMES.*"I*HAD*AN*IDEA*THAT*HE*MIGHT,*AND*I*TOOK*THE*LIBERTY*OF*BRINGING*THE*TOOLS*WITH*ME."*HE*OPENED*THE*GLADSTONE*BAG*AS*HE*SPOKE,*AND*TOOK*OUT,*TO*MY*ASTONISHMENT,*A*VERY*LARGE*BATH-SPONGE.

"HE!*HE!*YOU*ARE*A*FUNNY*ONE,"*CHUCKLED*THE*INSPECTOR.

"NOW,*IF*YOU*WILL*HAVE*THE*GREAT*GOODNESS*TO*OPEN*THAT*DOOR*VERY*QUIETLY,*WE*WILL*SOON*MAKE*HIM*CUT*A*MUCH*MORE*RESPECTABLE*FIGURE."

"WELL,*I*DON'T*KNOW*WHY*NOT,"*SAID*THE*INSPECTOR.*"HE*DOESN'T*LOOK*A*CREDIT*TO*THE*BOW*STREET*CELLS,*DOES*HE?"*HE*SLIPPED*HIS*KEY*INTO*THE*LOCK,*AND*WE*ALL*VERY*QUIETLY*ENTERED*THE*CELL.*THE*SLEEPER*HALF*TURNED,*AND*THEN*SETTLED*DOWN*ONCE*MORE*INTO*A*DEEP*SLUMBER.*HOLMES*STOOPED*TO*THE*WATER-JUG,*MOISTENED*HIS*SPONGE,*AND*THEN*RUBBED*IT*TWICE*VIGOROUSLY*ACROSS*AND*DOWN*THE*PRISONER'S*FACE.

"LET*ME*INTRODUCE*YOU,"*HE*SHOUTED,*"TO*MR.*NEVILLE*ST.*CLAIR,*OF*LEE,*IN*THE*COUNTY*OF*KENT."

NEVER*IN*MY*LIFE*HAVE*I*SEEN*SUCH*A*SIGHT.*THE*MAN'S*FACE*PEELED*OFF*UNDER*THE*SPONGE*LIKE*THE*BARK*FROM*A*TREE.*GONE*WAS*THE*COARSE*BROWN*TINT!*GONE,*TOO,*WAS*THE*HORRID*SCAR*WHICH*HAD*SEAMED*IT*ACROSS,*AND*THE*TWISTED*LIP*WHICH*HAD*GIVEN*THE*REPULSIVE*SNEER*TO*THE*FACE!*A*TWITCH*BROUGHT*AWAY*THE*TANGLED*RED*HAIR,*AND*THERE,*SITTING*UP*IN*HIS*BED,*WAS*A*PALE,*SAD-FACED,*REFINED-LOOKING*MAN,*BLACK-HAIRED*AND*SMOOTH-SKINNED,*RUBBING*HIS*EYES*AND*STARING*ABOUT*HIM*WITH*SLEEPY*BEWILDERMENT.*THEN*SUDDENLY*REALISING*THE*EXPOSURE,*HE*BROKE*INTO*A*SCREAM*AND*THREW*HIMSELF*DOWN*WITH*HIS*FACE*TO*THE*PILLOW.

"GREAT*HEAVENS!"*CRIED*THE*INSPECTOR,*"IT*IS,*INDEED,*THE*MISSING*MAN.*I*KNOW*HIM*FROM*THE*PHOTOGRAPH."

THE*PRISONER*TURNED*WITH*THE*RECKLESS*AIR*OF*A*MAN*WHO*ABANDONS*HIMSELF*TO*HIS*DESTINY.*"BE*IT*SO,"*SAID*HE.*"AND*PRAY*WHAT*AM*I*CHARGED*WITH?"

"WITH*MAKING*AWAY*WITH*MR.*NEVILLE*ST.--*OH,*COME,*YOU*CAN'T*BE*CHARGED*WITH*THAT*UNLESS*THEY*MAKE*A*CASE*OF*ATTEMPTED*SUICIDE*OF*IT,"*SAID*THE*INSPECTOR*WITH*A*GRIN.*"WELL,*I*HAVE*BEEN*TWENTY-SEVEN*YEARS*IN*THE*FORCE,*BUT*THIS*REALLY*TAKES*THE*CAKE."

"IF*I*AM*MR.*NEVILLE*ST.*CLAIR,*THEN*IT*IS*OBVIOUS*THAT*NO*CRIME*HAS*BEEN*COMMITTED,*AND*THAT,*THEREFORE,*I*AM*ILLEGALLY*DETAINED."

"NO*CRIME,*BUT*A*VERY*GREAT*ERROR*HAS*BEEN*COMMITTED,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"YOU*WOULD*HAVE*DONE*BETTER*TO*HAVE*TRUSTED*YOU*WIFE."

"IT*WAS*NOT*THE*WIFE;*IT*WAS*THE*CHILDREN,"*GROANED*THE*PRISONER.*"GOD*HELP*ME,*I*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*THEM*ASHAMED*OF*THEIR*FATHER.*MY*GOD!*WHAT*AN*EXPOSURE!*WHAT*CAN*I*DO?"

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*SAT*DOWN*BESIDE*HIM*ON*THE*COUCH*AND*PATTED*HIM*KINDLY*ON*THE*SHOULDER.

"IF*YOU*LEAVE*IT*TO*A*COURT*OF*LAW*TO*CLEAR*THE*MATTER*UP,"*SAID*HE,*"OF*COURSE*YOU*CAN*HARDLY*AVOID*PUBLICITY.*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*IF*YOU*CONVINCE*THE*POLICE*AUTHORITIES*THAT*THERE*IS*NO*POSSIBLE*CASE*AGAINST*YOU,*I*DO*NOT*KNOW*THAT*THERE*IS*ANY*REASON*THAT*THE*DETAILS*SHOULD*FIND*THEIR*WAY*INTO*THE*PAPERS.*INSPECTOR*BRADSTREET*WOULD,*I*AM*SURE,*MAKE*NOTES*UPON*ANYTHING*WHICH*YOU*MIGHT*TELL*US*AND*SUBMIT*IT*TO*THE*PROPER*AUTHORITIES.*THE*CASE*WOULD*THEN*NEVER*GO*INTO*COURT*AT*ALL."

"GOD*BLESS*YOU!"*CRIED*THE*PRISONER*PASSIONATELY.*"I*WOULD*HAVE*ENDURED*IMPRISONMENT,*AY,*EVEN*EXECUTION,*RATHER*THAN*HAVE*LEFT*MY*MISERABLE*SECRET*AS*A*FAMILY*BLOT*TO*MY*CHILDREN.


"I*WROTE*MY*ARTICLES*AND*THOUGHT*LITTLE*MORE*OF*THE*MATTER*UNTIL,*SOME*TIME*LATER,*I*BACKED*A*BILL*FOR*A*FRIEND*AND*HAD*A*WRIT*SERVED*UPON*ME*FOR*$25.*I*WAS*AT*MY*WIT'S*END*WHERE*TO*GET*THE*MONEY,*BUT*A*SUDDEN*IDEA*CAME*TO*ME.*I*BEGGED*A*FORTNIGHT'S*GRACE*FROM*THE*CREDITOR,*ASKED*FOR*A*HOLIDAY*FROM*MY*EMPLOYERS,*AND*SPENT*THE*TIME*IN*BEGGING*IN*THE*CITY*UNDER*MY*DISGUISE.*IN*TEN*DAYS*I*HAD*THE*MONEY*AND*HAD*PAID*THE*DEBT.

"WELL,*YOU*CAN*IMAGINE*HOW*HARD*IT*WAS*TO*SETTLE*DOWN*TO*ARDUOUS*WORK*AT*$2*A*WEEK*WHEN*I*KNEW*THAT*I*COULD*EARN*AS*MUCH*IN*A*DAY*BY*SMEARING*MY*FACE*WITH*A*LITTLE*PAINT,*LAYING*MY*CAP*ON*THE*GROUND,*AND*SITTING*STILL.*IT*WAS*A*LONG*FIGHT*BETWEEN*MY*PRIDE*AND*THE*MONEY,*BUT*THE*DOLLARS*WON*AT*LAST,*AND*I*THREW*UP*REPORTING*AND*SAT*DAY*AFTER*DAY*IN*THE*CORNER*WHICH*I*HAD*FIRST*CHOSEN,*INSPIRING*PITY*BY*MY*GHASTLY*FACE*AND*FILLING*MY*POCKETS*WITH*COPPERS.*ONLY*ONE*MAN*KNEW*MY*SECRET.*HE*WAS*THE*KEEPER*OF*A*LOW*DEN*IN*WHICH*I*USED*TO*LODGE*IN*SWANDAM*LANE,*WHERE*I*COULD*EVERY*MORNING*EMERGE*AS*A*SQUALID*BEGGAR*AND*IN*THE*EVENINGS*TRANSFORM*MYSELF*INTO*A*WELL-DRESSED*MAN*ABOUT*TOWN.*THIS*FELLOW,*A*LASCAR,*WAS*WELL*PAID*BY*ME*FOR*HIS*ROOMS,*SO*THAT*I*KNEW*THAT*MY*SECRET*WAS*SAFE*IN*HIS*POSSESSION.

"WELL,*VERY*SOON*I*FOUND*THAT*I*WAS*SAVING*CONSIDERABLE*SUMS*OF*MONEY.*I*DO*NOT*MEAN*THAT*ANY*BEGGAR*IN*THE*STREETS*OF*LONDON*COULD*EARN*$700*A*YEAR--WHICH*IS*LESS*THAN*MY*AVERAGE*TAKINGS--BUT*I*HAD*EXCEPTIONAL*ADVANTAGES*IN*MY*POWER*OF*MAKING*UP,*AND*ALSO*IN*A*FACILITY*OF*REPARTEE,*WHICH*IMPROVED*BY*PRACTICE*AND*MADE*ME*QUITE*A*RECOGNISED*CHARACTER*IN*THE*CITY.*ALL*DAY*A*STREAM*OF*PENNIES,*VARIED*BY*SILVER,*POURED*IN*UPON*ME,*AND*IT*WAS*A*VERY*BAD*DAY*IN*WHICH*I*FAILED*TO*TAKE*$2.

"AS*I*GREW*RICHER*I*GREW*MORE*AMBITIOUS,*TOOK*A*HOUSE*IN*THE*COUNTRY,*AND*EVENTUALLY*MARRIED,*WITHOUT*ANYONE*HAVING*A*SUSPICION*AS*TO*MY*REAL*OCCUPATION.*MY*DEAR*WIFE*KNEW*THAT*I*HAD*BUSINESS*IN*THE*CITY.*SHE*LITTLE*KNEW*WHAT.


"I*DO*NOT*KNOW*THAT*THERE*IS*ANYTHING*ELSE*FOR*ME*TO*EXPLAIN.*I*WAS*DETERMINED*TO*PRESERVE*MY*DISGUISE*AS*LONG*AS*POSSIBLE,*AND*HENCE*MY*PREFERENCE*FOR*A*DIRTY*FACE.*KNOWING*THAT*MY*WIFE*WOULD*BE*TERRIBLY*ANXIOUS,*I*SLIPPED*OFF*MY*RING*AND*CONFIDED*IT*TO*THE*LASCAR*AT*A*MOMENT*WHEN*NO*CONSTABLE*WAS*WATCHING*ME,*TOGETHER*WITH*A*HURRIED*SCRAWL,*TELLING*HER*THAT*SHE*HAD*NO*CAUSE*TO*FEAR."

"THAT*NOTE*ONLY*REACHED*HER*YESTERDAY,"*SAID*HOLMES.

"GOOD*GOD!*WHAT*A*WEEK*SHE*MUST*HAVE*SPENT!"

"THE*POLICE*HAVE*WATCHED*THIS*LASCAR,"*SAID*INSPECTOR*BRADSTREET,*"AND*I*CAN*QUITE*UNDERSTAND*THAT*HE*MIGHT*FIND*IT*DIFFICULT*TO*POST*A*LETTER*UNOBSERVED.*PROBABLY*HE*HANDED*IT*TO*SOME*SAILOR*CUSTOMER*OF*HIS,*WHO*FORGOT*ALL*ABOUT*IT*FOR*SOME*DAYS."

"THAT*WAS*IT,"*SAID*HOLMES,*NODDING*APPROVINGLY;*"I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*OF*IT.*BUT*HAVE*YOU*NEVER*BEEN*PROSECUTED*FOR*BEGGING?"

"MANY*TIMES;*BUT*WHAT*WAS*A*FINE*TO*ME?"

"IT*MUST*STOP*HERE,*HOWEVER,"*SAID*BRADSTREET.*"IF*THE*POLICE*ARE*TO*HUSH*THIS*THING*UP,*THERE*MUST*BE*NO*MORE*OF*HUGH*BOONE."

"I*HAVE*SWORN*IT*BY*THE*MOST*SOLEMN*OATHS*WHICH*A*MAN*CAN*TAKE."

"IN*THAT*CASE*I*THINK*THAT*IT*IS*PROBABLE*THAT*NO*FURTHER*STEPS*MAY*BE*TAKEN.*BUT*IF*YOU*ARE*FOUND*AGAIN,*THEN*ALL*MUST*COME*OUT.*I*AM*SURE,*MR.*HOLMES,*THAT*WE*ARE*VERY*MUCH*INDEBTED*TO*YOU*FOR*HAVING*CLEARED*THE*MATTER*UP.*I*WISH*I*KNEW*HOW*YOU*REACH*YOUR*RESULTS."

"I*REACHED*THIS*ONE,"*SAID*MY*FRIEND,*"BY*SITTING*UPON*FIVE*PILLOWS*AND*CONSUMING*AN*OUNCE*OF*SHAG.*I*THINK,*WATSON,*THAT*IF*WE*DRIVE*TO*BAKER*STREET*WE*SHALL*JUST*BE*IN*TIME*FOR*BREAKFAST."

VII.**THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*BLUE*CARBUNCLE


I*HAD*CALLED*UPON*MY*FRIEND*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*UPON*THE*SECOND*MORNING*AFTER*CHRISTMAS,*WITH*THE*INTENTION*OF*WISHING*HIM*THE*COMPLIMENTS*OF*THE*SEASON.*HE*WAS*LOUNGING*UPON*THE*SOFA*IN*A*PURPLE*DRESSING-GOWN,*A*PIPE-RACK*WITHIN*HIS*REACH*UPON*THE*RIGHT,*AND*A*PILE*OF*CRUMPLED*MORNING*PAPERS,*EVIDENTLY*NEWLY*STUDIED,*NEAR*AT*HAND.*BESIDE*THE*COUCH*WAS*A*WOODEN*CHAIR,*AND*ON*THE*ANGLE*OF*THE*BACK*HUNG*A*VERY*SEEDY*AND*DISREPUTABLE*HARD-FELT*HAT,*MUCH*THE*WORSE*FOR*WEAR,*AND*CRACKED*IN*SEVERAL*PLACES.*A*LENS*AND*A*FORCEPS*LYING*UPON*THE*SEAT*OF*THE*CHAIR*SUGGESTED*THAT*THE*HAT*HAD*BEEN*SUSPENDED*IN*THIS*MANNER*FOR*THE*PURPOSE*OF*EXAMINATION.

"YOU*ARE*ENGAGED,"*SAID*I;*"PERHAPS*I*INTERRUPT*YOU."

"NOT*AT*ALL.*I*AM*GLAD*TO*HAVE*A*FRIEND*WITH*WHOM*I*CAN*DISCUSS*MY*RESULTS.*THE*MATTER*IS*A*PERFECTLY*TRIVIAL*ONE"--HE*JERKED*HIS*THUMB*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*THE*OLD*HAT--"BUT*THERE*ARE*POINTS*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*IT*WHICH*ARE*NOT*ENTIRELY*DEVOID*OF*INTEREST*AND*EVEN*OF*INSTRUCTION."

I*SEATED*MYSELF*IN*HIS*ARMCHAIR*AND*WARMED*MY*HANDS*BEFORE*HIS*CRACKLING*FIRE,*FOR*A*SHARP*FROST*HAD*SET*IN,*AND*THE*WINDOWS*WERE*THICK*WITH*THE*ICE*CRYSTALS.*"I*SUPPOSE,"*I*REMARKED,*"THAT,*HOMELY*AS*IT*LOOKS,*THIS*THING*HAS*SOME*DEADLY*STORY*LINKED*ON*TO*IT--THAT*IT*IS*THE*CLUE*WHICH*WILL*GUIDE*YOU*IN*THE*SOLUTION*OF*SOME*MYSTERY*AND*THE*PUNISHMENT*OF*SOME*CRIME."

"NO,*NO.*NO*CRIME,"*SAID*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*LAUGHING.*"ONLY*ONE*OF*THOSE*WHIMSICAL*LITTLE*INCIDENTS*WHICH*WILL*HAPPEN*WHEN*YOU*HAVE*FOUR*MILLION*HUMAN*BEINGS*ALL*JOSTLING*EACH*OTHER*WITHIN*THE*SPACE*OF*A*FEW*SQUARE*MILES.*AMID*THE*ACTION*AND*REACTION*OF*SO*DENSE*A*SWARM*OF*HUMANITY,*EVERY*POSSIBLE*COMBINATION*OF*EVENTS*MAY*BE*EXPECTED*TO*TAKE*PLACE,*AND*MANY*A*LITTLE*PROBLEM*WILL*BE*PRESENTED*WHICH*MAY*BE*STRIKING*AND*BIZARRE*WITHOUT*BEING*CRIMINAL.*WE*HAVE*ALREADY*HAD*EXPERIENCE*OF*SUCH."

"SO*MUCH*SO,"*I*REMARKED,*"THAT*OF*THE*LAST*SIX*CASES*WHICH*I*HAVE*ADDED*TO*MY*NOTES,*THREE*HAVE*BEEN*ENTIRELY*FREE*OF*ANY*LEGAL*CRIME."

"PRECISELY.*YOU*ALLUDE*TO*MY*ATTEMPT*TO*RECOVER*THE*IRENE*ADLER*PAPERS,*TO*THE*SINGULAR*CASE*OF*MISS*MARY*SUTHERLAND,*AND*TO*THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*MAN*WITH*THE*TWISTED*LIP.*WELL,*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*THIS*SMALL*MATTER*WILL*FALL*INTO*THE*SAME*INNOCENT*CATEGORY.*YOU*KNOW*PETERSON,*THE*COMMISSIONAIRE?"

"YES."

"IT*IS*TO*HIM*THAT*THIS*TROPHY*BELONGS."

"IT*IS*HIS*HAT."


"WHICH*SURELY*HE*RESTORED*TO*THEIR*OWNER?"

"MY*DEAR*FELLOW,*THERE*LIES*THE*PROBLEM.*IT*IS*TRUE*THAT*'FOR*MRS.*HENRY*BAKER'*WAS*PRINTED*UPON*A*SMALL*CARD*WHICH*WAS*TIED*TO*THE*BIRD'S*LEFT*LEG,*AND*IT*IS*ALSO*TRUE*THAT*THE*INITIALS*'H.*B.'*ARE*LEGIBLE*UPON*THE*LINING*OF*THIS*HAT,*BUT*AS*THERE*ARE*SOME*THOUSANDS*OF*BAKERS,*AND*SOME*HUNDREDS*OF*HENRY*BAKERS*IN*THIS*CITY*OF*OURS,*IT*IS*NOT*EASY*TO*RESTORE*LOST*PROPERTY*TO*ANY*ONE*OF*THEM."

"WHAT,*THEN,*DID*PETERSON*DO?"

"HE*BROUGHT*ROUND*BOTH*HAT*AND*GOOSE*TO*ME*ON*CHRISTMAS*MORNING,*KNOWING*THAT*EVEN*THE*SMALLEST*PROBLEMS*ARE*OF*INTEREST*TO*ME.*THE*GOOSE*WE*RETAINED*UNTIL*THIS*MORNING,*WHEN*THERE*WERE*SIGNS*THAT,*IN*SPITE*OF*THE*SLIGHT*FROST,*IT*WOULD*BE*WELL*THAT*IT*SHOULD*BE*EATEN*WITHOUT*UNNECESSARY*DELAY.*ITS*FINDER*HAS*CARRIED*IT*OFF,*THEREFORE,*TO*FULFIL*THE*ULTIMATE*DESTINY*OF*A*GOOSE,*WHILE*I*CONTINUE*TO*RETAIN*THE*HAT*OF*THE*UNKNOWN*GENTLEMAN*WHO*LOST*HIS*CHRISTMAS*DINNER."

"DID*HE*NOT*ADVERTISE?"

"NO."

"THEN,*WHAT*CLUE*COULD*YOU*HAVE*AS*TO*HIS*IDENTITY?"

"ONLY*AS*MUCH*AS*WE*CAN*DEDUCE."

"FROM*HIS*HAT?"

"PRECISELY."

"BUT*YOU*ARE*JOKING.*WHAT*CAN*YOU*GATHER*FROM*THIS*OLD*BATTERED*FELT?"

"HERE*IS*MY*LENS.*YOU*KNOW*MY*METHODS.*WHAT*CAN*YOU*GATHER*YOURSELF*AS*TO*THE*INDIVIDUALITY*OF*THE*MAN*WHO*HAS*WORN*THIS*ARTICLE?"

I*TOOK*THE*TATTERED*OBJECT*IN*MY*HANDS*AND*TURNED*IT*OVER*RATHER*RUEFULLY.*IT*WAS*A*VERY*ORDINARY*BLACK*HAT*OF*THE*USUAL*ROUND*SHAPE,*HARD*AND*MUCH*THE*WORSE*FOR*WEAR.*THE*LINING*HAD*BEEN*OF*RED*SILK,*BUT*WAS*A*GOOD*DEAL*DISCOLOURED.*THERE*WAS*NO*MAKER'S*NAME;*BUT,*AS*HOLMES*HAD*REMARKED,*THE*INITIALS*"H.*B."*WERE*SCRAWLED*UPON*ONE*SIDE.*IT*WAS*PIERCED*IN*THE*BRIM*FOR*A*HAT-SECURER,*BUT*THE*ELASTIC*WAS*MISSING.*FOR*THE*REST,*IT*WAS*CRACKED,*EXCEEDINGLY*DUSTY,*AND*SPOTTED*IN*SEVERAL*PLACES,*ALTHOUGH*THERE*SEEMED*TO*HAVE*BEEN*SOME*ATTEMPT*TO*HIDE*THE*DISCOLOURED*PATCHES*BY*SMEARING*THEM*WITH*INK.

"I*CAN*SEE*NOTHING,"*SAID*I,*HANDING*IT*BACK*TO*MY*FRIEND.

"ON*THE*CONTRARY,*WATSON,*YOU*CAN*SEE*EVERYTHING.*YOU*FAIL,*HOWEVER,*TO*REASON*FROM*WHAT*YOU*SEE.*YOU*ARE*TOO*TIMID*IN*DRAWING*YOUR*INFERENCES."

"THEN,*PRAY*TELL*ME*WHAT*IT*IS*THAT*YOU*CAN*INFER*FROM*THIS*HAT?"

HE*PICKED*IT*UP*AND*GAZED*AT*IT*IN*THE*PECULIAR*INTROSPECTIVE*FASHION*WHICH*WAS*CHARACTERISTIC*OF*HIM.*"IT*IS*PERHAPS*LESS*SUGGESTIVE*THAN*IT*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN,"*HE*REMARKED,*"AND*YET*THERE*ARE*A*FEW*INFERENCES*WHICH*ARE*VERY*DISTINCT,*AND*A*FEW*OTHERS*WHICH*REPRESENT*AT*LEAST*A*STRONG*BALANCE*OF*PROBABILITY.*THAT*THE*MAN*WAS*HIGHLY*INTELLECTUAL*IS*OF*COURSE*OBVIOUS*UPON*THE*FACE*OF*IT,*AND*ALSO*THAT*HE*WAS*FAIRLY*WELL-TO-DO*WITHIN*THE*LAST*THREE*YEARS,*ALTHOUGH*HE*HAS*NOW*FALLEN*UPON*EVIL*DAYS.*HE*HAD*FORESIGHT,*BUT*HAS*LESS*NOW*THAN*FORMERLY,*POINTING*TO*A*MORAL*RETROGRESSION,*WHICH,*WHEN*TAKEN*WITH*THE*DECLINE*OF*HIS*FORTUNES,*SEEMS*TO*INDICATE*SOME*EVIL*INFLUENCE,*PROBABLY*DRINK,*AT*WORK*UPON*HIM.*THIS*MAY*ACCOUNT*ALSO*FOR*THE*OBVIOUS*FACT*THAT*HIS*WIFE*HAS*CEASED*TO*LOVE*HIM."

"MY*DEAR*HOLMES!"

"HE*HAS,*HOWEVER,*RETAINED*SOME*DEGREE*OF*SELF-RESPECT,"*HE*CONTINUED,*DISREGARDING*MY*REMONSTRANCE.*"HE*IS*A*MAN*WHO*LEADS*A*SEDENTARY*LIFE,*GOES*OUT*LITTLE,*IS*OUT*OF*TRAINING*ENTIRELY,*IS*MIDDLE-AGED,*HAS*GRIZZLED*HAIR*WHICH*HE*HAS*HAD*CUT*WITHIN*THE*LAST*FEW*DAYS,*AND*WHICH*HE*ANOINTS*WITH*LIME-CREAM.*THESE*ARE*THE*MORE*PATENT*FACTS*WHICH*ARE*TO*BE*DEDUCED*FROM*HIS*HAT.*ALSO,*BY*THE*WAY,*THAT*IT*IS*EXTREMELY*IMPROBABLE*THAT*HE*HAS*GAS*LAID*ON*IN*HIS*HOUSE."

"YOU*ARE*CERTAINLY*JOKING,*HOLMES."

"NOT*IN*THE*LEAST.*IS*IT*POSSIBLE*THAT*EVEN*NOW,*WHEN*I*GIVE*YOU*THESE*RESULTS,*YOU*ARE*UNABLE*TO*SEE*HOW*THEY*ARE*ATTAINED?"

"I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*I*AM*VERY*STUPID,*BUT*I*MUST*CONFESS*THAT*I*AM*UNABLE*TO*FOLLOW*YOU.*FOR*EXAMPLE,*HOW*DID*YOU*DEDUCE*THAT*THIS*MAN*WAS*INTELLECTUAL?"

FOR*ANSWER*HOLMES*CLAPPED*THE*HAT*UPON*HIS*HEAD.*IT*CAME*RIGHT*OVER*THE*FOREHEAD*AND*SETTLED*UPON*THE*BRIDGE*OF*HIS*NOSE.*"IT*IS*A*QUESTION*OF*CUBIC*CAPACITY,"*SAID*HE;*"A*MAN*WITH*SO*LARGE*A*BRAIN*MUST*HAVE*SOMETHING*IN*IT."

"THE*DECLINE*OF*HIS*FORTUNES,*THEN?"

"THIS*HAT*IS*THREE*YEARS*OLD.*THESE*FLAT*BRIMS*CURLED*AT*THE*EDGE*CAME*IN*THEN.*IT*IS*A*HAT*OF*THE*VERY*BEST*QUALITY.*LOOK*AT*THE*BAND*OF*RIBBED*SILK*AND*THE*EXCELLENT*LINING.*IF*THIS*MAN*COULD*AFFORD*TO*BUY*SO*EXPENSIVE*A*HAT*THREE*YEARS*AGO,*AND*HAS*HAD*NO*HAT*SINCE,*THEN*HE*HAS*ASSUREDLY*GONE*DOWN*IN*THE*WORLD."

"WELL,*THAT*IS*CLEAR*ENOUGH,*CERTAINLY.*BUT*HOW*ABOUT*THE*FORESIGHT*AND*THE*MORAL*RETROGRESSION?"

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*LAUGHED.*"HERE*IS*THE*FORESIGHT,"*SAID*HE*PUTTING*HIS*FINGER*UPON*THE*LITTLE*DISC*AND*LOOP*OF*THE*HAT-SECURER.*"THEY*ARE*NEVER*SOLD*UPON*HATS.*IF*THIS*MAN*ORDERED*ONE,*IT*IS*A*SIGN*OF*A*CERTAIN*AMOUNT*OF*FORESIGHT,*SINCE*HE*WENT*OUT*OF*HIS*WAY*TO*TAKE*THIS*PRECAUTION*AGAINST*THE*WIND.*BUT*SINCE*WE*SEE*THAT*HE*HAS*BROKEN*THE*ELASTIC*AND*HAS*NOT*TROUBLED*TO*REPLACE*IT,*IT*IS*OBVIOUS*THAT*HE*HAS*LESS*FORESIGHT*NOW*THAN*FORMERLY,*WHICH*IS*A*DISTINCT*PROOF*OF*A*WEAKENING*NATURE.*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*HE*HAS*ENDEAVOURED*TO*CONCEAL*SOME*OF*THESE*STAINS*UPON*THE*FELT*BY*DAUBING*THEM*WITH*INK,*WHICH*IS*A*SIGN*THAT*HE*HAS*NOT*ENTIRELY*LOST*HIS*SELF-RESPECT."

"YOUR*REASONING*IS*CERTAINLY*PLAUSIBLE."

"THE*FURTHER*POINTS,*THAT*HE*IS*MIDDLE-AGED,*THAT*HIS*HAIR*IS*GRIZZLED,*THAT*IT*HAS*BEEN*RECENTLY*CUT,*AND*THAT*HE*USES*LIME-CREAM,*ARE*ALL*TO*BE*GATHERED*FROM*A*CLOSE*EXAMINATION*OF*THE*LOWER*PART*OF*THE*LINING.*THE*LENS*DISCLOSES*A*LARGE*NUMBER*OF*HAIR-ENDS,*CLEAN*CUT*BY*THE*SCISSORS*OF*THE*BARBER.*THEY*ALL*APPEAR*TO*BE*ADHESIVE,*AND*THERE*IS*A*DISTINCT*ODOUR*OF*LIME-CREAM.*THIS*DUST,*YOU*WILL*OBSERVE,*IS*NOT*THE*GRITTY,*GREY*DUST*OF*THE*STREET*BUT*THE*FLUFFY*BROWN*DUST*OF*THE*HOUSE,*SHOWING*THAT*IT*HAS*BEEN*HUNG*UP*INDOORS*MOST*OF*THE*TIME,*WHILE*THE*MARKS*OF*MOISTURE*UPON*THE*INSIDE*ARE*PROOF*POSITIVE*THAT*THE*WEARER*PERSPIRED*VERY*FREELY,*AND*COULD*THEREFORE,*HARDLY*BE*IN*THE*BEST*OF*TRAINING."

"BUT*HIS*WIFE--YOU*SAID*THAT*SHE*HAD*CEASED*TO*LOVE*HIM."

"THIS*HAT*HAS*NOT*BEEN*BRUSHED*FOR*WEEKS.*WHEN*I*SEE*YOU,*MY*DEAR*WATSON,*WITH*A*WEEK'S*ACCUMULATION*OF*DUST*UPON*YOUR*HAT,*AND*WHEN*YOUR*WIFE*ALLOWS*YOU*TO*GO*OUT*IN*SUCH*A*STATE,*I*SHALL*FEAR*THAT*YOU*ALSO*HAVE*BEEN*UNFORTUNATE*ENOUGH*TO*LOSE*YOUR*WIFE'S*AFFECTION."

"BUT*HE*MIGHT*BE*A*BACHELOR."

"NAY,*HE*WAS*BRINGING*HOME*THE*GOOSE*AS*A*PEACE-OFFERING*TO*HIS*WIFE.*REMEMBER*THE*CARD*UPON*THE*BIRD'S*LEG."

"YOU*HAVE*AN*ANSWER*TO*EVERYTHING.*BUT*HOW*ON*EARTH*DO*YOU*DEDUCE*THAT*THE*GAS*IS*NOT*LAID*ON*IN*HIS*HOUSE?"

"ONE*TALLOW*STAIN,*OR*EVEN*TWO,*MIGHT*COME*BY*CHANCE;*BUT*WHEN*I*SEE*NO*LESS*THAN*FIVE,*I*THINK*THAT*THERE*CAN*BE*LITTLE*DOUBT*THAT*THE*INDIVIDUAL*MUST*BE*BROUGHT*INTO*FREQUENT*CONTACT*WITH*BURNING*TALLOW--WALKS*UPSTAIRS*AT*NIGHT*PROBABLY*WITH*HIS*HAT*IN*ONE*HAND*AND*A*GUTTERING*CANDLE*IN*THE*OTHER.*ANYHOW,*HE*NEVER*GOT*TALLOW-STAINS*FROM*A*GAS-JET.*ARE*YOU*SATISFIED?"

"WELL,*IT*IS*VERY*INGENIOUS,"*SAID*I,*LAUGHING;*"BUT*SINCE,*AS*YOU*SAID*JUST*NOW,*THERE*HAS*BEEN*NO*CRIME*COMMITTED,*AND*NO*HARM*DONE*SAVE*THE*LOSS*OF*A*GOOSE,*ALL*THIS*SEEMS*TO*BE*RATHER*A*WASTE*OF*ENERGY."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*HAD*OPENED*HIS*MOUTH*TO*REPLY,*WHEN*THE*DOOR*FLEW*OPEN,*AND*PETERSON,*THE*COMMISSIONAIRE,*RUSHED*INTO*THE*APARTMENT*WITH*FLUSHED*CHEEKS*AND*THE*FACE*OF*A*MAN*WHO*IS*DAZED*WITH*ASTONISHMENT.

"THE*GOOSE,*MR.*HOLMES!*THE*GOOSE,*SIR!"*HE*GASPED.

"EH?*WHAT*OF*IT,*THEN?*HAS*IT*RETURNED*TO*LIFE*AND*FLAPPED*OFF*THROUGH*THE*KITCHEN*WINDOW?"*HOLMES*TWISTED*HIMSELF*ROUND*UPON*THE*SOFA*TO*GET*A*FAIRER*VIEW*OF*THE*MAN'S*EXCITED*FACE.

"SEE*HERE,*SIR!*SEE*WHAT*MY*WIFE*FOUND*IN*ITS*CROP!"*HE*HELD*OUT*HIS*HAND*AND*DISPLAYED*UPON*THE*CENTRE*OF*THE*PALM*A*BRILLIANTLY*SCINTILLATING*BLUE*STONE,*RATHER*SMALLER*THAN*A*BEAN*IN*SIZE,*BUT*OF*SUCH*PURITY*AND*RADIANCE*THAT*IT*TWINKLED*LIKE*AN*ELECTRIC*POINT*IN*THE*DARK*HOLLOW*OF*HIS*HAND.

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*SAT*UP*WITH*A*WHISTLE.*"BY*JOVE,*PETERSON!"*SAID*HE,*"THIS*IS*TREASURE*TROVE*INDEED.*I*SUPPOSE*YOU*KNOW*WHAT*YOU*HAVE*GOT?"

"A*DIAMOND,*SIR?*A*PRECIOUS*STONE.*IT*CUTS*INTO*GLASS*AS*THOUGH*IT*WERE*PUTTY."

"IT'S*MORE*THAN*A*PRECIOUS*STONE.*IT*IS*THE*PRECIOUS*STONE."

"NOT*THE*COUNTESS*OF*MORCAR'S*BLUE*CARBUNCLE!"*I*EJACULATED.

"PRECISELY*SO.*I*OUGHT*TO*KNOW*ITS*SIZE*AND*SHAPE,*SEEING*THAT*I*HAVE*READ*THE*ADVERTISEMENT*ABOUT*IT*IN*THE*TIMES*EVERY*DAY*LATELY.*IT*IS*ABSOLUTELY*UNIQUE,*AND*ITS*VALUE*CAN*ONLY*BE*CONJECTURED,*BUT*THE*REWARD*OFFERED*OF*$1000*IS*CERTAINLY*NOT*WITHIN*A*TWENTIETH*PART*OF*THE*MARKET*PRICE."

"A*THOUSAND*POUNDS!*GREAT*LORD*OF*MERCY!"*THE*COMMISSIONAIRE*PLUMPED*DOWN*INTO*A*CHAIR*AND*STARED*FROM*ONE*TO*THE*OTHER*OF*US.

"THAT*IS*THE*REWARD,*AND*I*HAVE*REASON*TO*KNOW*THAT*THERE*ARE*SENTIMENTAL*CONSIDERATIONS*IN*THE*BACKGROUND*WHICH*WOULD*INDUCE*THE*COUNTESS*TO*PART*WITH*HALF*HER*FORTUNE*IF*SHE*COULD*BUT*RECOVER*THE*GEM."

"IT*WAS*LOST,*IF*I*REMEMBER*ARIGHT,*AT*THE*HOTEL*COSMOPOLITAN,"*I*REMARKED.

"PRECISELY*SO,*ON*DECEMBER*22ND,*JUST*FIVE*DAYS*AGO.*JOHN*HORNER,*A*PLUMBER,*WAS*ACCUSED*OF*HAVING*ABSTRACTED*IT*FROM*THE*LADY'S*JEWEL-CASE.*THE*EVIDENCE*AGAINST*HIM*WAS*SO*STRONG*THAT*THE*CASE*HAS*BEEN*REFERRED*TO*THE*ASSIZES.*I*HAVE*SOME*ACCOUNT*OF*THE*MATTER*HERE,*I*BELIEVE."*HE*RUMMAGED*AMID*HIS*NEWSPAPERS,*GLANCING*OVER*THE*DATES,*UNTIL*AT*LAST*HE*SMOOTHED*ONE*OUT,*DOUBLED*IT*OVER,*AND*READ*THE*FOLLOWING*PARAGRAPH:


"HUM!*SO*MUCH*FOR*THE*POLICE-COURT,"*SAID*HOLMES*THOUGHTFULLY,*TOSSING*ASIDE*THE*PAPER.*"THE*QUESTION*FOR*US*NOW*TO*SOLVE*IS*THE*SEQUENCE*OF*EVENTS*LEADING*FROM*A*RIFLED*JEWEL-CASE*AT*ONE*END*TO*THE*CROP*OF*A*GOOSE*IN*TOTTENHAM*COURT*ROAD*AT*THE*OTHER.*YOU*SEE,*WATSON,*OUR*LITTLE*DEDUCTIONS*HAVE*SUDDENLY*ASSUMED*A*MUCH*MORE*IMPORTANT*AND*LESS*INNOCENT*ASPECT.*HERE*IS*THE*STONE;*THE*STONE*CAME*FROM*THE*GOOSE,*AND*THE*GOOSE*CAME*FROM*MR.*HENRY*BAKER,*THE*GENTLEMAN*WITH*THE*BAD*HAT*AND*ALL*THE*OTHER*CHARACTERISTICS*WITH*WHICH*I*HAVE*BORED*YOU.*SO*NOW*WE*MUST*SET*OURSELVES*VERY*SERIOUSLY*TO*FINDING*THIS*GENTLEMAN*AND*ASCERTAINING*WHAT*PART*HE*HAS*PLAYED*IN*THIS*LITTLE*MYSTERY.*TO*DO*THIS,*WE*MUST*TRY*THE*SIMPLEST*MEANS*FIRST,*AND*THESE*LIE*UNDOUBTEDLY*IN*AN*ADVERTISEMENT*IN*ALL*THE*EVENING*PAPERS.*IF*THIS*FAIL,*I*SHALL*HAVE*RECOURSE*TO*OTHER*METHODS."

"WHAT*WILL*YOU*SAY?"

"GIVE*ME*A*PENCIL*AND*THAT*SLIP*OF*PAPER.*NOW,*THEN:*'FOUND*AT*THE*CORNER*OF*GOODGE*STREET,*A*GOOSE*AND*A*BLACK*FELT*HAT.*MR.*HENRY*BAKER*CAN*HAVE*THE*SAME*BY*APPLYING*AT*6:30*THIS*EVENING*AT*221B,*BAKER*STREET.'*THAT*IS*CLEAR*AND*CONCISE."

"VERY.*BUT*WILL*HE*SEE*IT?"

"WELL,*HE*IS*SURE*TO*KEEP*AN*EYE*ON*THE*PAPERS,*SINCE,*TO*A*POOR*MAN,*THE*LOSS*WAS*A*HEAVY*ONE.*HE*WAS*CLEARLY*SO*SCARED*BY*HIS*MISCHANCE*IN*BREAKING*THE*WINDOW*AND*BY*THE*APPROACH*OF*PETERSON*THAT*HE*THOUGHT*OF*NOTHING*BUT*FLIGHT,*BUT*SINCE*THEN*HE*MUST*HAVE*BITTERLY*REGRETTED*THE*IMPULSE*WHICH*CAUSED*HIM*TO*DROP*HIS*BIRD.*THEN,*AGAIN,*THE*INTRODUCTION*OF*HIS*NAME*WILL*CAUSE*HIM*TO*SEE*IT,*FOR*EVERYONE*WHO*KNOWS*HIM*WILL*DIRECT*HIS*ATTENTION*TO*IT.*HERE*YOU*ARE,*PETERSON,*RUN*DOWN*TO*THE*ADVERTISING*AGENCY*AND*HAVE*THIS*PUT*IN*THE*EVENING*PAPERS."

"IN*WHICH,*SIR?"

"OH,*IN*THE*GLOBE,*STAR,*PALL*MALL,*ST.*JAMES'S,*EVENING*NEWS,*STANDARD,*ECHO,*AND*ANY*OTHERS*THAT*OCCUR*TO*YOU."

"VERY*WELL,*SIR.*AND*THIS*STONE?"

"AH,*YES,*I*SHALL*KEEP*THE*STONE.*THANK*YOU.*AND,*I*SAY,*PETERSON,*JUST*BUY*A*GOOSE*ON*YOUR*WAY*BACK*AND*LEAVE*IT*HERE*WITH*ME,*FOR*WE*MUST*HAVE*ONE*TO*GIVE*TO*THIS*GENTLEMAN*IN*PLACE*OF*THE*ONE*WHICH*YOUR*FAMILY*IS*NOW*DEVOURING."

WHEN*THE*COMMISSIONAIRE*HAD*GONE,*HOLMES*TOOK*UP*THE*STONE*AND*HELD*IT*AGAINST*THE*LIGHT.*"IT'S*A*BONNY*THING,"*SAID*HE.*"JUST*SEE*HOW*IT*GLINTS*AND*SPARKLES.*OF*COURSE*IT*IS*A*NUCLEUS*AND*FOCUS*OF*CRIME.*EVERY*GOOD*STONE*IS.*THEY*ARE*THE*DEVIL'S*PET*BAITS.*IN*THE*LARGER*AND*OLDER*JEWELS*EVERY*FACET*MAY*STAND*FOR*A*BLOODY*DEED.*THIS*STONE*IS*NOT*YET*TWENTY*YEARS*OLD.*IT*WAS*FOUND*IN*THE*BANKS*OF*THE*AMOY*RIVER*IN*SOUTHERN*CHINA*AND*IS*REMARKABLE*IN*HAVING*EVERY*CHARACTERISTIC*OF*THE*CARBUNCLE,*SAVE*THAT*IT*IS*BLUE*IN*SHADE*INSTEAD*OF*RUBY*RED.*IN*SPITE*OF*ITS*YOUTH,*IT*HAS*ALREADY*A*SINISTER*HISTORY.*THERE*HAVE*BEEN*TWO*MURDERS,*A*VITRIOL-THROWING,*A*SUICIDE,*AND*SEVERAL*ROBBERIES*BROUGHT*ABOUT*FOR*THE*SAKE*OF*THIS*FORTY-GRAIN*WEIGHT*OF*CRYSTALLISED*CHARCOAL.*WHO*WOULD*THINK*THAT*SO*PRETTY*A*TOY*WOULD*BE*A*PURVEYOR*TO*THE*GALLOWS*AND*THE*PRISON?*I'LL*LOCK*IT*UP*IN*MY*STRONG*BOX*NOW*AND*DROP*A*LINE*TO*THE*COUNTESS*TO*SAY*THAT*WE*HAVE*IT."

"DO*YOU*THINK*THAT*THIS*MAN*HORNER*IS*INNOCENT?"

"I*CANNOT*TELL."

"WELL,*THEN,*DO*YOU*IMAGINE*THAT*THIS*OTHER*ONE,*HENRY*BAKER,*HAD*ANYTHING*TO*DO*WITH*THE*MATTER?"

"IT*IS,*I*THINK,*MUCH*MORE*LIKELY*THAT*HENRY*BAKER*IS*AN*ABSOLUTELY*INNOCENT*MAN,*WHO*HAD*NO*IDEA*THAT*THE*BIRD*WHICH*HE*WAS*CARRYING*WAS*OF*CONSIDERABLY*MORE*VALUE*THAN*IF*IT*WERE*MADE*OF*SOLID*GOLD.*THAT,*HOWEVER,*I*SHALL*DETERMINE*BY*A*VERY*SIMPLE*TEST*IF*WE*HAVE*AN*ANSWER*TO*OUR*ADVERTISEMENT."

"AND*YOU*CAN*DO*NOTHING*UNTIL*THEN?"

"NOTHING."

"IN*THAT*CASE*I*SHALL*CONTINUE*MY*PROFESSIONAL*ROUND.*BUT*I*SHALL*COME*BACK*IN*THE*EVENING*AT*THE*HOUR*YOU*HAVE*MENTIONED,*FOR*I*SHOULD*LIKE*TO*SEE*THE*SOLUTION*OF*SO*TANGLED*A*BUSINESS."

"VERY*GLAD*TO*SEE*YOU.*I*DINE*AT*SEVEN.*THERE*IS*A*WOODCOCK,*I*BELIEVE.*BY*THE*WAY,*IN*VIEW*OF*RECENT*OCCURRENCES,*PERHAPS*I*OUGHT*TO*ASK*MRS.*HUDSON*TO*EXAMINE*ITS*CROP."

I*HAD*BEEN*DELAYED*AT*A*CASE,*AND*IT*WAS*A*LITTLE*AFTER*HALF-PAST*SIX*WHEN*I*FOUND*MYSELF*IN*BAKER*STREET*ONCE*MORE.*AS*I*APPROACHED*THE*HOUSE*I*SAW*A*TALL*MAN*IN*A*SCOTCH*BONNET*WITH*A*COAT*WHICH*WAS*BUTTONED*UP*TO*HIS*CHIN*WAITING*OUTSIDE*IN*THE*BRIGHT*SEMICIRCLE*WHICH*WAS*THROWN*FROM*THE*FANLIGHT.*JUST*AS*I*ARRIVED*THE*DOOR*WAS*OPENED,*AND*WE*WERE*SHOWN*UP*TOGETHER*TO*HOLMES'*ROOM.

"MR.*HENRY*BAKER,*I*BELIEVE,"*SAID*HE,*RISING*FROM*HIS*ARMCHAIR*AND*GREETING*HIS*VISITOR*WITH*THE*EASY*AIR*OF*GENIALITY*WHICH*HE*COULD*SO*READILY*ASSUME.*"PRAY*TAKE*THIS*CHAIR*BY*THE*FIRE,*MR.*BAKER.*IT*IS*A*COLD*NIGHT,*AND*I*OBSERVE*THAT*YOUR*CIRCULATION*IS*MORE*ADAPTED*FOR*SUMMER*THAN*FOR*WINTER.*AH,*WATSON,*YOU*HAVE*JUST*COME*AT*THE*RIGHT*TIME.*IS*THAT*YOUR*HAT,*MR.*BAKER?"

"YES,*SIR,*THAT*IS*UNDOUBTEDLY*MY*HAT."

HE*WAS*A*LARGE*MAN*WITH*ROUNDED*SHOULDERS,*A*MASSIVE*HEAD,*AND*A*BROAD,*INTELLIGENT*FACE,*SLOPING*DOWN*TO*A*POINTED*BEARD*OF*GRIZZLED*BROWN.*A*TOUCH*OF*RED*IN*NOSE*AND*CHEEKS,*WITH*A*SLIGHT*TREMOR*OF*HIS*EXTENDED*HAND,*RECALLED*HOLMES'*SURMISE*AS*TO*HIS*HABITS.*HIS*RUSTY*BLACK*FROCK-COAT*WAS*BUTTONED*RIGHT*UP*IN*FRONT,*WITH*THE*COLLAR*TURNED*UP,*AND*HIS*LANK*WRISTS*PROTRUDED*FROM*HIS*SLEEVES*WITHOUT*A*SIGN*OF*CUFF*OR*SHIRT.*HE*SPOKE*IN*A*SLOW*STACCATO*FASHION,*CHOOSING*HIS*WORDS*WITH*CARE,*AND*GAVE*THE*IMPRESSION*GENERALLY*OF*A*MAN*OF*LEARNING*AND*LETTERS*WHO*HAD*HAD*ILL-USAGE*AT*THE*HANDS*OF*FORTUNE.

"WE*HAVE*RETAINED*THESE*THINGS*FOR*SOME*DAYS,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"BECAUSE*WE*EXPECTED*TO*SEE*AN*ADVERTISEMENT*FROM*YOU*GIVING*YOUR*ADDRESS.*I*AM*AT*A*LOSS*TO*KNOW*NOW*WHY*YOU*DID*NOT*ADVERTISE."

OUR*VISITOR*GAVE*A*RATHER*SHAMEFACED*LAUGH.*"SHILLINGS*HAVE*NOT*BEEN*SO*PLENTIFUL*WITH*ME*AS*THEY*ONCE*WERE,"*HE*REMARKED.*"I*HAD*NO*DOUBT*THAT*THE*GANG*OF*ROUGHS*WHO*ASSAULTED*ME*HAD*CARRIED*OFF*BOTH*MY*HAT*AND*THE*BIRD.*I*DID*NOT*CARE*TO*SPEND*MORE*MONEY*IN*A*HOPELESS*ATTEMPT*AT*RECOVERING*THEM."

"VERY*NATURALLY.*BY*THE*WAY,*ABOUT*THE*BIRD,*WE*WERE*COMPELLED*TO*EAT*IT."

"TO*EAT*IT!"*OUR*VISITOR*HALF*ROSE*FROM*HIS*CHAIR*IN*HIS*EXCITEMENT.

"YES,*IT*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*OF*NO*USE*TO*ANYONE*HAD*WE*NOT*DONE*SO.*BUT*I*PRESUME*THAT*THIS*OTHER*GOOSE*UPON*THE*SIDEBOARD,*WHICH*IS*ABOUT*THE*SAME*WEIGHT*AND*PERFECTLY*FRESH,*WILL*ANSWER*YOUR*PURPOSE*EQUALLY*WELL?"

"OH,*CERTAINLY,*CERTAINLY,"*ANSWERED*MR.*BAKER*WITH*A*SIGH*OF*RELIEF.

"OF*COURSE,*WE*STILL*HAVE*THE*FEATHERS,*LEGS,*CROP,*AND*SO*ON*OF*YOUR*OWN*BIRD,*SO*IF*YOU*WISH--"

THE*MAN*BURST*INTO*A*HEARTY*LAUGH.*"THEY*MIGHT*BE*USEFUL*TO*ME*AS*RELICS*OF*MY*ADVENTURE,"*SAID*HE,*"BUT*BEYOND*THAT*I*CAN*HARDLY*SEE*WHAT*USE*THE*DISJECTA*MEMBRA*OF*MY*LATE*ACQUAINTANCE*ARE*GOING*TO*BE*TO*ME.*NO,*SIR,*I*THINK*THAT,*WITH*YOUR*PERMISSION,*I*WILL*CONFINE*MY*ATTENTIONS*TO*THE*EXCELLENT*BIRD*WHICH*I*PERCEIVE*UPON*THE*SIDEBOARD."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*GLANCED*SHARPLY*ACROSS*AT*ME*WITH*A*SLIGHT*SHRUG*OF*HIS*SHOULDERS.

"THERE*IS*YOUR*HAT,*THEN,*AND*THERE*YOUR*BIRD,"*SAID*HE.*"BY*THE*WAY,*WOULD*IT*BORE*YOU*TO*TELL*ME*WHERE*YOU*GOT*THE*OTHER*ONE*FROM?*I*AM*SOMEWHAT*OF*A*FOWL*FANCIER,*AND*I*HAVE*SELDOM*SEEN*A*BETTER*GROWN*GOOSE."

"CERTAINLY,*SIR,"*SAID*BAKER,*WHO*HAD*RISEN*AND*TUCKED*HIS*NEWLY*GAINED*PROPERTY*UNDER*HIS*ARM.*"THERE*ARE*A*FEW*OF*US*WHO*FREQUENT*THE*ALPHA*INN,*NEAR*THE*MUSEUM--WE*ARE*TO*BE*FOUND*IN*THE*MUSEUM*ITSELF*DURING*THE*DAY,*YOU*UNDERSTAND.*THIS*YEAR*OUR*GOOD*HOST,*WINDIGATE*BY*NAME,*INSTITUTED*A*GOOSE*CLUB,*BY*WHICH,*ON*CONSIDERATION*OF*SOME*FEW*PENCE*EVERY*WEEK,*WE*WERE*EACH*TO*RECEIVE*A*BIRD*AT*CHRISTMAS.*MY*PENCE*WERE*DULY*PAID,*AND*THE*REST*IS*FAMILIAR*TO*YOU.*I*AM*MUCH*INDEBTED*TO*YOU,*SIR,*FOR*A*SCOTCH*BONNET*IS*FITTED*NEITHER*TO*MY*YEARS*NOR*MY*GRAVITY."*WITH*A*COMICAL*POMPOSITY*OF*MANNER*HE*BOWED*SOLEMNLY*TO*BOTH*OF*US*AND*STRODE*OFF*UPON*HIS*WAY.

"SO*MUCH*FOR*MR.*HENRY*BAKER,"*SAID*HOLMES*WHEN*HE*HAD*CLOSED*THE*DOOR*BEHIND*HIM.*"IT*IS*QUITE*CERTAIN*THAT*HE*KNOWS*NOTHING*WHATEVER*ABOUT*THE*MATTER.*ARE*YOU*HUNGRY,*WATSON?"

"NOT*PARTICULARLY."

"THEN*I*SUGGEST*THAT*WE*TURN*OUR*DINNER*INTO*A*SUPPER*AND*FOLLOW*UP*THIS*CLUE*WHILE*IT*IS*STILL*HOT."

"BY*ALL*MEANS."

IT*WAS*A*BITTER*NIGHT,*SO*WE*DREW*ON*OUR*ULSTERS*AND*WRAPPED*CRAVATS*ABOUT*OUR*THROATS.*OUTSIDE,*THE*STARS*WERE*SHINING*COLDLY*IN*A*CLOUDLESS*SKY,*AND*THE*BREATH*OF*THE*PASSERS-BY*BLEW*OUT*INTO*SMOKE*LIKE*SO*MANY*PISTOL*SHOTS.*OUR*FOOTFALLS*RANG*OUT*CRISPLY*AND*LOUDLY*AS*WE*SWUNG*THROUGH*THE*DOCTORS'*QUARTER,*WIMPOLE*STREET,*HARLEY*STREET,*AND*SO*THROUGH*WIGMORE*STREET*INTO*OXFORD*STREET.*IN*A*QUARTER*OF*AN*HOUR*WE*WERE*IN*BLOOMSBURY*AT*THE*ALPHA*INN,*WHICH*IS*A*SMALL*PUBLIC-HOUSE*AT*THE*CORNER*OF*ONE*OF*THE*STREETS*WHICH*RUNS*DOWN*INTO*HOLBORN.*HOLMES*PUSHED*OPEN*THE*DOOR*OF*THE*PRIVATE*BAR*AND*ORDERED*TWO*GLASSES*OF*BEER*FROM*THE*RUDDY-FACED,*WHITE-APRONED*LANDLORD.

"YOUR*BEER*SHOULD*BE*EXCELLENT*IF*IT*IS*AS*GOOD*AS*YOUR*GEESE,"*SAID*HE.

"MY*GEESE!"*THE*MAN*SEEMED*SURPRISED.

"YES.*I*WAS*SPEAKING*ONLY*HALF*AN*HOUR*AGO*TO*MR.*HENRY*BAKER,*WHO*WAS*A*MEMBER*OF*YOUR*GOOSE*CLUB."

"AH!*YES,*I*SEE.*BUT*YOU*SEE,*SIR,*THEM'S*NOT*OUR*GEESE."

"INDEED!*WHOSE,*THEN?"

"WELL,*I*GOT*THE*TWO*DOZEN*FROM*A*SALESMAN*IN*COVENT*GARDEN."

"INDEED?*I*KNOW*SOME*OF*THEM.*WHICH*WAS*IT?"

"BRECKINRIDGE*IS*HIS*NAME."

"AH!*I*DON'T*KNOW*HIM.*WELL,*HERE'S*YOUR*GOOD*HEALTH*LANDLORD,*AND*PROSPERITY*TO*YOUR*HOUSE.*GOOD-NIGHT."

"NOW*FOR*MR.*BRECKINRIDGE,"*HE*CONTINUED,*BUTTONING*UP*HIS*COAT*AS*WE*CAME*OUT*INTO*THE*FROSTY*AIR.*"REMEMBER,*WATSON*THAT*THOUGH*WE*HAVE*SO*HOMELY*A*THING*AS*A*GOOSE*AT*ONE*END*OF*THIS*CHAIN,*WE*HAVE*AT*THE*OTHER*A*MAN*WHO*WILL*CERTAINLY*GET*SEVEN*YEARS'*PENAL*SERVITUDE*UNLESS*WE*CAN*ESTABLISH*HIS*INNOCENCE.*IT*IS*POSSIBLE*THAT*OUR*INQUIRY*MAY*BUT*CONFIRM*HIS*GUILT;*BUT,*IN*ANY*CASE,*WE*HAVE*A*LINE*OF*INVESTIGATION*WHICH*HAS*BEEN*MISSED*BY*THE*POLICE,*AND*WHICH*A*SINGULAR*CHANCE*HAS*PLACED*IN*OUR*HANDS.*LET*US*FOLLOW*IT*OUT*TO*THE*BITTER*END.*FACES*TO*THE*SOUTH,*THEN,*AND*QUICK*MARCH!"

WE*PASSED*ACROSS*HOLBORN,*DOWN*ENDELL*STREET,*AND*SO*THROUGH*A*ZIGZAG*OF*SLUMS*TO*COVENT*GARDEN*MARKET.*ONE*OF*THE*LARGEST*STALLS*BORE*THE*NAME*OF*BRECKINRIDGE*UPON*IT,*AND*THE*PROPRIETOR*A*HORSEY-LOOKING*MAN,*WITH*A*SHARP*FACE*AND*TRIM*SIDE-WHISKERS*WAS*HELPING*A*BOY*TO*PUT*UP*THE*SHUTTERS.

"GOOD-EVENING.*IT'S*A*COLD*NIGHT,"*SAID*HOLMES.

THE*SALESMAN*NODDED*AND*SHOT*A*QUESTIONING*GLANCE*AT*MY*COMPANION.

"SOLD*OUT*OF*GEESE,*I*SEE,"*CONTINUED*HOLMES,*POINTING*AT*THE*BARE*SLABS*OF*MARBLE.

"LET*YOU*HAVE*FIVE*HUNDRED*TO-MORROW*MORNING."

"THAT'S*NO*GOOD."

"WELL,*THERE*ARE*SOME*ON*THE*STALL*WITH*THE*GAS-FLARE."

"AH,*BUT*I*WAS*RECOMMENDED*TO*YOU."

"WHO*BY?"

"THE*LANDLORD*OF*THE*ALPHA."

"OH,*YES;*I*SENT*HIM*A*COUPLE*OF*DOZEN."

"FINE*BIRDS*THEY*WERE,*TOO.*NOW*WHERE*DID*YOU*GET*THEM*FROM?"

TO*MY*SURPRISE*THE*QUESTION*PROVOKED*A*BURST*OF*ANGER*FROM*THE*SALESMAN.

"NOW,*THEN,*MISTER,"*SAID*HE,*WITH*HIS*HEAD*COCKED*AND*HIS*ARMS*AKIMBO,*"WHAT*ARE*YOU*DRIVING*AT?*LET'S*HAVE*IT*STRAIGHT,*NOW."

"IT*IS*STRAIGHT*ENOUGH.*I*SHOULD*LIKE*TO*KNOW*WHO*SOLD*YOU*THE*GEESE*WHICH*YOU*SUPPLIED*TO*THE*ALPHA."

"WELL*THEN,*I*SHAN'T*TELL*YOU.*SO*NOW!"

"OH,*IT*IS*A*MATTER*OF*NO*IMPORTANCE;*BUT*I*DON'T*KNOW*WHY*YOU*SHOULD*BE*SO*WARM*OVER*SUCH*A*TRIFLE."

"WARM!*YOU'D*BE*AS*WARM,*MAYBE,*IF*YOU*WERE*AS*PESTERED*AS*I*AM.*WHEN*I*PAY*GOOD*MONEY*FOR*A*GOOD*ARTICLE*THERE*SHOULD*BE*AN*END*OF*THE*BUSINESS;*BUT*IT'S*'WHERE*ARE*THE*GEESE?'*AND*'WHO*DID*YOU*SELL*THE*GEESE*TO?'*AND*'WHAT*WILL*YOU*TAKE*FOR*THE*GEESE?'*ONE*WOULD*THINK*THEY*WERE*THE*ONLY*GEESE*IN*THE*WORLD,*TO*HEAR*THE*FUSS*THAT*IS*MADE*OVER*THEM."

"WELL,*I*HAVE*NO*CONNECTION*WITH*ANY*OTHER*PEOPLE*WHO*HAVE*BEEN*MAKING*INQUIRIES,"*SAID*HOLMES*CARELESSLY.*"IF*YOU*WON'T*TELL*US*THE*BET*IS*OFF,*THAT*IS*ALL.*BUT*I'M*ALWAYS*READY*TO*BACK*MY*OPINION*ON*A*MATTER*OF*FOWLS,*AND*I*HAVE*A*FIVER*ON*IT*THAT*THE*BIRD*I*ATE*IS*COUNTRY*BRED."

"WELL,*THEN,*YOU'VE*LOST*YOUR*FIVER,*FOR*IT'S*TOWN*BRED,"*SNAPPED*THE*SALESMAN.

"IT'S*NOTHING*OF*THE*KIND."

"I*SAY*IT*IS."

"I*DON'T*BELIEVE*IT."

"D'YOU*THINK*YOU*KNOW*MORE*ABOUT*FOWLS*THAN*I,*WHO*HAVE*HANDLED*THEM*EVER*SINCE*I*WAS*A*NIPPER?*I*TELL*YOU,*ALL*THOSE*BIRDS*THAT*WENT*TO*THE*ALPHA*WERE*TOWN*BRED."

"YOU'LL*NEVER*PERSUADE*ME*TO*BELIEVE*THAT."

"WILL*YOU*BET,*THEN?"

"IT'S*MERELY*TAKING*YOUR*MONEY,*FOR*I*KNOW*THAT*I*AM*RIGHT.*BUT*I'LL*HAVE*A*SOVEREIGN*ON*WITH*YOU,*JUST*TO*TEACH*YOU*NOT*TO*BE*OBSTINATE."

THE*SALESMAN*CHUCKLED*GRIMLY.*"BRING*ME*THE*BOOKS,*BILL,"*SAID*HE.

THE*SMALL*BOY*BROUGHT*ROUND*A*SMALL*THIN*VOLUME*AND*A*GREAT*GREASY-BACKED*ONE,*LAYING*THEM*OUT*TOGETHER*BENEATH*THE*HANGING*LAMP.

"NOW*THEN,*MR.*COCKSURE,"*SAID*THE*SALESMAN,*"I*THOUGHT*THAT*I*WAS*OUT*OF*GEESE,*BUT*BEFORE*I*FINISH*YOU'LL*FIND*THAT*THERE*IS*STILL*ONE*LEFT*IN*MY*SHOP.*YOU*SEE*THIS*LITTLE*BOOK?"

"WELL?"

"THAT'S*THE*LIST*OF*THE*FOLK*FROM*WHOM*I*BUY.*D'YOU*SEE?*WELL,*THEN,*HERE*ON*THIS*PAGE*ARE*THE*COUNTRY*FOLK,*AND*THE*NUMBERS*AFTER*THEIR*NAMES*ARE*WHERE*THEIR*ACCOUNTS*ARE*IN*THE*BIG*LEDGER.*NOW,*THEN!*YOU*SEE*THIS*OTHER*PAGE*IN*RED*INK?*WELL,*THAT*IS*A*LIST*OF*MY*TOWN*SUPPLIERS.*NOW,*LOOK*AT*THAT*THIRD*NAME.*JUST*READ*IT*OUT*TO*ME."

"MRS.*OAKSHOTT,*117,*BRIXTON*ROAD--249,"*READ*HOLMES.

"QUITE*SO.*NOW*TURN*THAT*UP*IN*THE*LEDGER."

HOLMES*TURNED*TO*THE*PAGE*INDICATED.*"HERE*YOU*ARE,*'MRS.*OAKSHOTT,*117,*BRIXTON*ROAD,*EGG*AND*POULTRY*SUPPLIER.'*"

"NOW,*THEN,*WHAT'S*THE*LAST*ENTRY?"

"*'DECEMBER*22ND.*TWENTY-FOUR*GEESE*AT*7S.*6D.'*"

"QUITE*SO.*THERE*YOU*ARE.*AND*UNDERNEATH?"

"*'SOLD*TO*MR.*WINDIGATE*OF*THE*ALPHA,*AT*12S.'*"

"WHAT*HAVE*YOU*TO*SAY*NOW?"

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*LOOKED*DEEPLY*CHAGRINED.*HE*DREW*A*SOVEREIGN*FROM*HIS*POCKET*AND*THREW*IT*DOWN*UPON*THE*SLAB,*TURNING*AWAY*WITH*THE*AIR*OF*A*MAN*WHOSE*DISGUST*IS*TOO*DEEP*FOR*WORDS.*A*FEW*YARDS*OFF*HE*STOPPED*UNDER*A*LAMP-POST*AND*LAUGHED*IN*THE*HEARTY,*NOISELESS*FASHION*WHICH*WAS*PECULIAR*TO*HIM.

"WHEN*YOU*SEE*A*MAN*WITH*WHISKERS*OF*THAT*CUT*AND*THE*'PINK*'UN'*PROTRUDING*OUT*OF*HIS*POCKET,*YOU*CAN*ALWAYS*DRAW*HIM*BY*A*BET,"*SAID*HE.*"I*DARESAY*THAT*IF*I*HAD*PUT*$100*DOWN*IN*FRONT*OF*HIM,*THAT*MAN*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*GIVEN*ME*SUCH*COMPLETE*INFORMATION*AS*WAS*DRAWN*FROM*HIM*BY*THE*IDEA*THAT*HE*WAS*DOING*ME*ON*A*WAGER.*WELL,*WATSON,*WE*ARE,*I*FANCY,*NEARING*THE*END*OF*OUR*QUEST,*AND*THE*ONLY*POINT*WHICH*REMAINS*TO*BE*DETERMINED*IS*WHETHER*WE*SHOULD*GO*ON*TO*THIS*MRS.*OAKSHOTT*TO-NIGHT,*OR*WHETHER*WE*SHOULD*RESERVE*IT*FOR*TO-MORROW.*IT*IS*CLEAR*FROM*WHAT*THAT*SURLY*FELLOW*SAID*THAT*THERE*ARE*OTHERS*BESIDES*OURSELVES*WHO*ARE*ANXIOUS*ABOUT*THE*MATTER,*AND*I*SHOULD--"

HIS*REMARKS*WERE*SUDDENLY*CUT*SHORT*BY*A*LOUD*HUBBUB*WHICH*BROKE*OUT*FROM*THE*STALL*WHICH*WE*HAD*JUST*LEFT.*TURNING*ROUND*WE*SAW*A*LITTLE*RAT-FACED*FELLOW*STANDING*IN*THE*CENTRE*OF*THE*CIRCLE*OF*YELLOW*LIGHT*WHICH*WAS*THROWN*BY*THE*SWINGING*LAMP,*WHILE*BRECKINRIDGE,*THE*SALESMAN,*FRAMED*IN*THE*DOOR*OF*HIS*STALL,*WAS*SHAKING*HIS*FISTS*FIERCELY*AT*THE*CRINGING*FIGURE.

"I'VE*HAD*ENOUGH*OF*YOU*AND*YOUR*GEESE,"*HE*SHOUTED.*"I*WISH*YOU*WERE*ALL*AT*THE*DEVIL*TOGETHER.*IF*YOU*COME*PESTERING*ME*ANY*MORE*WITH*YOUR*SILLY*TALK*I'LL*SET*THE*DOG*AT*YOU.*YOU*BRING*MRS.*OAKSHOTT*HERE*AND*I'LL*ANSWER*HER,*BUT*WHAT*HAVE*YOU*TO*DO*WITH*IT?*DID*I*BUY*THE*GEESE*OFF*YOU?"

"NO;*BUT*ONE*OF*THEM*WAS*MINE*ALL*THE*SAME,"*WHINED*THE*LITTLE*MAN.

"WELL,*THEN,*ASK*MRS.*OAKSHOTT*FOR*IT."

"SHE*TOLD*ME*TO*ASK*YOU."

"WELL,*YOU*CAN*ASK*THE*KING*OF*PROOSIA,*FOR*ALL*I*CARE.*I'VE*HAD*ENOUGH*OF*IT.*GET*OUT*OF*THIS!"*HE*RUSHED*FIERCELY*FORWARD,*AND*THE*INQUIRER*FLITTED*AWAY*INTO*THE*DARKNESS.

"HA!*THIS*MAY*SAVE*US*A*VISIT*TO*BRIXTON*ROAD,"*WHISPERED*HOLMES.*"COME*WITH*ME,*AND*WE*WILL*SEE*WHAT*IS*TO*BE*MADE*OF*THIS*FELLOW."*STRIDING*THROUGH*THE*SCATTERED*KNOTS*OF*PEOPLE*WHO*LOUNGED*ROUND*THE*FLARING*STALLS,*MY*COMPANION*SPEEDILY*OVERTOOK*THE*LITTLE*MAN*AND*TOUCHED*HIM*UPON*THE*SHOULDER.*HE*SPRANG*ROUND,*AND*I*COULD*SEE*IN*THE*GAS-LIGHT*THAT*EVERY*VESTIGE*OF*COLOUR*HAD*BEEN*DRIVEN*FROM*HIS*FACE.

"WHO*ARE*YOU,*THEN?*WHAT*DO*YOU*WANT?"*HE*ASKED*IN*A*QUAVERING*VOICE.

"YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*ME,"*SAID*HOLMES*BLANDLY,*"BUT*I*COULD*NOT*HELP*OVERHEARING*THE*QUESTIONS*WHICH*YOU*PUT*TO*THE*SALESMAN*JUST*NOW.*I*THINK*THAT*I*COULD*BE*OF*ASSISTANCE*TO*YOU."

"YOU?*WHO*ARE*YOU?*HOW*COULD*YOU*KNOW*ANYTHING*OF*THE*MATTER?"

"MY*NAME*IS*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.*IT*IS*MY*BUSINESS*TO*KNOW*WHAT*OTHER*PEOPLE*DON'T*KNOW."

"BUT*YOU*CAN*KNOW*NOTHING*OF*THIS?"

"EXCUSE*ME,*I*KNOW*EVERYTHING*OF*IT.*YOU*ARE*ENDEAVOURING*TO*TRACE*SOME*GEESE*WHICH*WERE*SOLD*BY*MRS.*OAKSHOTT,*OF*BRIXTON*ROAD,*TO*A*SALESMAN*NAMED*BRECKINRIDGE,*BY*HIM*IN*TURN*TO*MR.*WINDIGATE,*OF*THE*ALPHA,*AND*BY*HIM*TO*HIS*CLUB,*OF*WHICH*MR.*HENRY*BAKER*IS*A*MEMBER."

"OH,*SIR,*YOU*ARE*THE*VERY*MAN*WHOM*I*HAVE*LONGED*TO*MEET,"*CRIED*THE*LITTLE*FELLOW*WITH*OUTSTRETCHED*HANDS*AND*QUIVERING*FINGERS.*"I*CAN*HARDLY*EXPLAIN*TO*YOU*HOW*INTERESTED*I*AM*IN*THIS*MATTER."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*HAILED*A*FOUR-WHEELER*WHICH*WAS*PASSING.*"IN*THAT*CASE*WE*HAD*BETTER*DISCUSS*IT*IN*A*COSY*ROOM*RATHER*THAN*IN*THIS*WIND-SWEPT*MARKET-PLACE,"*SAID*HE.*"BUT*PRAY*TELL*ME,*BEFORE*WE*GO*FARTHER,*WHO*IT*IS*THAT*I*HAVE*THE*PLEASURE*OF*ASSISTING."

THE*MAN*HESITATED*FOR*AN*INSTANT.*"MY*NAME*IS*JOHN*ROBINSON,"*HE*ANSWERED*WITH*A*SIDELONG*GLANCE.

"NO,*NO;*THE*REAL*NAME,"*SAID*HOLMES*SWEETLY.*"IT*IS*ALWAYS*AWKWARD*DOING*BUSINESS*WITH*AN*ALIAS."

A*FLUSH*SPRANG*TO*THE*WHITE*CHEEKS*OF*THE*STRANGER.*"WELL*THEN,"*SAID*HE,*"MY*REAL*NAME*IS*JAMES*RYDER."

"PRECISELY*SO.*HEAD*ATTENDANT*AT*THE*HOTEL*COSMOPOLITAN.*PRAY*STEP*INTO*THE*CAB,*AND*I*SHALL*SOON*BE*ABLE*TO*TELL*YOU*EVERYTHING*WHICH*YOU*WOULD*WISH*TO*KNOW."

THE*LITTLE*MAN*STOOD*GLANCING*FROM*ONE*TO*THE*OTHER*OF*US*WITH*HALF-FRIGHTENED,*HALF-HOPEFUL*EYES,*AS*ONE*WHO*IS*NOT*SURE*WHETHER*HE*IS*ON*THE*VERGE*OF*A*WINDFALL*OR*OF*A*CATASTROPHE.*THEN*HE*STEPPED*INTO*THE*CAB,*AND*IN*HALF*AN*HOUR*WE*WERE*BACK*IN*THE*SITTING-ROOM*AT*BAKER*STREET.*NOTHING*HAD*BEEN*SAID*DURING*OUR*DRIVE,*BUT*THE*HIGH,*THIN*BREATHING*OF*OUR*NEW*COMPANION,*AND*THE*CLASPINGS*AND*UNCLASPINGS*OF*HIS*HANDS,*SPOKE*OF*THE*NERVOUS*TENSION*WITHIN*HIM.

"HERE*WE*ARE!"*SAID*HOLMES*CHEERILY*AS*WE*FILED*INTO*THE*ROOM.*"THE*FIRE*LOOKS*VERY*SEASONABLE*IN*THIS*WEATHER.*YOU*LOOK*COLD,*MR.*RYDER.*PRAY*TAKE*THE*BASKET-CHAIR.*I*WILL*JUST*PUT*ON*MY*SLIPPERS*BEFORE*WE*SETTLE*THIS*LITTLE*MATTER*OF*YOURS.*NOW,*THEN!*YOU*WANT*TO*KNOW*WHAT*BECAME*OF*THOSE*GEESE?"

"YES,*SIR."

"OR*RATHER,*I*FANCY,*OF*THAT*GOOSE.*IT*WAS*ONE*BIRD,*I*IMAGINE*IN*WHICH*YOU*WERE*INTERESTED--WHITE,*WITH*A*BLACK*BAR*ACROSS*THE*TAIL."

RYDER*QUIVERED*WITH*EMOTION.*"OH,*SIR,"*HE*CRIED,*"CAN*YOU*TELL*ME*WHERE*IT*WENT*TO?"

"IT*CAME*HERE."

"HERE?"

"YES,*AND*A*MOST*REMARKABLE*BIRD*IT*PROVED.*I*DON'T*WONDER*THAT*YOU*SHOULD*TAKE*AN*INTEREST*IN*IT.*IT*LAID*AN*EGG*AFTER*IT*WAS*DEAD--THE*BONNIEST,*BRIGHTEST*LITTLE*BLUE*EGG*THAT*EVER*WAS*SEEN.*I*HAVE*IT*HERE*IN*MY*MUSEUM."

OUR*VISITOR*STAGGERED*TO*HIS*FEET*AND*CLUTCHED*THE*MANTELPIECE*WITH*HIS*RIGHT*HAND.*HOLMES*UNLOCKED*HIS*STRONG-BOX*AND*HELD*UP*THE*BLUE*CARBUNCLE,*WHICH*SHONE*OUT*LIKE*A*STAR,*WITH*A*COLD,*BRILLIANT,*MANY-POINTED*RADIANCE.*RYDER*STOOD*GLARING*WITH*A*DRAWN*FACE,*UNCERTAIN*WHETHER*TO*CLAIM*OR*TO*DISOWN*IT.

"THE*GAME'S*UP,*RYDER,"*SAID*HOLMES*QUIETLY.*"HOLD*UP,*MAN,*OR*YOU'LL*BE*INTO*THE*FIRE!*GIVE*HIM*AN*ARM*BACK*INTO*HIS*CHAIR,*WATSON.*HE'S*NOT*GOT*BLOOD*ENOUGH*TO*GO*IN*FOR*FELONY*WITH*IMPUNITY.*GIVE*HIM*A*DASH*OF*BRANDY.*SO!*NOW*HE*LOOKS*A*LITTLE*MORE*HUMAN.*WHAT*A*SHRIMP*IT*IS,*TO*BE*SURE!"

FOR*A*MOMENT*HE*HAD*STAGGERED*AND*NEARLY*FALLEN,*BUT*THE*BRANDY*BROUGHT*A*TINGE*OF*COLOUR*INTO*HIS*CHEEKS,*AND*HE*SAT*STARING*WITH*FRIGHTENED*EYES*AT*HIS*ACCUSER.

"I*HAVE*ALMOST*EVERY*LINK*IN*MY*HANDS,*AND*ALL*THE*PROOFS*WHICH*I*COULD*POSSIBLY*NEED,*SO*THERE*IS*LITTLE*WHICH*YOU*NEED*TELL*ME.*STILL,*THAT*LITTLE*MAY*AS*WELL*BE*CLEARED*UP*TO*MAKE*THE*CASE*COMPLETE.*YOU*HAD*HEARD,*RYDER,*OF*THIS*BLUE*STONE*OF*THE*COUNTESS*OF*MORCAR'S?"

"IT*WAS*CATHERINE*CUSACK*WHO*TOLD*ME*OF*IT,"*SAID*HE*IN*A*CRACKLING*VOICE.

"I*SEE--HER*LADYSHIP'S*WAITING-MAID.*WELL,*THE*TEMPTATION*OF*SUDDEN*WEALTH*SO*EASILY*ACQUIRED*WAS*TOO*MUCH*FOR*YOU,*AS*IT*HAS*BEEN*FOR*BETTER*MEN*BEFORE*YOU;*BUT*YOU*WERE*NOT*VERY*SCRUPULOUS*IN*THE*MEANS*YOU*USED.*IT*SEEMS*TO*ME,*RYDER,*THAT*THERE*IS*THE*MAKING*OF*A*VERY*PRETTY*VILLAIN*IN*YOU.*YOU*KNEW*THAT*THIS*MAN*HORNER,*THE*PLUMBER,*HAD*BEEN*CONCERNED*IN*SOME*SUCH*MATTER*BEFORE,*AND*THAT*SUSPICION*WOULD*REST*THE*MORE*READILY*UPON*HIM.*WHAT*DID*YOU*DO,*THEN?*YOU*MADE*SOME*SMALL*JOB*IN*MY*LADY'S*ROOM--YOU*AND*YOUR*CONFEDERATE*CUSACK--AND*YOU*MANAGED*THAT*HE*SHOULD*BE*THE*MAN*SENT*FOR.*THEN,*WHEN*HE*HAD*LEFT,*YOU*RIFLED*THE*JEWEL-CASE,*RAISED*THE*ALARM,*AND*HAD*THIS*UNFORTUNATE*MAN*ARRESTED.*YOU*THEN--"

RYDER*THREW*HIMSELF*DOWN*SUDDENLY*UPON*THE*RUG*AND*CLUTCHED*AT*MY*COMPANION'S*KNEES.*"FOR*GOD'S*SAKE,*HAVE*MERCY!"*HE*SHRIEKED.*"THINK*OF*MY*FATHER!*OF*MY*MOTHER!*IT*WOULD*BREAK*THEIR*HEARTS.*I*NEVER*WENT*WRONG*BEFORE!*I*NEVER*WILL*AGAIN.*I*SWEAR*IT.*I'LL*SWEAR*IT*ON*A*BIBLE.*OH,*DON'T*BRING*IT*INTO*COURT!*FOR*CHRIST'S*SAKE,*DON'T!"

"GET*BACK*INTO*YOUR*CHAIR!"*SAID*HOLMES*STERNLY.*"IT*IS*VERY*WELL*TO*CRINGE*AND*CRAWL*NOW,*BUT*YOU*THOUGHT*LITTLE*ENOUGH*OF*THIS*POOR*HORNER*IN*THE*DOCK*FOR*A*CRIME*OF*WHICH*HE*KNEW*NOTHING."

"I*WILL*FLY,*MR.*HOLMES.*I*WILL*LEAVE*THE*COUNTRY,*SIR.*THEN*THE*CHARGE*AGAINST*HIM*WILL*BREAK*DOWN."

"HUM!*WE*WILL*TALK*ABOUT*THAT.*AND*NOW*LET*US*HEAR*A*TRUE*ACCOUNT*OF*THE*NEXT*ACT.*HOW*CAME*THE*STONE*INTO*THE*GOOSE,*AND*HOW*CAME*THE*GOOSE*INTO*THE*OPEN*MARKET?*TELL*US*THE*TRUTH,*FOR*THERE*LIES*YOUR*ONLY*HOPE*OF*SAFETY."

RYDER*PASSED*HIS*TONGUE*OVER*HIS*PARCHED*LIPS.*"I*WILL*TELL*YOU*IT*JUST*AS*IT*HAPPENED,*SIR,"*SAID*HE.*"WHEN*HORNER*HAD*BEEN*ARRESTED,*IT*SEEMED*TO*ME*THAT*IT*WOULD*BE*BEST*FOR*ME*TO*GET*AWAY*WITH*THE*STONE*AT*ONCE,*FOR*I*DID*NOT*KNOW*AT*WHAT*MOMENT*THE*POLICE*MIGHT*NOT*TAKE*IT*INTO*THEIR*HEADS*TO*SEARCH*ME*AND*MY*ROOM.*THERE*WAS*NO*PLACE*ABOUT*THE*HOTEL*WHERE*IT*WOULD*BE*SAFE.*I*WENT*OUT,*AS*IF*ON*SOME*COMMISSION,*AND*I*MADE*FOR*MY*SISTER'S*HOUSE.*SHE*HAD*MARRIED*A*MAN*NAMED*OAKSHOTT,*AND*LIVED*IN*BRIXTON*ROAD,*WHERE*SHE*FATTENED*FOWLS*FOR*THE*MARKET.*ALL*THE*WAY*THERE*EVERY*MAN*I*MET*SEEMED*TO*ME*TO*BE*A*POLICEMAN*OR*A*DETECTIVE;*AND,*FOR*ALL*THAT*IT*WAS*A*COLD*NIGHT,*THE*SWEAT*WAS*POURING*DOWN*MY*FACE*BEFORE*I*CAME*TO*THE*BRIXTON*ROAD.*MY*SISTER*ASKED*ME*WHAT*WAS*THE*MATTER,*AND*WHY*I*WAS*SO*PALE;*BUT*I*TOLD*HER*THAT*I*HAD*BEEN*UPSET*BY*THE*JEWEL*ROBBERY*AT*THE*HOTEL.*THEN*I*WENT*INTO*THE*BACK*YARD*AND*SMOKED*A*PIPE*AND*WONDERED*WHAT*IT*WOULD*BE*BEST*TO*DO.

"I*HAD*A*FRIEND*ONCE*CALLED*MAUDSLEY,*WHO*WENT*TO*THE*BAD,*AND*HAS*JUST*BEEN*SERVING*HIS*TIME*IN*PENTONVILLE.*ONE*DAY*HE*HAD*MET*ME,*AND*FELL*INTO*TALK*ABOUT*THE*WAYS*OF*THIEVES,*AND*HOW*THEY*COULD*GET*RID*OF*WHAT*THEY*STOLE.*I*KNEW*THAT*HE*WOULD*BE*TRUE*TO*ME,*FOR*I*KNEW*ONE*OR*TWO*THINGS*ABOUT*HIM;*SO*I*MADE*UP*MY*MIND*TO*GO*RIGHT*ON*TO*KILBURN,*WHERE*HE*LIVED,*AND*TAKE*HIM*INTO*MY*CONFIDENCE.*HE*WOULD*SHOW*ME*HOW*TO*TURN*THE*STONE*INTO*MONEY.*BUT*HOW*TO*GET*TO*HIM*IN*SAFETY?*I*THOUGHT*OF*THE*AGONIES*I*HAD*GONE*THROUGH*IN*COMING*FROM*THE*HOTEL.*I*MIGHT*AT*ANY*MOMENT*BE*SEIZED*AND*SEARCHED,*AND*THERE*WOULD*BE*THE*STONE*IN*MY*WAISTCOAT*POCKET.*I*WAS*LEANING*AGAINST*THE*WALL*AT*THE*TIME*AND*LOOKING*AT*THE*GEESE*WHICH*WERE*WADDLING*ABOUT*ROUND*MY*FEET,*AND*SUDDENLY*AN*IDEA*CAME*INTO*MY*HEAD*WHICH*SHOWED*ME*HOW*I*COULD*BEAT*THE*BEST*DETECTIVE*THAT*EVER*LIVED.

"MY*SISTER*HAD*TOLD*ME*SOME*WEEKS*BEFORE*THAT*I*MIGHT*HAVE*THE*PICK*OF*HER*GEESE*FOR*A*CHRISTMAS*PRESENT,*AND*I*KNEW*THAT*SHE*WAS*ALWAYS*AS*GOOD*AS*HER*WORD.*I*WOULD*TAKE*MY*GOOSE*NOW,*AND*IN*IT*I*WOULD*CARRY*MY*STONE*TO*KILBURN.*THERE*WAS*A*LITTLE*SHED*IN*THE*YARD,*AND*BEHIND*THIS*I*DROVE*ONE*OF*THE*BIRDS--A*FINE*BIG*ONE,*WHITE,*WITH*A*BARRED*TAIL.*I*CAUGHT*IT,*AND*PRYING*ITS*BILL*OPEN,*I*THRUST*THE*STONE*DOWN*ITS*THROAT*AS*FAR*AS*MY*FINGER*COULD*REACH.*THE*BIRD*GAVE*A*GULP,*AND*I*FELT*THE*STONE*PASS*ALONG*ITS*GULLET*AND*DOWN*INTO*ITS*CROP.*BUT*THE*CREATURE*FLAPPED*AND*STRUGGLED,*AND*OUT*CAME*MY*SISTER*TO*KNOW*WHAT*WAS*THE*MATTER.*AS*I*TURNED*TO*SPEAK*TO*HER*THE*BRUTE*BROKE*LOOSE*AND*FLUTTERED*OFF*AMONG*THE*OTHERS.

"*'WHATEVER*WERE*YOU*DOING*WITH*THAT*BIRD,*JEM?'*SAYS*SHE.

"*'WELL,'*SAID*I,*'YOU*SAID*YOU'D*GIVE*ME*ONE*FOR*CHRISTMAS,*AND*I*WAS*FEELING*WHICH*WAS*THE*FATTEST.'

"*'OH,'*SAYS*SHE,*'WE'VE*SET*YOURS*ASIDE*FOR*YOU--JEM'S*BIRD,*WE*CALL*IT.*IT'S*THE*BIG*WHITE*ONE*OVER*YONDER.*THERE'S*TWENTY-SIX*OF*THEM,*WHICH*MAKES*ONE*FOR*YOU,*AND*ONE*FOR*US,*AND*TWO*DOZEN*FOR*THE*MARKET.'

"*'THANK*YOU,*MAGGIE,'*SAYS*I;*'BUT*IF*IT*IS*ALL*THE*SAME*TO*YOU,*I'D*RATHER*HAVE*THAT*ONE*I*WAS*HANDLING*JUST*NOW.'

"*'THE*OTHER*IS*A*GOOD*THREE*POUND*HEAVIER,'*SAID*SHE,*'AND*WE*FATTENED*IT*EXPRESSLY*FOR*YOU.'

"*'NEVER*MIND.*I'LL*HAVE*THE*OTHER,*AND*I'LL*TAKE*IT*NOW,'*SAID*I.

"*'OH,*JUST*AS*YOU*LIKE,'*SAID*SHE,*A*LITTLE*HUFFED.*'WHICH*IS*IT*YOU*WANT,*THEN?'

"*'THAT*WHITE*ONE*WITH*THE*BARRED*TAIL,*RIGHT*IN*THE*MIDDLE*OF*THE*FLOCK.'

"*'OH,*VERY*WELL.*KILL*IT*AND*TAKE*IT*WITH*YOU.'

"WELL,*I*DID*WHAT*SHE*SAID,*MR.*HOLMES,*AND*I*CARRIED*THE*BIRD*ALL*THE*WAY*TO*KILBURN.*I*TOLD*MY*PAL*WHAT*I*HAD*DONE,*FOR*HE*WAS*A*MAN*THAT*IT*WAS*EASY*TO*TELL*A*THING*LIKE*THAT*TO.*HE*LAUGHED*UNTIL*HE*CHOKED,*AND*WE*GOT*A*KNIFE*AND*OPENED*THE*GOOSE.*MY*HEART*TURNED*TO*WATER,*FOR*THERE*WAS*NO*SIGN*OF*THE*STONE,*AND*I*KNEW*THAT*SOME*TERRIBLE*MISTAKE*HAD*OCCURRED.*I*LEFT*THE*BIRD,*RUSHED*BACK*TO*MY*SISTER'S,*AND*HURRIED*INTO*THE*BACK*YARD.*THERE*WAS*NOT*A*BIRD*TO*BE*SEEN*THERE.

"*'WHERE*ARE*THEY*ALL,*MAGGIE?'*I*CRIED.

"*'GONE*TO*THE*DEALER'S,*JEM.'

"*'WHICH*DEALER'S?'

"*'BRECKINRIDGE,*OF*COVENT*GARDEN.'

"*'BUT*WAS*THERE*ANOTHER*WITH*A*BARRED*TAIL?'*I*ASKED,*'THE*SAME*AS*THE*ONE*I*CHOSE?'

"*'YES,*JEM;*THERE*WERE*TWO*BARRED-TAILED*ONES,*AND*I*COULD*NEVER*TELL*THEM*APART.'

"WELL,*THEN,*OF*COURSE*I*SAW*IT*ALL,*AND*I*RAN*OFF*AS*HARD*AS*MY*FEET*WOULD*CARRY*ME*TO*THIS*MAN*BRECKINRIDGE;*BUT*HE*HAD*SOLD*THE*LOT*AT*ONCE,*AND*NOT*ONE*WORD*WOULD*HE*TELL*ME*AS*TO*WHERE*THEY*HAD*GONE.*YOU*HEARD*HIM*YOURSELVES*TO-NIGHT.*WELL,*HE*HAS*ALWAYS*ANSWERED*ME*LIKE*THAT.*MY*SISTER*THINKS*THAT*I*AM*GOING*MAD.*SOMETIMES*I*THINK*THAT*I*AM*MYSELF.*AND*NOW--AND*NOW*I*AM*MYSELF*A*BRANDED*THIEF,*WITHOUT*EVER*HAVING*TOUCHED*THE*WEALTH*FOR*WHICH*I*SOLD*MY*CHARACTER.*GOD*HELP*ME!*GOD*HELP*ME!"*HE*BURST*INTO*CONVULSIVE*SOBBING,*WITH*HIS*FACE*BURIED*IN*HIS*HANDS.

THERE*WAS*A*LONG*SILENCE,*BROKEN*ONLY*BY*HIS*HEAVY*BREATHING*AND*BY*THE*MEASURED*TAPPING*OF*SHERLOCK*HOLMES'*FINGER-TIPS*UPON*THE*EDGE*OF*THE*TABLE.*THEN*MY*FRIEND*ROSE*AND*THREW*OPEN*THE*DOOR.

"GET*OUT!"*SAID*HE.

"WHAT,*SIR!*OH,*HEAVEN*BLESS*YOU!"

"NO*MORE*WORDS.*GET*OUT!"

AND*NO*MORE*WORDS*WERE*NEEDED.*THERE*WAS*A*RUSH,*A*CLATTER*UPON*THE*STAIRS,*THE*BANG*OF*A*DOOR,*AND*THE*CRISP*RATTLE*OF*RUNNING*FOOTFALLS*FROM*THE*STREET.

"AFTER*ALL,*WATSON,"*SAID*HOLMES,*REACHING*UP*HIS*HAND*FOR*HIS*CLAY*PIPE,*"I*AM*NOT*RETAINED*BY*THE*POLICE*TO*SUPPLY*THEIR*DEFICIENCIES.*IF*HORNER*WERE*IN*DANGER*IT*WOULD*BE*ANOTHER*THING;*BUT*THIS*FELLOW*WILL*NOT*APPEAR*AGAINST*HIM,*AND*THE*CASE*MUST*COLLAPSE.*I*SUPPOSE*THAT*I*AM*COMMUTING*A*FELONY,*BUT*IT*IS*JUST*POSSIBLE*THAT*I*AM*SAVING*A*SOUL.*THIS*FELLOW*WILL*NOT*GO*WRONG*AGAIN;*HE*IS*TOO*TERRIBLY*FRIGHTENED.*SEND*HIM*TO*GAOL*NOW,*AND*YOU*MAKE*HIM*A*GAOL-BIRD*FOR*LIFE.*BESIDES,*IT*IS*THE*SEASON*OF*FORGIVENESS.*CHANCE*HAS*PUT*IN*OUR*WAY*A*MOST*SINGULAR*AND*WHIMSICAL*PROBLEM,*AND*ITS*SOLUTION*IS*ITS*OWN*REWARD.*IF*YOU*WILL*HAVE*THE*GOODNESS*TO*TOUCH*THE*BELL,*DOCTOR,*WE*WILL*BEGIN*ANOTHER*INVESTIGATION,*IN*WHICH,*ALSO*A*BIRD*WILL*BE*THE*CHIEF*FEATURE."

VIII.**THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*SPECKLED*BAND



IT*WAS*EARLY*IN*APRIL*IN*THE*YEAR*'83*THAT*I*WOKE*ONE*MORNING*TO*FIND*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*STANDING,*FULLY*DRESSED,*BY*THE*SIDE*OF*MY*BED.*HE*WAS*A*LATE*RISER,*AS*A*RULE,*AND*AS*THE*CLOCK*ON*THE*MANTELPIECE*SHOWED*ME*THAT*IT*WAS*ONLY*A*QUARTER-PAST*SEVEN,*I*BLINKED*UP*AT*HIM*IN*SOME*SURPRISE,*AND*PERHAPS*JUST*A*LITTLE*RESENTMENT,*FOR*I*WAS*MYSELF*REGULAR*IN*MY*HABITS.

"VERY*SORRY*TO*KNOCK*YOU*UP,*WATSON,"*SAID*HE,*"BUT*IT'S*THE*COMMON*LOT*THIS*MORNING.*MRS.*HUDSON*HAS*BEEN*KNOCKED*UP,*SHE*RETORTED*UPON*ME,*AND*I*ON*YOU."

"WHAT*IS*IT,*THEN--A*FIRE?"

"NO;*A*CLIENT.*IT*SEEMS*THAT*A*YOUNG*LADY*HAS*ARRIVED*IN*A*CONSIDERABLE*STATE*OF*EXCITEMENT,*WHO*INSISTS*UPON*SEEING*ME.*SHE*IS*WAITING*NOW*IN*THE*SITTING-ROOM.*NOW,*WHEN*YOUNG*LADIES*WANDER*ABOUT*THE*METROPOLIS*AT*THIS*HOUR*OF*THE*MORNING,*AND*KNOCK*SLEEPY*PEOPLE*UP*OUT*OF*THEIR*BEDS,*I*PRESUME*THAT*IT*IS*SOMETHING*VERY*PRESSING*WHICH*THEY*HAVE*TO*COMMUNICATE.*SHOULD*IT*PROVE*TO*BE*AN*INTERESTING*CASE,*YOU*WOULD,*I*AM*SURE,*WISH*TO*FOLLOW*IT*FROM*THE*OUTSET.*I*THOUGHT,*AT*ANY*RATE,*THAT*I*SHOULD*CALL*YOU*AND*GIVE*YOU*THE*CHANCE."

"MY*DEAR*FELLOW,*I*WOULD*NOT*MISS*IT*FOR*ANYTHING."

I*HAD*NO*KEENER*PLEASURE*THAN*IN*FOLLOWING*HOLMES*IN*HIS*PROFESSIONAL*INVESTIGATIONS,*AND*IN*ADMIRING*THE*RAPID*DEDUCTIONS,*AS*SWIFT*AS*INTUITIONS,*AND*YET*ALWAYS*FOUNDED*ON*A*LOGICAL*BASIS*WITH*WHICH*HE*UNRAVELLED*THE*PROBLEMS*WHICH*WERE*SUBMITTED*TO*HIM.*I*RAPIDLY*THREW*ON*MY*CLOTHES*AND*WAS*READY*IN*A*FEW*MINUTES*TO*ACCOMPANY*MY*FRIEND*DOWN*TO*THE*SITTING-ROOM.*A*LADY*DRESSED*IN*BLACK*AND*HEAVILY*VEILED,*WHO*HAD*BEEN*SITTING*IN*THE*WINDOW,*ROSE*AS*WE*ENTERED.

"GOOD-MORNING,*MADAM,"*SAID*HOLMES*CHEERILY.*"MY*NAME*IS*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.*THIS*IS*MY*INTIMATE*FRIEND*AND*ASSOCIATE,*DR.*WATSON,*BEFORE*WHOM*YOU*CAN*SPEAK*AS*FREELY*AS*BEFORE*MYSELF.*HA!*I*AM*GLAD*TO*SEE*THAT*MRS.*HUDSON*HAS*HAD*THE*GOOD*SENSE*TO*LIGHT*THE*FIRE.*PRAY*DRAW*UP*TO*IT,*AND*I*SHALL*ORDER*YOU*A*CUP*OF*HOT*COFFEE,*FOR*I*OBSERVE*THAT*YOU*ARE*SHIVERING."

"IT*IS*NOT*COLD*WHICH*MAKES*ME*SHIVER,"*SAID*THE*WOMAN*IN*A*LOW*VOICE,*CHANGING*HER*SEAT*AS*REQUESTED.

"WHAT,*THEN?"

"IT*IS*FEAR,*MR.*HOLMES.*IT*IS*TERROR."*SHE*RAISED*HER*VEIL*AS*SHE*SPOKE,*AND*WE*COULD*SEE*THAT*SHE*WAS*INDEED*IN*A*PITIABLE*STATE*OF*AGITATION,*HER*FACE*ALL*DRAWN*AND*GREY,*WITH*RESTLESS*FRIGHTENED*EYES,*LIKE*THOSE*OF*SOME*HUNTED*ANIMAL.*HER*FEATURES*AND*FIGURE*WERE*THOSE*OF*A*WOMAN*OF*THIRTY,*BUT*HER*HAIR*WAS*SHOT*WITH*PREMATURE*GREY,*AND*HER*EXPRESSION*WAS*WEARY*AND*HAGGARD.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*RAN*HER*OVER*WITH*ONE*OF*HIS*QUICK,*ALL-COMPREHENSIVE*GLANCES.

"YOU*MUST*NOT*FEAR,"*SAID*HE*SOOTHINGLY,*BENDING*FORWARD*AND*PATTING*HER*FOREARM.*"WE*SHALL*SOON*SET*MATTERS*RIGHT,*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT.*YOU*HAVE*COME*IN*BY*TRAIN*THIS*MORNING,*I*SEE."

"YOU*KNOW*ME,*THEN?"

"NO,*BUT*I*OBSERVE*THE*SECOND*HALF*OF*A*RETURN*TICKET*IN*THE*PALM*OF*YOUR*LEFT*GLOVE.*YOU*MUST*HAVE*STARTED*EARLY,*AND*YET*YOU*HAD*A*GOOD*DRIVE*IN*A*DOG-CART,*ALONG*HEAVY*ROADS,*BEFORE*YOU*REACHED*THE*STATION."

THE*LADY*GAVE*A*VIOLENT*START*AND*STARED*IN*BEWILDERMENT*AT*MY*COMPANION.

"THERE*IS*NO*MYSTERY,*MY*DEAR*MADAM,"*SAID*HE,*SMILING.*"THE*LEFT*ARM*OF*YOUR*JACKET*IS*SPATTERED*WITH*MUD*IN*NO*LESS*THAN*SEVEN*PLACES.*THE*MARKS*ARE*PERFECTLY*FRESH.*THERE*IS*NO*VEHICLE*SAVE*A*DOG-CART*WHICH*THROWS*UP*MUD*IN*THAT*WAY,*AND*THEN*ONLY*WHEN*YOU*SIT*ON*THE*LEFT-HAND*SIDE*OF*THE*DRIVER."

"WHATEVER*YOUR*REASONS*MAY*BE,*YOU*ARE*PERFECTLY*CORRECT,"*SAID*SHE.*"I*STARTED*FROM*HOME*BEFORE*SIX,*REACHED*LEATHERHEAD*AT*TWENTY*PAST,*AND*CAME*IN*BY*THE*FIRST*TRAIN*TO*WATERLOO.*SIR,*I*CAN*STAND*THIS*STRAIN*NO*LONGER;*I*SHALL*GO*MAD*IF*IT*CONTINUES.*I*HAVE*NO*ONE*TO*TURN*TO--NONE,*SAVE*ONLY*ONE,*WHO*CARES*FOR*ME,*AND*HE,*POOR*FELLOW,*CAN*BE*OF*LITTLE*AID.*I*HAVE*HEARD*OF*YOU,*MR.*HOLMES;*I*HAVE*HEARD*OF*YOU*FROM*MRS.*FARINTOSH,*WHOM*YOU*HELPED*IN*THE*HOUR*OF*HER*SORE*NEED.*IT*WAS*FROM*HER*THAT*I*HAD*YOUR*ADDRESS.*OH,*SIR,*DO*YOU*NOT*THINK*THAT*YOU*COULD*HELP*ME,*TOO,*AND*AT*LEAST*THROW*A*LITTLE*LIGHT*THROUGH*THE*DENSE*DARKNESS*WHICH*SURROUNDS*ME?*AT*PRESENT*IT*IS*OUT*OF*MY*POWER*TO*REWARD*YOU*FOR*YOUR*SERVICES,*BUT*IN*A*MONTH*OR*SIX*WEEKS*I*SHALL*BE*MARRIED,*WITH*THE*CONTROL*OF*MY*OWN*INCOME,*AND*THEN*AT*LEAST*YOU*SHALL*NOT*FIND*ME*UNGRATEFUL."

HOLMES*TURNED*TO*HIS*DESK*AND,*UNLOCKING*IT,*DREW*OUT*A*SMALL*CASE-BOOK,*WHICH*HE*CONSULTED.

"FARINTOSH,"*SAID*HE.*"AH*YES,*I*RECALL*THE*CASE;*IT*WAS*CONCERNED*WITH*AN*OPAL*TIARA.*I*THINK*IT*WAS*BEFORE*YOUR*TIME,*WATSON.*I*CAN*ONLY*SAY,*MADAM,*THAT*I*SHALL*BE*HAPPY*TO*DEVOTE*THE*SAME*CARE*TO*YOUR*CASE*AS*I*DID*TO*THAT*OF*YOUR*FRIEND.*AS*TO*REWARD,*MY*PROFESSION*IS*ITS*OWN*REWARD;*BUT*YOU*ARE*AT*LIBERTY*TO*DEFRAY*WHATEVER*EXPENSES*I*MAY*BE*PUT*TO,*AT*THE*TIME*WHICH*SUITS*YOU*BEST.*AND*NOW*I*BEG*THAT*YOU*WILL*LAY*BEFORE*US*EVERYTHING*THAT*MAY*HELP*US*IN*FORMING*AN*OPINION*UPON*THE*MATTER."

"ALAS!"*REPLIED*OUR*VISITOR,*"THE*VERY*HORROR*OF*MY*SITUATION*LIES*IN*THE*FACT*THAT*MY*FEARS*ARE*SO*VAGUE,*AND*MY*SUSPICIONS*DEPEND*SO*ENTIRELY*UPON*SMALL*POINTS,*WHICH*MIGHT*SEEM*TRIVIAL*TO*ANOTHER,*THAT*EVEN*HE*TO*WHOM*OF*ALL*OTHERS*I*HAVE*A*RIGHT*TO*LOOK*FOR*HELP*AND*ADVICE*LOOKS*UPON*ALL*THAT*I*TELL*HIM*ABOUT*IT*AS*THE*FANCIES*OF*A*NERVOUS*WOMAN.*HE*DOES*NOT*SAY*SO,*BUT*I*CAN*READ*IT*FROM*HIS*SOOTHING*ANSWERS*AND*AVERTED*EYES.*BUT*I*HAVE*HEARD,*MR.*HOLMES,*THAT*YOU*CAN*SEE*DEEPLY*INTO*THE*MANIFOLD*WICKEDNESS*OF*THE*HUMAN*HEART.*YOU*MAY*ADVISE*ME*HOW*TO*WALK*AMID*THE*DANGERS*WHICH*ENCOMPASS*ME."

"I*AM*ALL*ATTENTION,*MADAM."

"MY*NAME*IS*HELEN*STONER,*AND*I*AM*LIVING*WITH*MY*STEPFATHER,*WHO*IS*THE*LAST*SURVIVOR*OF*ONE*OF*THE*OLDEST*SAXON*FAMILIES*IN*ENGLAND,*THE*ROYLOTTS*OF*STOKE*MORAN,*ON*THE*WESTERN*BORDER*OF*SURREY."

HOLMES*NODDED*HIS*HEAD.*"THE*NAME*IS*FAMILIAR*TO*ME,"*SAID*HE.


"WHEN*DR.*ROYLOTT*WAS*IN*INDIA*HE*MARRIED*MY*MOTHER,*MRS.*STONER,*THE*YOUNG*WIDOW*OF*MAJOR-GENERAL*STONER,*OF*THE*BENGAL*ARTILLERY.*MY*SISTER*JULIA*AND*I*WERE*TWINS,*AND*WE*WERE*ONLY*TWO*YEARS*OLD*AT*THE*TIME*OF*MY*MOTHER'S*RE-MARRIAGE.*SHE*HAD*A*CONSIDERABLE*SUM*OF*MONEY--NOT*LESS*THAN*$1000*A*YEAR--AND*THIS*SHE*BEQUEATHED*TO*DR.*ROYLOTT*ENTIRELY*WHILE*WE*RESIDED*WITH*HIM,*WITH*A*PROVISION*THAT*A*CERTAIN*ANNUAL*SUM*SHOULD*BE*ALLOWED*TO*EACH*OF*US*IN*THE*EVENT*OF*OUR*MARRIAGE.*SHORTLY*AFTER*OUR*RETURN*TO*ENGLAND*MY*MOTHER*DIED--SHE*WAS*KILLED*EIGHT*YEARS*AGO*IN*A*RAILWAY*ACCIDENT*NEAR*CREWE.*DR.*ROYLOTT*THEN*ABANDONED*HIS*ATTEMPTS*TO*ESTABLISH*HIMSELF*IN*PRACTICE*IN*LONDON*AND*TOOK*US*TO*LIVE*WITH*HIM*IN*THE*OLD*ANCESTRAL*HOUSE*AT*STOKE*MORAN.*THE*MONEY*WHICH*MY*MOTHER*HAD*LEFT*WAS*ENOUGH*FOR*ALL*OUR*WANTS,*AND*THERE*SEEMED*TO*BE*NO*OBSTACLE*TO*OUR*HAPPINESS.

"BUT*A*TERRIBLE*CHANGE*CAME*OVER*OUR*STEPFATHER*ABOUT*THIS*TIME.*INSTEAD*OF*MAKING*FRIENDS*AND*EXCHANGING*VISITS*WITH*OUR*NEIGHBOURS,*WHO*HAD*AT*FIRST*BEEN*OVERJOYED*TO*SEE*A*ROYLOTT*OF*STOKE*MORAN*BACK*IN*THE*OLD*FAMILY*SEAT,*HE*SHUT*HIMSELF*UP*IN*HIS*HOUSE*AND*SELDOM*CAME*OUT*SAVE*TO*INDULGE*IN*FEROCIOUS*QUARRELS*WITH*WHOEVER*MIGHT*CROSS*HIS*PATH.*VIOLENCE*OF*TEMPER*APPROACHING*TO*MANIA*HAS*BEEN*HEREDITARY*IN*THE*MEN*OF*THE*FAMILY,*AND*IN*MY*STEPFATHER'S*CASE*IT*HAD,*I*BELIEVE,*BEEN*INTENSIFIED*BY*HIS*LONG*RESIDENCE*IN*THE*TROPICS.*A*SERIES*OF*DISGRACEFUL*BRAWLS*TOOK*PLACE,*TWO*OF*WHICH*ENDED*IN*THE*POLICE-COURT,*UNTIL*AT*LAST*HE*BECAME*THE*TERROR*OF*THE*VILLAGE,*AND*THE*FOLKS*WOULD*FLY*AT*HIS*APPROACH,*FOR*HE*IS*A*MAN*OF*IMMENSE*STRENGTH,*AND*ABSOLUTELY*UNCONTROLLABLE*IN*HIS*ANGER.

"LAST*WEEK*HE*HURLED*THE*LOCAL*BLACKSMITH*OVER*A*PARAPET*INTO*A*STREAM,*AND*IT*WAS*ONLY*BY*PAYING*OVER*ALL*THE*MONEY*WHICH*I*COULD*GATHER*TOGETHER*THAT*I*WAS*ABLE*TO*AVERT*ANOTHER*PUBLIC*EXPOSURE.*HE*HAD*NO*FRIENDS*AT*ALL*SAVE*THE*WANDERING*GIPSIES,*AND*HE*WOULD*GIVE*THESE*VAGABONDS*LEAVE*TO*ENCAMP*UPON*THE*FEW*ACRES*OF*BRAMBLE-COVERED*LAND*WHICH*REPRESENT*THE*FAMILY*ESTATE,*AND*WOULD*ACCEPT*IN*RETURN*THE*HOSPITALITY*OF*THEIR*TENTS,*WANDERING*AWAY*WITH*THEM*SOMETIMES*FOR*WEEKS*ON*END.*HE*HAS*A*PASSION*ALSO*FOR*INDIAN*ANIMALS,*WHICH*ARE*SENT*OVER*TO*HIM*BY*A*CORRESPONDENT,*AND*HE*HAS*AT*THIS*MOMENT*A*CHEETAH*AND*A*BABOON,*WHICH*WANDER*FREELY*OVER*HIS*GROUNDS*AND*ARE*FEARED*BY*THE*VILLAGERS*ALMOST*AS*MUCH*AS*THEIR*MASTER.

"YOU*CAN*IMAGINE*FROM*WHAT*I*SAY*THAT*MY*POOR*SISTER*JULIA*AND*I*HAD*NO*GREAT*PLEASURE*IN*OUR*LIVES.*NO*SERVANT*WOULD*STAY*WITH*US,*AND*FOR*A*LONG*TIME*WE*DID*ALL*THE*WORK*OF*THE*HOUSE.*SHE*WAS*BUT*THIRTY*AT*THE*TIME*OF*HER*DEATH,*AND*YET*HER*HAIR*HAD*ALREADY*BEGUN*TO*WHITEN,*EVEN*AS*MINE*HAS."

"YOUR*SISTER*IS*DEAD,*THEN?"

"SHE*DIED*JUST*TWO*YEARS*AGO,*AND*IT*IS*OF*HER*DEATH*THAT*I*WISH*TO*SPEAK*TO*YOU.*YOU*CAN*UNDERSTAND*THAT,*LIVING*THE*LIFE*WHICH*I*HAVE*DESCRIBED,*WE*WERE*LITTLE*LIKELY*TO*SEE*ANYONE*OF*OUR*OWN*AGE*AND*POSITION.*WE*HAD,*HOWEVER,*AN*AUNT,*MY*MOTHER'S*MAIDEN*SISTER,*MISS*HONORIA*WESTPHAIL,*WHO*LIVES*NEAR*HARROW,*AND*WE*WERE*OCCASIONALLY*ALLOWED*TO*PAY*SHORT*VISITS*AT*THIS*LADY'S*HOUSE.*JULIA*WENT*THERE*AT*CHRISTMAS*TWO*YEARS*AGO,*AND*MET*THERE*A*HALF-PAY*MAJOR*OF*MARINES,*TO*WHOM*SHE*BECAME*ENGAGED.*MY*STEPFATHER*LEARNED*OF*THE*ENGAGEMENT*WHEN*MY*SISTER*RETURNED*AND*OFFERED*NO*OBJECTION*TO*THE*MARRIAGE;*BUT*WITHIN*A*FORTNIGHT*OF*THE*DAY*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*FIXED*FOR*THE*WEDDING,*THE*TERRIBLE*EVENT*OCCURRED*WHICH*HAS*DEPRIVED*ME*OF*MY*ONLY*COMPANION."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*HAD*BEEN*LEANING*BACK*IN*HIS*CHAIR*WITH*HIS*EYES*CLOSED*AND*HIS*HEAD*SUNK*IN*A*CUSHION,*BUT*HE*HALF*OPENED*HIS*LIDS*NOW*AND*GLANCED*ACROSS*AT*HIS*VISITOR.

"PRAY*BE*PRECISE*AS*TO*DETAILS,"*SAID*HE.

"IT*IS*EASY*FOR*ME*TO*BE*SO,*FOR*EVERY*EVENT*OF*THAT*DREADFUL*TIME*IS*SEARED*INTO*MY*MEMORY.*THE*MANOR-HOUSE*IS,*AS*I*HAVE*ALREADY*SAID,*VERY*OLD,*AND*ONLY*ONE*WING*IS*NOW*INHABITED.*THE*BEDROOMS*IN*THIS*WING*ARE*ON*THE*GROUND*FLOOR,*THE*SITTING-ROOMS*BEING*IN*THE*CENTRAL*BLOCK*OF*THE*BUILDINGS.*OF*THESE*BEDROOMS*THE*FIRST*IS*DR.*ROYLOTT'S,*THE*SECOND*MY*SISTER'S,*AND*THE*THIRD*MY*OWN.*THERE*IS*NO*COMMUNICATION*BETWEEN*THEM,*BUT*THEY*ALL*OPEN*OUT*INTO*THE*SAME*CORRIDOR.*DO*I*MAKE*MYSELF*PLAIN?"

"PERFECTLY*SO."

"THE*WINDOWS*OF*THE*THREE*ROOMS*OPEN*OUT*UPON*THE*LAWN.*THAT*FATAL*NIGHT*DR.*ROYLOTT*HAD*GONE*TO*HIS*ROOM*EARLY,*THOUGH*WE*KNEW*THAT*HE*HAD*NOT*RETIRED*TO*REST,*FOR*MY*SISTER*WAS*TROUBLED*BY*THE*SMELL*OF*THE*STRONG*INDIAN*CIGARS*WHICH*IT*WAS*HIS*CUSTOM*TO*SMOKE.*SHE*LEFT*HER*ROOM,*THEREFORE,*AND*CAME*INTO*MINE,*WHERE*SHE*SAT*FOR*SOME*TIME,*CHATTING*ABOUT*HER*APPROACHING*WEDDING.*AT*ELEVEN*O'CLOCK*SHE*ROSE*TO*LEAVE*ME,*BUT*SHE*PAUSED*AT*THE*DOOR*AND*LOOKED*BACK.

"*'TELL*ME,*HELEN,'*SAID*SHE,*'HAVE*YOU*EVER*HEARD*ANYONE*WHISTLE*IN*THE*DEAD*OF*THE*NIGHT?'

"*'NEVER,'*SAID*I.

"*'I*SUPPOSE*THAT*YOU*COULD*NOT*POSSIBLY*WHISTLE,*YOURSELF,*IN*YOUR*SLEEP?'

"*'CERTAINLY*NOT.*BUT*WHY?'

"*'BECAUSE*DURING*THE*LAST*FEW*NIGHTS*I*HAVE*ALWAYS,*ABOUT*THREE*IN*THE*MORNING,*HEARD*A*LOW,*CLEAR*WHISTLE.*I*AM*A*LIGHT*SLEEPER,*AND*IT*HAS*AWAKENED*ME.*I*CANNOT*TELL*WHERE*IT*CAME*FROM--PERHAPS*FROM*THE*NEXT*ROOM,*PERHAPS*FROM*THE*LAWN.*I*THOUGHT*THAT*I*WOULD*JUST*ASK*YOU*WHETHER*YOU*HAD*HEARD*IT.'

"*'NO,*I*HAVE*NOT.*IT*MUST*BE*THOSE*WRETCHED*GIPSIES*IN*THE*PLANTATION.'

"*'VERY*LIKELY.*AND*YET*IF*IT*WERE*ON*THE*LAWN,*I*WONDER*THAT*YOU*DID*NOT*HEAR*IT*ALSO.'

"*'AH,*BUT*I*SLEEP*MORE*HEAVILY*THAN*YOU.'

"*'WELL,*IT*IS*OF*NO*GREAT*CONSEQUENCE,*AT*ANY*RATE.'*SHE*SMILED*BACK*AT*ME,*CLOSED*MY*DOOR,*AND*A*FEW*MOMENTS*LATER*I*HEARD*HER*KEY*TURN*IN*THE*LOCK."

"INDEED,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"WAS*IT*YOUR*CUSTOM*ALWAYS*TO*LOCK*YOURSELVES*IN*AT*NIGHT?"

"ALWAYS."

"AND*WHY?"

"I*THINK*THAT*I*MENTIONED*TO*YOU*THAT*THE*DOCTOR*KEPT*A*CHEETAH*AND*A*BABOON.*WE*HAD*NO*FEELING*OF*SECURITY*UNLESS*OUR*DOORS*WERE*LOCKED."

"QUITE*SO.*PRAY*PROCEED*WITH*YOUR*STATEMENT."


"ONE*MOMENT,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"ARE*YOU*SURE*ABOUT*THIS*WHISTLE*AND*METALLIC*SOUND?*COULD*YOU*SWEAR*TO*IT?"

"THAT*WAS*WHAT*THE*COUNTY*CORONER*ASKED*ME*AT*THE*INQUIRY.*IT*IS*MY*STRONG*IMPRESSION*THAT*I*HEARD*IT,*AND*YET,*AMONG*THE*CRASH*OF*THE*GALE*AND*THE*CREAKING*OF*AN*OLD*HOUSE,*I*MAY*POSSIBLY*HAVE*BEEN*DECEIVED."

"WAS*YOUR*SISTER*DRESSED?"

"NO,*SHE*WAS*IN*HER*NIGHT-DRESS.*IN*HER*RIGHT*HAND*WAS*FOUND*THE*CHARRED*STUMP*OF*A*MATCH,*AND*IN*HER*LEFT*A*MATCH-BOX."

"SHOWING*THAT*SHE*HAD*STRUCK*A*LIGHT*AND*LOOKED*ABOUT*HER*WHEN*THE*ALARM*TOOK*PLACE.*THAT*IS*IMPORTANT.*AND*WHAT*CONCLUSIONS*DID*THE*CORONER*COME*TO?"

"HE*INVESTIGATED*THE*CASE*WITH*GREAT*CARE,*FOR*DR.*ROYLOTT'S*CONDUCT*HAD*LONG*BEEN*NOTORIOUS*IN*THE*COUNTY,*BUT*HE*WAS*UNABLE*TO*FIND*ANY*SATISFACTORY*CAUSE*OF*DEATH.*MY*EVIDENCE*SHOWED*THAT*THE*DOOR*HAD*BEEN*FASTENED*UPON*THE*INNER*SIDE,*AND*THE*WINDOWS*WERE*BLOCKED*BY*OLD-FASHIONED*SHUTTERS*WITH*BROAD*IRON*BARS,*WHICH*WERE*SECURED*EVERY*NIGHT.*THE*WALLS*WERE*CAREFULLY*SOUNDED,*AND*WERE*SHOWN*TO*BE*QUITE*SOLID*ALL*ROUND,*AND*THE*FLOORING*WAS*ALSO*THOROUGHLY*EXAMINED,*WITH*THE*SAME*RESULT.*THE*CHIMNEY*IS*WIDE,*BUT*IS*BARRED*UP*BY*FOUR*LARGE*STAPLES.*IT*IS*CERTAIN,*THEREFORE,*THAT*MY*SISTER*WAS*QUITE*ALONE*WHEN*SHE*MET*HER*END.*BESIDES,*THERE*WERE*NO*MARKS*OF*ANY*VIOLENCE*UPON*HER."

"HOW*ABOUT*POISON?"

"THE*DOCTORS*EXAMINED*HER*FOR*IT,*BUT*WITHOUT*SUCCESS."

"WHAT*DO*YOU*THINK*THAT*THIS*UNFORTUNATE*LADY*DIED*OF,*THEN?"

"IT*IS*MY*BELIEF*THAT*SHE*DIED*OF*PURE*FEAR*AND*NERVOUS*SHOCK,*THOUGH*WHAT*IT*WAS*THAT*FRIGHTENED*HER*I*CANNOT*IMAGINE."

"WERE*THERE*GIPSIES*IN*THE*PLANTATION*AT*THE*TIME?"

"YES,*THERE*ARE*NEARLY*ALWAYS*SOME*THERE."

"AH,*AND*WHAT*DID*YOU*GATHER*FROM*THIS*ALLUSION*TO*A*BAND--A*SPECKLED*BAND?"

"SOMETIMES*I*HAVE*THOUGHT*THAT*IT*WAS*MERELY*THE*WILD*TALK*OF*DELIRIUM,*SOMETIMES*THAT*IT*MAY*HAVE*REFERRED*TO*SOME*BAND*OF*PEOPLE,*PERHAPS*TO*THESE*VERY*GIPSIES*IN*THE*PLANTATION.*I*DO*NOT*KNOW*WHETHER*THE*SPOTTED*HANDKERCHIEFS*WHICH*SO*MANY*OF*THEM*WEAR*OVER*THEIR*HEADS*MIGHT*HAVE*SUGGESTED*THE*STRANGE*ADJECTIVE*WHICH*SHE*USED."

HOLMES*SHOOK*HIS*HEAD*LIKE*A*MAN*WHO*IS*FAR*FROM*BEING*SATISFIED.

"THESE*ARE*VERY*DEEP*WATERS,"*SAID*HE;*"PRAY*GO*ON*WITH*YOUR*NARRATIVE."


"YOU*HAVE*DONE*WISELY,"*SAID*MY*FRIEND.*"BUT*HAVE*YOU*TOLD*ME*ALL?"

"YES,*ALL."

"MISS*ROYLOTT,*YOU*HAVE*NOT.*YOU*ARE*SCREENING*YOUR*STEPFATHER."

"WHY,*WHAT*DO*YOU*MEAN?"

FOR*ANSWER*HOLMES*PUSHED*BACK*THE*FRILL*OF*BLACK*LACE*WHICH*FRINGED*THE*HAND*THAT*LAY*UPON*OUR*VISITOR'S*KNEE.*FIVE*LITTLE*LIVID*SPOTS,*THE*MARKS*OF*FOUR*FINGERS*AND*A*THUMB,*WERE*PRINTED*UPON*THE*WHITE*WRIST.

"YOU*HAVE*BEEN*CRUELLY*USED,"*SAID*HOLMES.

THE*LADY*COLOURED*DEEPLY*AND*COVERED*OVER*HER*INJURED*WRIST.*"HE*IS*A*HARD*MAN,"*SHE*SAID,*"AND*PERHAPS*HE*HARDLY*KNOWS*HIS*OWN*STRENGTH."

THERE*WAS*A*LONG*SILENCE,*DURING*WHICH*HOLMES*LEANED*HIS*CHIN*UPON*HIS*HANDS*AND*STARED*INTO*THE*CRACKLING*FIRE.

"THIS*IS*A*VERY*DEEP*BUSINESS,"*HE*SAID*AT*LAST.*"THERE*ARE*A*THOUSAND*DETAILS*WHICH*I*SHOULD*DESIRE*TO*KNOW*BEFORE*I*DECIDE*UPON*OUR*COURSE*OF*ACTION.*YET*WE*HAVE*NOT*A*MOMENT*TO*LOSE.*IF*WE*WERE*TO*COME*TO*STOKE*MORAN*TO-DAY,*WOULD*IT*BE*POSSIBLE*FOR*US*TO*SEE*OVER*THESE*ROOMS*WITHOUT*THE*KNOWLEDGE*OF*YOUR*STEPFATHER?"

"AS*IT*HAPPENS,*HE*SPOKE*OF*COMING*INTO*TOWN*TO-DAY*UPON*SOME*MOST*IMPORTANT*BUSINESS.*IT*IS*PROBABLE*THAT*HE*WILL*BE*AWAY*ALL*DAY,*AND*THAT*THERE*WOULD*BE*NOTHING*TO*DISTURB*YOU.*WE*HAVE*A*HOUSEKEEPER*NOW,*BUT*SHE*IS*OLD*AND*FOOLISH,*AND*I*COULD*EASILY*GET*HER*OUT*OF*THE*WAY."

"EXCELLENT.*YOU*ARE*NOT*AVERSE*TO*THIS*TRIP,*WATSON?"

"BY*NO*MEANS."

"THEN*WE*SHALL*BOTH*COME.*WHAT*ARE*YOU*GOING*TO*DO*YOURSELF?"

"I*HAVE*ONE*OR*TWO*THINGS*WHICH*I*WOULD*WISH*TO*DO*NOW*THAT*I*AM*IN*TOWN.*BUT*I*SHALL*RETURN*BY*THE*TWELVE*O'CLOCK*TRAIN,*SO*AS*TO*BE*THERE*IN*TIME*FOR*YOUR*COMING."

"AND*YOU*MAY*EXPECT*US*EARLY*IN*THE*AFTERNOON.*I*HAVE*MYSELF*SOME*SMALL*BUSINESS*MATTERS*TO*ATTEND*TO.*WILL*YOU*NOT*WAIT*AND*BREAKFAST?"

"NO,*I*MUST*GO.*MY*HEART*IS*LIGHTENED*ALREADY*SINCE*I*HAVE*CONFIDED*MY*TROUBLE*TO*YOU.*I*SHALL*LOOK*FORWARD*TO*SEEING*YOU*AGAIN*THIS*AFTERNOON."*SHE*DROPPED*HER*THICK*BLACK*VEIL*OVER*HER*FACE*AND*GLIDED*FROM*THE*ROOM.

"AND*WHAT*DO*YOU*THINK*OF*IT*ALL,*WATSON?"*ASKED*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*LEANING*BACK*IN*HIS*CHAIR.

"IT*SEEMS*TO*ME*TO*BE*A*MOST*DARK*AND*SINISTER*BUSINESS."

"DARK*ENOUGH*AND*SINISTER*ENOUGH."

"YET*IF*THE*LADY*IS*CORRECT*IN*SAYING*THAT*THE*FLOORING*AND*WALLS*ARE*SOUND,*AND*THAT*THE*DOOR,*WINDOW,*AND*CHIMNEY*ARE*IMPASSABLE,*THEN*HER*SISTER*MUST*HAVE*BEEN*UNDOUBTEDLY*ALONE*WHEN*SHE*MET*HER*MYSTERIOUS*END."

"WHAT*BECOMES,*THEN,*OF*THESE*NOCTURNAL*WHISTLES,*AND*WHAT*OF*THE*VERY*PECULIAR*WORDS*OF*THE*DYING*WOMAN?"

"I*CANNOT*THINK."

"WHEN*YOU*COMBINE*THE*IDEAS*OF*WHISTLES*AT*NIGHT,*THE*PRESENCE*OF*A*BAND*OF*GIPSIES*WHO*ARE*ON*INTIMATE*TERMS*WITH*THIS*OLD*DOCTOR,*THE*FACT*THAT*WE*HAVE*EVERY*REASON*TO*BELIEVE*THAT*THE*DOCTOR*HAS*AN*INTEREST*IN*PREVENTING*HIS*STEPDAUGHTER'S*MARRIAGE,*THE*DYING*ALLUSION*TO*A*BAND,*AND,*FINALLY,*THE*FACT*THAT*MISS*HELEN*STONER*HEARD*A*METALLIC*CLANG,*WHICH*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*CAUSED*BY*ONE*OF*THOSE*METAL*BARS*THAT*SECURED*THE*SHUTTERS*FALLING*BACK*INTO*ITS*PLACE,*I*THINK*THAT*THERE*IS*GOOD*GROUND*TO*THINK*THAT*THE*MYSTERY*MAY*BE*CLEARED*ALONG*THOSE*LINES."

"BUT*WHAT,*THEN,*DID*THE*GIPSIES*DO?"

"I*CANNOT*IMAGINE."

"I*SEE*MANY*OBJECTIONS*TO*ANY*SUCH*THEORY."

"AND*SO*DO*I.*IT*IS*PRECISELY*FOR*THAT*REASON*THAT*WE*ARE*GOING*TO*STOKE*MORAN*THIS*DAY.*I*WANT*TO*SEE*WHETHER*THE*OBJECTIONS*ARE*FATAL,*OR*IF*THEY*MAY*BE*EXPLAINED*AWAY.*BUT*WHAT*IN*THE*NAME*OF*THE*DEVIL!"

THE*EJACULATION*HAD*BEEN*DRAWN*FROM*MY*COMPANION*BY*THE*FACT*THAT*OUR*DOOR*HAD*BEEN*SUDDENLY*DASHED*OPEN,*AND*THAT*A*HUGE*MAN*HAD*FRAMED*HIMSELF*IN*THE*APERTURE.*HIS*COSTUME*WAS*A*PECULIAR*MIXTURE*OF*THE*PROFESSIONAL*AND*OF*THE*AGRICULTURAL,*HAVING*A*BLACK*TOP-HAT,*A*LONG*FROCK-COAT,*AND*A*PAIR*OF*HIGH*GAITERS,*WITH*A*HUNTING-CROP*SWINGING*IN*HIS*HAND.*SO*TALL*WAS*HE*THAT*HIS*HAT*ACTUALLY*BRUSHED*THE*CROSS*BAR*OF*THE*DOORWAY,*AND*HIS*BREADTH*SEEMED*TO*SPAN*IT*ACROSS*FROM*SIDE*TO*SIDE.*A*LARGE*FACE,*SEARED*WITH*A*THOUSAND*WRINKLES,*BURNED*YELLOW*WITH*THE*SUN,*AND*MARKED*WITH*EVERY*EVIL*PASSION,*WAS*TURNED*FROM*ONE*TO*THE*OTHER*OF*US,*WHILE*HIS*DEEP-SET,*BILE-SHOT*EYES,*AND*HIS*HIGH,*THIN,*FLESHLESS*NOSE,*GAVE*HIM*SOMEWHAT*THE*RESEMBLANCE*TO*A*FIERCE*OLD*BIRD*OF*PREY.

"WHICH*OF*YOU*IS*HOLMES?"*ASKED*THIS*APPARITION.

"MY*NAME,*SIR;*BUT*YOU*HAVE*THE*ADVANTAGE*OF*ME,"*SAID*MY*COMPANION*QUIETLY.

"I*AM*DR.*GRIMESBY*ROYLOTT,*OF*STOKE*MORAN."

"INDEED,*DOCTOR,"*SAID*HOLMES*BLANDLY.*"PRAY*TAKE*A*SEAT."

"I*WILL*DO*NOTHING*OF*THE*KIND.*MY*STEPDAUGHTER*HAS*BEEN*HERE.*I*HAVE*TRACED*HER.*WHAT*HAS*SHE*BEEN*SAYING*TO*YOU?"

"IT*IS*A*LITTLE*COLD*FOR*THE*TIME*OF*THE*YEAR,"*SAID*HOLMES.

"WHAT*HAS*SHE*BEEN*SAYING*TO*YOU?"*SCREAMED*THE*OLD*MAN*FURIOUSLY.

"BUT*I*HAVE*HEARD*THAT*THE*CROCUSES*PROMISE*WELL,"*CONTINUED*MY*COMPANION*IMPERTURBABLY.

"HA!*YOU*PUT*ME*OFF,*DO*YOU?"*SAID*OUR*NEW*VISITOR,*TAKING*A*STEP*FORWARD*AND*SHAKING*HIS*HUNTING-CROP.*"I*KNOW*YOU,*YOU*SCOUNDREL!*I*HAVE*HEARD*OF*YOU*BEFORE.*YOU*ARE*HOLMES,*THE*MEDDLER."

MY*FRIEND*SMILED.

"HOLMES,*THE*BUSYBODY!"

HIS*SMILE*BROADENED.

"HOLMES,*THE*SCOTLAND*YARD*JACK-IN-OFFICE!"

HOLMES*CHUCKLED*HEARTILY.*"YOUR*CONVERSATION*IS*MOST*ENTERTAINING,"*SAID*HE.*"WHEN*YOU*GO*OUT*CLOSE*THE*DOOR,*FOR*THERE*IS*A*DECIDED*DRAUGHT."

"I*WILL*GO*WHEN*I*HAVE*SAID*MY*SAY.*DON'T*YOU*DARE*TO*MEDDLE*WITH*MY*AFFAIRS.*I*KNOW*THAT*MISS*STONER*HAS*BEEN*HERE.*I*TRACED*HER!*I*AM*A*DANGEROUS*MAN*TO*FALL*FOUL*OF!*SEE*HERE."*HE*STEPPED*SWIFTLY*FORWARD,*SEIZED*THE*POKER,*AND*BENT*IT*INTO*A*CURVE*WITH*HIS*HUGE*BROWN*HANDS.

"SEE*THAT*YOU*KEEP*YOURSELF*OUT*OF*MY*GRIP,"*HE*SNARLED,*AND*HURLING*THE*TWISTED*POKER*INTO*THE*FIREPLACE*HE*STRODE*OUT*OF*THE*ROOM.

"HE*SEEMS*A*VERY*AMIABLE*PERSON,"*SAID*HOLMES,*LAUGHING.*"I*AM*NOT*QUITE*SO*BULKY,*BUT*IF*HE*HAD*REMAINED*I*MIGHT*HAVE*SHOWN*HIM*THAT*MY*GRIP*WAS*NOT*MUCH*MORE*FEEBLE*THAN*HIS*OWN."*AS*HE*SPOKE*HE*PICKED*UP*THE*STEEL*POKER*AND,*WITH*A*SUDDEN*EFFORT,*STRAIGHTENED*IT*OUT*AGAIN.

"FANCY*HIS*HAVING*THE*INSOLENCE*TO*CONFOUND*ME*WITH*THE*OFFICIAL*DETECTIVE*FORCE!*THIS*INCIDENT*GIVES*ZEST*TO*OUR*INVESTIGATION,*HOWEVER,*AND*I*ONLY*TRUST*THAT*OUR*LITTLE*FRIEND*WILL*NOT*SUFFER*FROM*HER*IMPRUDENCE*IN*ALLOWING*THIS*BRUTE*TO*TRACE*HER.*AND*NOW,*WATSON,*WE*SHALL*ORDER*BREAKFAST,*AND*AFTERWARDS*I*SHALL*WALK*DOWN*TO*DOCTORS'*COMMONS,*WHERE*I*HOPE*TO*GET*SOME*DATA*WHICH*MAY*HELP*US*IN*THIS*MATTER."

IT*WAS*NEARLY*ONE*O'CLOCK*WHEN*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*RETURNED*FROM*HIS*EXCURSION.*HE*HELD*IN*HIS*HAND*A*SHEET*OF*BLUE*PAPER,*SCRAWLED*OVER*WITH*NOTES*AND*FIGURES.


AT*WATERLOO*WE*WERE*FORTUNATE*IN*CATCHING*A*TRAIN*FOR*LEATHERHEAD,*WHERE*WE*HIRED*A*TRAP*AT*THE*STATION*INN*AND*DROVE*FOR*FOUR*OR*FIVE*MILES*THROUGH*THE*LOVELY*SURREY*LANES.*IT*WAS*A*PERFECT*DAY,*WITH*A*BRIGHT*SUN*AND*A*FEW*FLEECY*CLOUDS*IN*THE*HEAVENS.*THE*TREES*AND*WAYSIDE*HEDGES*WERE*JUST*THROWING*OUT*THEIR*FIRST*GREEN*SHOOTS,*AND*THE*AIR*WAS*FULL*OF*THE*PLEASANT*SMELL*OF*THE*MOIST*EARTH.*TO*ME*AT*LEAST*THERE*WAS*A*STRANGE*CONTRAST*BETWEEN*THE*SWEET*PROMISE*OF*THE*SPRING*AND*THIS*SINISTER*QUEST*UPON*WHICH*WE*WERE*ENGAGED.*MY*COMPANION*SAT*IN*THE*FRONT*OF*THE*TRAP,*HIS*ARMS*FOLDED,*HIS*HAT*PULLED*DOWN*OVER*HIS*EYES,*AND*HIS*CHIN*SUNK*UPON*HIS*BREAST,*BURIED*IN*THE*DEEPEST*THOUGHT.*SUDDENLY,*HOWEVER,*HE*STARTED,*TAPPED*ME*ON*THE*SHOULDER,*AND*POINTED*OVER*THE*MEADOWS.

"LOOK*THERE!"*SAID*HE.

A*HEAVILY*TIMBERED*PARK*STRETCHED*UP*IN*A*GENTLE*SLOPE,*THICKENING*INTO*A*GROVE*AT*THE*HIGHEST*POINT.*FROM*AMID*THE*BRANCHES*THERE*JUTTED*OUT*THE*GREY*GABLES*AND*HIGH*ROOF-TREE*OF*A*VERY*OLD*MANSION.

"STOKE*MORAN?"*SAID*HE.

"YES,*SIR,*THAT*BE*THE*HOUSE*OF*DR.*GRIMESBY*ROYLOTT,"*REMARKED*THE*DRIVER.

"THERE*IS*SOME*BUILDING*GOING*ON*THERE,"*SAID*HOLMES;*"THAT*IS*WHERE*WE*ARE*GOING."

"THERE'S*THE*VILLAGE,"*SAID*THE*DRIVER,*POINTING*TO*A*CLUSTER*OF*ROOFS*SOME*DISTANCE*TO*THE*LEFT;*"BUT*IF*YOU*WANT*TO*GET*TO*THE*HOUSE,*YOU'LL*FIND*IT*SHORTER*TO*GET*OVER*THIS*STILE,*AND*SO*BY*THE*FOOT-PATH*OVER*THE*FIELDS.*THERE*IT*IS,*WHERE*THE*LADY*IS*WALKING."

"AND*THE*LADY,*I*FANCY,*IS*MISS*STONER,"*OBSERVED*HOLMES,*SHADING*HIS*EYES.*"YES,*I*THINK*WE*HAD*BETTER*DO*AS*YOU*SUGGEST."

WE*GOT*OFF,*PAID*OUR*FARE,*AND*THE*TRAP*RATTLED*BACK*ON*ITS*WAY*TO*LEATHERHEAD.

"I*THOUGHT*IT*AS*WELL,"*SAID*HOLMES*AS*WE*CLIMBED*THE*STILE,*"THAT*THIS*FELLOW*SHOULD*THINK*WE*HAD*COME*HERE*AS*ARCHITECTS,*OR*ON*SOME*DEFINITE*BUSINESS.*IT*MAY*STOP*HIS*GOSSIP.*GOOD-AFTERNOON,*MISS*STONER.*YOU*SEE*THAT*WE*HAVE*BEEN*AS*GOOD*AS*OUR*WORD."

OUR*CLIENT*OF*THE*MORNING*HAD*HURRIED*FORWARD*TO*MEET*US*WITH*A*FACE*WHICH*SPOKE*HER*JOY.*"I*HAVE*BEEN*WAITING*SO*EAGERLY*FOR*YOU,"*SHE*CRIED,*SHAKING*HANDS*WITH*US*WARMLY.*"ALL*HAS*TURNED*OUT*SPLENDIDLY.*DR.*ROYLOTT*HAS*GONE*TO*TOWN,*AND*IT*IS*UNLIKELY*THAT*HE*WILL*BE*BACK*BEFORE*EVENING."

"WE*HAVE*HAD*THE*PLEASURE*OF*MAKING*THE*DOCTOR'S*ACQUAINTANCE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*AND*IN*A*FEW*WORDS*HE*SKETCHED*OUT*WHAT*HAD*OCCURRED.*MISS*STONER*TURNED*WHITE*TO*THE*LIPS*AS*SHE*LISTENED.

"GOOD*HEAVENS!"*SHE*CRIED,*"HE*HAS*FOLLOWED*ME,*THEN."

"SO*IT*APPEARS."

"HE*IS*SO*CUNNING*THAT*I*NEVER*KNOW*WHEN*I*AM*SAFE*FROM*HIM.*WHAT*WILL*HE*SAY*WHEN*HE*RETURNS?"

"HE*MUST*GUARD*HIMSELF,*FOR*HE*MAY*FIND*THAT*THERE*IS*SOMEONE*MORE*CUNNING*THAN*HIMSELF*UPON*HIS*TRACK.*YOU*MUST*LOCK*YOURSELF*UP*FROM*HIM*TO-NIGHT.*IF*HE*IS*VIOLENT,*WE*SHALL*TAKE*YOU*AWAY*TO*YOUR*AUNT'S*AT*HARROW.*NOW,*WE*MUST*MAKE*THE*BEST*USE*OF*OUR*TIME,*SO*KINDLY*TAKE*US*AT*ONCE*TO*THE*ROOMS*WHICH*WE*ARE*TO*EXAMINE."

THE*BUILDING*WAS*OF*GREY,*LICHEN-BLOTCHED*STONE,*WITH*A*HIGH*CENTRAL*PORTION*AND*TWO*CURVING*WINGS,*LIKE*THE*CLAWS*OF*A*CRAB,*THROWN*OUT*ON*EACH*SIDE.*IN*ONE*OF*THESE*WINGS*THE*WINDOWS*WERE*BROKEN*AND*BLOCKED*WITH*WOODEN*BOARDS,*WHILE*THE*ROOF*WAS*PARTLY*CAVED*IN,*A*PICTURE*OF*RUIN.*THE*CENTRAL*PORTION*WAS*IN*LITTLE*BETTER*REPAIR,*BUT*THE*RIGHT-HAND*BLOCK*WAS*COMPARATIVELY*MODERN,*AND*THE*BLINDS*IN*THE*WINDOWS,*WITH*THE*BLUE*SMOKE*CURLING*UP*FROM*THE*CHIMNEYS,*SHOWED*THAT*THIS*WAS*WHERE*THE*FAMILY*RESIDED.*SOME*SCAFFOLDING*HAD*BEEN*ERECTED*AGAINST*THE*END*WALL,*AND*THE*STONE-WORK*HAD*BEEN*BROKEN*INTO,*BUT*THERE*WERE*NO*SIGNS*OF*ANY*WORKMEN*AT*THE*MOMENT*OF*OUR*VISIT.*HOLMES*WALKED*SLOWLY*UP*AND*DOWN*THE*ILL-TRIMMED*LAWN*AND*EXAMINED*WITH*DEEP*ATTENTION*THE*OUTSIDES*OF*THE*WINDOWS.

"THIS,*I*TAKE*IT,*BELONGS*TO*THE*ROOM*IN*WHICH*YOU*USED*TO*SLEEP,*THE*CENTRE*ONE*TO*YOUR*SISTER'S,*AND*THE*ONE*NEXT*TO*THE*MAIN*BUILDING*TO*DR.*ROYLOTT'S*CHAMBER?"

"EXACTLY*SO.*BUT*I*AM*NOW*SLEEPING*IN*THE*MIDDLE*ONE."

"PENDING*THE*ALTERATIONS,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND.*BY*THE*WAY,*THERE*DOES*NOT*SEEM*TO*BE*ANY*VERY*PRESSING*NEED*FOR*REPAIRS*AT*THAT*END*WALL."

"THERE*WERE*NONE.*I*BELIEVE*THAT*IT*WAS*AN*EXCUSE*TO*MOVE*ME*FROM*MY*ROOM."

"AH!*THAT*IS*SUGGESTIVE.*NOW,*ON*THE*OTHER*SIDE*OF*THIS*NARROW*WING*RUNS*THE*CORRIDOR*FROM*WHICH*THESE*THREE*ROOMS*OPEN.*THERE*ARE*WINDOWS*IN*IT,*OF*COURSE?"

"YES,*BUT*VERY*SMALL*ONES.*TOO*NARROW*FOR*ANYONE*TO*PASS*THROUGH."

"AS*YOU*BOTH*LOCKED*YOUR*DOORS*AT*NIGHT,*YOUR*ROOMS*WERE*UNAPPROACHABLE*FROM*THAT*SIDE.*NOW,*WOULD*YOU*HAVE*THE*KINDNESS*TO*GO*INTO*YOUR*ROOM*AND*BAR*YOUR*SHUTTERS?"

MISS*STONER*DID*SO,*AND*HOLMES,*AFTER*A*CAREFUL*EXAMINATION*THROUGH*THE*OPEN*WINDOW,*ENDEAVOURED*IN*EVERY*WAY*TO*FORCE*THE*SHUTTER*OPEN,*BUT*WITHOUT*SUCCESS.*THERE*WAS*NO*SLIT*THROUGH*WHICH*A*KNIFE*COULD*BE*PASSED*TO*RAISE*THE*BAR.*THEN*WITH*HIS*LENS*HE*TESTED*THE*HINGES,*BUT*THEY*WERE*OF*SOLID*IRON,*BUILT*FIRMLY*INTO*THE*MASSIVE*MASONRY.*"HUM!"*SAID*HE,*SCRATCHING*HIS*CHIN*IN*SOME*PERPLEXITY,*"MY*THEORY*CERTAINLY*PRESENTS*SOME*DIFFICULTIES.*NO*ONE*COULD*PASS*THESE*SHUTTERS*IF*THEY*WERE*BOLTED.*WELL,*WE*SHALL*SEE*IF*THE*INSIDE*THROWS*ANY*LIGHT*UPON*THE*MATTER."

A*SMALL*SIDE*DOOR*LED*INTO*THE*WHITEWASHED*CORRIDOR*FROM*WHICH*THE*THREE*BEDROOMS*OPENED.*HOLMES*REFUSED*TO*EXAMINE*THE*THIRD*CHAMBER,*SO*WE*PASSED*AT*ONCE*TO*THE*SECOND,*THAT*IN*WHICH*MISS*STONER*WAS*NOW*SLEEPING,*AND*IN*WHICH*HER*SISTER*HAD*MET*WITH*HER*FATE.*IT*WAS*A*HOMELY*LITTLE*ROOM,*WITH*A*LOW*CEILING*AND*A*GAPING*FIREPLACE,*AFTER*THE*FASHION*OF*OLD*COUNTRY-HOUSES.*A*BROWN*CHEST*OF*DRAWERS*STOOD*IN*ONE*CORNER,*A*NARROW*WHITE-COUNTERPANED*BED*IN*ANOTHER,*AND*A*DRESSING-TABLE*ON*THE*LEFT-HAND*SIDE*OF*THE*WINDOW.*THESE*ARTICLES,*WITH*TWO*SMALL*WICKER-WORK*CHAIRS,*MADE*UP*ALL*THE*FURNITURE*IN*THE*ROOM*SAVE*FOR*A*SQUARE*OF*WILTON*CARPET*IN*THE*CENTRE.*THE*BOARDS*ROUND*AND*THE*PANELLING*OF*THE*WALLS*WERE*OF*BROWN,*WORM-EATEN*OAK,*SO*OLD*AND*DISCOLOURED*THAT*IT*MAY*HAVE*DATED*FROM*THE*ORIGINAL*BUILDING*OF*THE*HOUSE.*HOLMES*DREW*ONE*OF*THE*CHAIRS*INTO*A*CORNER*AND*SAT*SILENT,*WHILE*HIS*EYES*TRAVELLED*ROUND*AND*ROUND*AND*UP*AND*DOWN,*TAKING*IN*EVERY*DETAIL*OF*THE*APARTMENT.

"WHERE*DOES*THAT*BELL*COMMUNICATE*WITH?"*HE*ASKED*AT*LAST*POINTING*TO*A*THICK*BELL-ROPE*WHICH*HUNG*DOWN*BESIDE*THE*BED,*THE*TASSEL*ACTUALLY*LYING*UPON*THE*PILLOW.

"IT*GOES*TO*THE*HOUSEKEEPER'S*ROOM."

"IT*LOOKS*NEWER*THAN*THE*OTHER*THINGS?"

"YES,*IT*WAS*ONLY*PUT*THERE*A*COUPLE*OF*YEARS*AGO."

"YOUR*SISTER*ASKED*FOR*IT,*I*SUPPOSE?"

"NO,*I*NEVER*HEARD*OF*HER*USING*IT.*WE*USED*ALWAYS*TO*GET*WHAT*WE*WANTED*FOR*OURSELVES."

"INDEED,*IT*SEEMED*UNNECESSARY*TO*PUT*SO*NICE*A*BELL-PULL*THERE.*YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*ME*FOR*A*FEW*MINUTES*WHILE*I*SATISFY*MYSELF*AS*TO*THIS*FLOOR."*HE*THREW*HIMSELF*DOWN*UPON*HIS*FACE*WITH*HIS*LENS*IN*HIS*HAND*AND*CRAWLED*SWIFTLY*BACKWARD*AND*FORWARD,*EXAMINING*MINUTELY*THE*CRACKS*BETWEEN*THE*BOARDS.*THEN*HE*DID*THE*SAME*WITH*THE*WOOD-WORK*WITH*WHICH*THE*CHAMBER*WAS*PANELLED.*FINALLY*HE*WALKED*OVER*TO*THE*BED*AND*SPENT*SOME*TIME*IN*STARING*AT*IT*AND*IN*RUNNING*HIS*EYE*UP*AND*DOWN*THE*WALL.*FINALLY*HE*TOOK*THE*BELL-ROPE*IN*HIS*HAND*AND*GAVE*IT*A*BRISK*TUG.

"WHY,*IT'S*A*DUMMY,"*SAID*HE.

"WON'T*IT*RING?"

"NO,*IT*IS*NOT*EVEN*ATTACHED*TO*A*WIRE.*THIS*IS*VERY*INTERESTING.*YOU*CAN*SEE*NOW*THAT*IT*IS*FASTENED*TO*A*HOOK*JUST*ABOVE*WHERE*THE*LITTLE*OPENING*FOR*THE*VENTILATOR*IS."

"HOW*VERY*ABSURD!*I*NEVER*NOTICED*THAT*BEFORE."

"VERY*STRANGE!"*MUTTERED*HOLMES,*PULLING*AT*THE*ROPE.*"THERE*ARE*ONE*OR*TWO*VERY*SINGULAR*POINTS*ABOUT*THIS*ROOM.*FOR*EXAMPLE,*WHAT*A*FOOL*A*BUILDER*MUST*BE*TO*OPEN*A*VENTILATOR*INTO*ANOTHER*ROOM,*WHEN,*WITH*THE*SAME*TROUBLE,*HE*MIGHT*HAVE*COMMUNICATED*WITH*THE*OUTSIDE*AIR!"

"THAT*IS*ALSO*QUITE*MODERN,"*SAID*THE*LADY.

"DONE*ABOUT*THE*SAME*TIME*AS*THE*BELL-ROPE?"*REMARKED*HOLMES.

"YES,*THERE*WERE*SEVERAL*LITTLE*CHANGES*CARRIED*OUT*ABOUT*THAT*TIME."

"THEY*SEEM*TO*HAVE*BEEN*OF*A*MOST*INTERESTING*CHARACTER--DUMMY*BELL-ROPES,*AND*VENTILATORS*WHICH*DO*NOT*VENTILATE.*WITH*YOUR*PERMISSION,*MISS*STONER,*WE*SHALL*NOW*CARRY*OUR*RESEARCHES*INTO*THE*INNER*APARTMENT."

DR.*GRIMESBY*ROYLOTT'S*CHAMBER*WAS*LARGER*THAN*THAT*OF*HIS*STEP-DAUGHTER,*BUT*WAS*AS*PLAINLY*FURNISHED.*A*CAMP-BED,*A*SMALL*WOODEN*SHELF*FULL*OF*BOOKS,*MOSTLY*OF*A*TECHNICAL*CHARACTER,*AN*ARMCHAIR*BESIDE*THE*BED,*A*PLAIN*WOODEN*CHAIR*AGAINST*THE*WALL,*A*ROUND*TABLE,*AND*A*LARGE*IRON*SAFE*WERE*THE*PRINCIPAL*THINGS*WHICH*MET*THE*EYE.*HOLMES*WALKED*SLOWLY*ROUND*AND*EXAMINED*EACH*AND*ALL*OF*THEM*WITH*THE*KEENEST*INTEREST.

"WHAT'S*IN*HERE?"*HE*ASKED,*TAPPING*THE*SAFE.

"MY*STEPFATHER'S*BUSINESS*PAPERS."

"OH!*YOU*HAVE*SEEN*INSIDE,*THEN?"

"ONLY*ONCE,*SOME*YEARS*AGO.*I*REMEMBER*THAT*IT*WAS*FULL*OF*PAPERS."

"THERE*ISN'T*A*CAT*IN*IT,*FOR*EXAMPLE?"

"NO.*WHAT*A*STRANGE*IDEA!"

"WELL,*LOOK*AT*THIS!"*HE*TOOK*UP*A*SMALL*SAUCER*OF*MILK*WHICH*STOOD*ON*THE*TOP*OF*IT.

"NO;*WE*DON'T*KEEP*A*CAT.*BUT*THERE*IS*A*CHEETAH*AND*A*BABOON."

"AH,*YES,*OF*COURSE!*WELL,*A*CHEETAH*IS*JUST*A*BIG*CAT,*AND*YET*A*SAUCER*OF*MILK*DOES*NOT*GO*VERY*FAR*IN*SATISFYING*ITS*WANTS,*I*DARESAY.*THERE*IS*ONE*POINT*WHICH*I*SHOULD*WISH*TO*DETERMINE."*HE*SQUATTED*DOWN*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*WOODEN*CHAIR*AND*EXAMINED*THE*SEAT*OF*IT*WITH*THE*GREATEST*ATTENTION.

"THANK*YOU.*THAT*IS*QUITE*SETTLED,"*SAID*HE,*RISING*AND*PUTTING*HIS*LENS*IN*HIS*POCKET.*"HULLO!*HERE*IS*SOMETHING*INTERESTING!"

THE*OBJECT*WHICH*HAD*CAUGHT*HIS*EYE*WAS*A*SMALL*DOG*LASH*HUNG*ON*ONE*CORNER*OF*THE*BED.*THE*LASH,*HOWEVER,*WAS*CURLED*UPON*ITSELF*AND*TIED*SO*AS*TO*MAKE*A*LOOP*OF*WHIPCORD.

"WHAT*DO*YOU*MAKE*OF*THAT,*WATSON?"

"IT'S*A*COMMON*ENOUGH*LASH.*BUT*I*DON'T*KNOW*WHY*IT*SHOULD*BE*TIED."

"THAT*IS*NOT*QUITE*SO*COMMON,*IS*IT?*AH,*ME!*IT'S*A*WICKED*WORLD,*AND*WHEN*A*CLEVER*MAN*TURNS*HIS*BRAINS*TO*CRIME*IT*IS*THE*WORST*OF*ALL.*I*THINK*THAT*I*HAVE*SEEN*ENOUGH*NOW,*MISS*STONER,*AND*WITH*YOUR*PERMISSION*WE*SHALL*WALK*OUT*UPON*THE*LAWN."

I*HAD*NEVER*SEEN*MY*FRIEND'S*FACE*SO*GRIM*OR*HIS*BROW*SO*DARK*AS*IT*WAS*WHEN*WE*TURNED*FROM*THE*SCENE*OF*THIS*INVESTIGATION.*WE*HAD*WALKED*SEVERAL*TIMES*UP*AND*DOWN*THE*LAWN,*NEITHER*MISS*STONER*NOR*MYSELF*LIKING*TO*BREAK*IN*UPON*HIS*THOUGHTS*BEFORE*HE*ROUSED*HIMSELF*FROM*HIS*REVERIE.

"IT*IS*VERY*ESSENTIAL,*MISS*STONER,"*SAID*HE,*"THAT*YOU*SHOULD*ABSOLUTELY*FOLLOW*MY*ADVICE*IN*EVERY*RESPECT."

"I*SHALL*MOST*CERTAINLY*DO*SO."

"THE*MATTER*IS*TOO*SERIOUS*FOR*ANY*HESITATION.*YOUR*LIFE*MAY*DEPEND*UPON*YOUR*COMPLIANCE."

"I*ASSURE*YOU*THAT*I*AM*IN*YOUR*HANDS."

"IN*THE*FIRST*PLACE,*BOTH*MY*FRIEND*AND*I*MUST*SPEND*THE*NIGHT*IN*YOUR*ROOM."

BOTH*MISS*STONER*AND*I*GAZED*AT*HIM*IN*ASTONISHMENT.

"YES,*IT*MUST*BE*SO.*LET*ME*EXPLAIN.*I*BELIEVE*THAT*THAT*IS*THE*VILLAGE*INN*OVER*THERE?"

"YES,*THAT*IS*THE*CROWN."

"VERY*GOOD.*YOUR*WINDOWS*WOULD*BE*VISIBLE*FROM*THERE?"

"CERTAINLY."

"YOU*MUST*CONFINE*YOURSELF*TO*YOUR*ROOM,*ON*PRETENCE*OF*A*HEADACHE,*WHEN*YOUR*STEPFATHER*COMES*BACK.*THEN*WHEN*YOU*HEAR*HIM*RETIRE*FOR*THE*NIGHT,*YOU*MUST*OPEN*THE*SHUTTERS*OF*YOUR*WINDOW,*UNDO*THE*HASP,*PUT*YOUR*LAMP*THERE*AS*A*SIGNAL*TO*US,*AND*THEN*WITHDRAW*QUIETLY*WITH*EVERYTHING*WHICH*YOU*ARE*LIKELY*TO*WANT*INTO*THE*ROOM*WHICH*YOU*USED*TO*OCCUPY.*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT,*IN*SPITE*OF*THE*REPAIRS,*YOU*COULD*MANAGE*THERE*FOR*ONE*NIGHT."

"OH,*YES,*EASILY."

"THE*REST*YOU*WILL*LEAVE*IN*OUR*HANDS."

"BUT*WHAT*WILL*YOU*DO?"

"WE*SHALL*SPEND*THE*NIGHT*IN*YOUR*ROOM,*AND*WE*SHALL*INVESTIGATE*THE*CAUSE*OF*THIS*NOISE*WHICH*HAS*DISTURBED*YOU."

"I*BELIEVE,*MR.*HOLMES,*THAT*YOU*HAVE*ALREADY*MADE*UP*YOUR*MIND,"*SAID*MISS*STONER,*LAYING*HER*HAND*UPON*MY*COMPANION'S*SLEEVE.

"PERHAPS*I*HAVE."

"THEN,*FOR*PITY'S*SAKE,*TELL*ME*WHAT*WAS*THE*CAUSE*OF*MY*SISTER'S*DEATH."

"I*SHOULD*PREFER*TO*HAVE*CLEARER*PROOFS*BEFORE*I*SPEAK."

"YOU*CAN*AT*LEAST*TELL*ME*WHETHER*MY*OWN*THOUGHT*IS*CORRECT,*AND*IF*SHE*DIED*FROM*SOME*SUDDEN*FRIGHT."

"NO,*I*DO*NOT*THINK*SO.*I*THINK*THAT*THERE*WAS*PROBABLY*SOME*MORE*TANGIBLE*CAUSE.*AND*NOW,*MISS*STONER,*WE*MUST*LEAVE*YOU*FOR*IF*DR.*ROYLOTT*RETURNED*AND*SAW*US*OUR*JOURNEY*WOULD*BE*IN*VAIN.*GOOD-BYE,*AND*BE*BRAVE,*FOR*IF*YOU*WILL*DO*WHAT*I*HAVE*TOLD*YOU,*YOU*MAY*REST*ASSURED*THAT*WE*SHALL*SOON*DRIVE*AWAY*THE*DANGERS*THAT*THREATEN*YOU."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*AND*I*HAD*NO*DIFFICULTY*IN*ENGAGING*A*BEDROOM*AND*SITTING-ROOM*AT*THE*CROWN*INN.*THEY*WERE*ON*THE*UPPER*FLOOR,*AND*FROM*OUR*WINDOW*WE*COULD*COMMAND*A*VIEW*OF*THE*AVENUE*GATE,*AND*OF*THE*INHABITED*WING*OF*STOKE*MORAN*MANOR*HOUSE.*AT*DUSK*WE*SAW*DR.*GRIMESBY*ROYLOTT*DRIVE*PAST,*HIS*HUGE*FORM*LOOMING*UP*BESIDE*THE*LITTLE*FIGURE*OF*THE*LAD*WHO*DROVE*HIM.*THE*BOY*HAD*SOME*SLIGHT*DIFFICULTY*IN*UNDOING*THE*HEAVY*IRON*GATES,*AND*WE*HEARD*THE*HOARSE*ROAR*OF*THE*DOCTOR'S*VOICE*AND*SAW*THE*FURY*WITH*WHICH*HE*SHOOK*HIS*CLINCHED*FISTS*AT*HIM.*THE*TRAP*DROVE*ON,*AND*A*FEW*MINUTES*LATER*WE*SAW*A*SUDDEN*LIGHT*SPRING*UP*AMONG*THE*TREES*AS*THE*LAMP*WAS*LIT*IN*ONE*OF*THE*SITTING-ROOMS.

"DO*YOU*KNOW,*WATSON,"*SAID*HOLMES*AS*WE*SAT*TOGETHER*IN*THE*GATHERING*DARKNESS,*"I*HAVE*REALLY*SOME*SCRUPLES*AS*TO*TAKING*YOU*TO-NIGHT.*THERE*IS*A*DISTINCT*ELEMENT*OF*DANGER."

"CAN*I*BE*OF*ASSISTANCE?"

"YOUR*PRESENCE*MIGHT*BE*INVALUABLE."

"THEN*I*SHALL*CERTAINLY*COME."

"IT*IS*VERY*KIND*OF*YOU."

"YOU*SPEAK*OF*DANGER.*YOU*HAVE*EVIDENTLY*SEEN*MORE*IN*THESE*ROOMS*THAN*WAS*VISIBLE*TO*ME."

"NO,*BUT*I*FANCY*THAT*I*MAY*HAVE*DEDUCED*A*LITTLE*MORE.*I*IMAGINE*THAT*YOU*SAW*ALL*THAT*I*DID."

"I*SAW*NOTHING*REMARKABLE*SAVE*THE*BELL-ROPE,*AND*WHAT*PURPOSE*THAT*COULD*ANSWER*I*CONFESS*IS*MORE*THAN*I*CAN*IMAGINE."

"YOU*SAW*THE*VENTILATOR,*TOO?"

"YES,*BUT*I*DO*NOT*THINK*THAT*IT*IS*SUCH*A*VERY*UNUSUAL*THING*TO*HAVE*A*SMALL*OPENING*BETWEEN*TWO*ROOMS.*IT*WAS*SO*SMALL*THAT*A*RAT*COULD*HARDLY*PASS*THROUGH."

"I*KNEW*THAT*WE*SHOULD*FIND*A*VENTILATOR*BEFORE*EVER*WE*CAME*TO*STOKE*MORAN."

"MY*DEAR*HOLMES!"

"OH,*YES,*I*DID.*YOU*REMEMBER*IN*HER*STATEMENT*SHE*SAID*THAT*HER*SISTER*COULD*SMELL*DR.*ROYLOTT'S*CIGAR.*NOW,*OF*COURSE*THAT*SUGGESTED*AT*ONCE*THAT*THERE*MUST*BE*A*COMMUNICATION*BETWEEN*THE*TWO*ROOMS.*IT*COULD*ONLY*BE*A*SMALL*ONE,*OR*IT*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*REMARKED*UPON*AT*THE*CORONER'S*INQUIRY.*I*DEDUCED*A*VENTILATOR."

"BUT*WHAT*HARM*CAN*THERE*BE*IN*THAT?"

"WELL,*THERE*IS*AT*LEAST*A*CURIOUS*COINCIDENCE*OF*DATES.*A*VENTILATOR*IS*MADE,*A*CORD*IS*HUNG,*AND*A*LADY*WHO*SLEEPS*IN*THE*BED*DIES.*DOES*NOT*THAT*STRIKE*YOU?"

"I*CANNOT*AS*YET*SEE*ANY*CONNECTION."

"DID*YOU*OBSERVE*ANYTHING*VERY*PECULIAR*ABOUT*THAT*BED?"

"NO."

"IT*WAS*CLAMPED*TO*THE*FLOOR.*DID*YOU*EVER*SEE*A*BED*FASTENED*LIKE*THAT*BEFORE?"

"I*CANNOT*SAY*THAT*I*HAVE."

"THE*LADY*COULD*NOT*MOVE*HER*BED.*IT*MUST*ALWAYS*BE*IN*THE*SAME*RELATIVE*POSITION*TO*THE*VENTILATOR*AND*TO*THE*ROPE--OR*SO*WE*MAY*CALL*IT,*SINCE*IT*WAS*CLEARLY*NEVER*MEANT*FOR*A*BELL-PULL."

"HOLMES,"*I*CRIED,*"I*SEEM*TO*SEE*DIMLY*WHAT*YOU*ARE*HINTING*AT.*WE*ARE*ONLY*JUST*IN*TIME*TO*PREVENT*SOME*SUBTLE*AND*HORRIBLE*CRIME."

"SUBTLE*ENOUGH*AND*HORRIBLE*ENOUGH.*WHEN*A*DOCTOR*DOES*GO*WRONG*HE*IS*THE*FIRST*OF*CRIMINALS.*HE*HAS*NERVE*AND*HE*HAS*KNOWLEDGE.*PALMER*AND*PRITCHARD*WERE*AMONG*THE*HEADS*OF*THEIR*PROFESSION.*THIS*MAN*STRIKES*EVEN*DEEPER,*BUT*I*THINK,*WATSON,*THAT*WE*SHALL*BE*ABLE*TO*STRIKE*DEEPER*STILL.*BUT*WE*SHALL*HAVE*HORRORS*ENOUGH*BEFORE*THE*NIGHT*IS*OVER;*FOR*GOODNESS'*SAKE*LET*US*HAVE*A*QUIET*PIPE*AND*TURN*OUR*MINDS*FOR*A*FEW*HOURS*TO*SOMETHING*MORE*CHEERFUL."

ABOUT*NINE*O'CLOCK*THE*LIGHT*AMONG*THE*TREES*WAS*EXTINGUISHED,*AND*ALL*WAS*DARK*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*THE*MANOR*HOUSE.*TWO*HOURS*PASSED*SLOWLY*AWAY,*AND*THEN,*SUDDENLY,*JUST*AT*THE*STROKE*OF*ELEVEN,*A*SINGLE*BRIGHT*LIGHT*SHONE*OUT*RIGHT*IN*FRONT*OF*US.

"THAT*IS*OUR*SIGNAL,"*SAID*HOLMES,*SPRINGING*TO*HIS*FEET;*"IT*COMES*FROM*THE*MIDDLE*WINDOW."

AS*WE*PASSED*OUT*HE*EXCHANGED*A*FEW*WORDS*WITH*THE*LANDLORD,*EXPLAINING*THAT*WE*WERE*GOING*ON*A*LATE*VISIT*TO*AN*ACQUAINTANCE,*AND*THAT*IT*WAS*POSSIBLE*THAT*WE*MIGHT*SPEND*THE*NIGHT*THERE.*A*MOMENT*LATER*WE*WERE*OUT*ON*THE*DARK*ROAD,*A*CHILL*WIND*BLOWING*IN*OUR*FACES,*AND*ONE*YELLOW*LIGHT*TWINKLING*IN*FRONT*OF*US*THROUGH*THE*GLOOM*TO*GUIDE*US*ON*OUR*SOMBRE*ERRAND.

THERE*WAS*LITTLE*DIFFICULTY*IN*ENTERING*THE*GROUNDS,*FOR*UNREPAIRED*BREACHES*GAPED*IN*THE*OLD*PARK*WALL.*MAKING*OUR*WAY*AMONG*THE*TREES,*WE*REACHED*THE*LAWN,*CROSSED*IT,*AND*WERE*ABOUT*TO*ENTER*THROUGH*THE*WINDOW*WHEN*OUT*FROM*A*CLUMP*OF*LAUREL*BUSHES*THERE*DARTED*WHAT*SEEMED*TO*BE*A*HIDEOUS*AND*DISTORTED*CHILD,*WHO*THREW*ITSELF*UPON*THE*GRASS*WITH*WRITHING*LIMBS*AND*THEN*RAN*SWIFTLY*ACROSS*THE*LAWN*INTO*THE*DARKNESS.

"MY*GOD!"*I*WHISPERED;*"DID*YOU*SEE*IT?"

HOLMES*WAS*FOR*THE*MOMENT*AS*STARTLED*AS*I.*HIS*HAND*CLOSED*LIKE*A*VICE*UPON*MY*WRIST*IN*HIS*AGITATION.*THEN*HE*BROKE*INTO*A*LOW*LAUGH*AND*PUT*HIS*LIPS*TO*MY*EAR.

"IT*IS*A*NICE*HOUSEHOLD,"*HE*MURMURED.*"THAT*IS*THE*BABOON."

I*HAD*FORGOTTEN*THE*STRANGE*PETS*WHICH*THE*DOCTOR*AFFECTED.*THERE*WAS*A*CHEETAH,*TOO;*PERHAPS*WE*MIGHT*FIND*IT*UPON*OUR*SHOULDERS*AT*ANY*MOMENT.*I*CONFESS*THAT*I*FELT*EASIER*IN*MY*MIND*WHEN,*AFTER*FOLLOWING*HOLMES'*EXAMPLE*AND*SLIPPING*OFF*MY*SHOES,*I*FOUND*MYSELF*INSIDE*THE*BEDROOM.*MY*COMPANION*NOISELESSLY*CLOSED*THE*SHUTTERS,*MOVED*THE*LAMP*ONTO*THE*TABLE,*AND*CAST*HIS*EYES*ROUND*THE*ROOM.*ALL*WAS*AS*WE*HAD*SEEN*IT*IN*THE*DAYTIME.*THEN*CREEPING*UP*TO*ME*AND*MAKING*A*TRUMPET*OF*HIS*HAND,*HE*WHISPERED*INTO*MY*EAR*AGAIN*SO*GENTLY*THAT*IT*WAS*ALL*THAT*I*COULD*DO*TO*DISTINGUISH*THE*WORDS:

"THE*LEAST*SOUND*WOULD*BE*FATAL*TO*OUR*PLANS."

I*NODDED*TO*SHOW*THAT*I*HAD*HEARD.

"WE*MUST*SIT*WITHOUT*LIGHT.*HE*WOULD*SEE*IT*THROUGH*THE*VENTILATOR."

I*NODDED*AGAIN.

"DO*NOT*GO*ASLEEP;*YOUR*VERY*LIFE*MAY*DEPEND*UPON*IT.*HAVE*YOUR*PISTOL*READY*IN*CASE*WE*SHOULD*NEED*IT.*I*WILL*SIT*ON*THE*SIDE*OF*THE*BED,*AND*YOU*IN*THAT*CHAIR."

I*TOOK*OUT*MY*REVOLVER*AND*LAID*IT*ON*THE*CORNER*OF*THE*TABLE.

HOLMES*HAD*BROUGHT*UP*A*LONG*THIN*CANE,*AND*THIS*HE*PLACED*UPON*THE*BED*BESIDE*HIM.*BY*IT*HE*LAID*THE*BOX*OF*MATCHES*AND*THE*STUMP*OF*A*CANDLE.*THEN*HE*TURNED*DOWN*THE*LAMP,*AND*WE*WERE*LEFT*IN*DARKNESS.

HOW*SHALL*I*EVER*FORGET*THAT*DREADFUL*VIGIL?*I*COULD*NOT*HEAR*A*SOUND,*NOT*EVEN*THE*DRAWING*OF*A*BREATH,*AND*YET*I*KNEW*THAT*MY*COMPANION*SAT*OPEN-EYED,*WITHIN*A*FEW*FEET*OF*ME,*IN*THE*SAME*STATE*OF*NERVOUS*TENSION*IN*WHICH*I*WAS*MYSELF.*THE*SHUTTERS*CUT*OFF*THE*LEAST*RAY*OF*LIGHT,*AND*WE*WAITED*IN*ABSOLUTE*DARKNESS.

FROM*OUTSIDE*CAME*THE*OCCASIONAL*CRY*OF*A*NIGHT-BIRD,*AND*ONCE*AT*OUR*VERY*WINDOW*A*LONG*DRAWN*CATLIKE*WHINE,*WHICH*TOLD*US*THAT*THE*CHEETAH*WAS*INDEED*AT*LIBERTY.*FAR*AWAY*WE*COULD*HEAR*THE*DEEP*TONES*OF*THE*PARISH*CLOCK,*WHICH*BOOMED*OUT*EVERY*QUARTER*OF*AN*HOUR.*HOW*LONG*THEY*SEEMED,*THOSE*QUARTERS!*TWELVE*STRUCK,*AND*ONE*AND*TWO*AND*THREE,*AND*STILL*WE*SAT*WAITING*SILENTLY*FOR*WHATEVER*MIGHT*BEFALL.

SUDDENLY*THERE*WAS*THE*MOMENTARY*GLEAM*OF*A*LIGHT*UP*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*THE*VENTILATOR,*WHICH*VANISHED*IMMEDIATELY,*BUT*WAS*SUCCEEDED*BY*A*STRONG*SMELL*OF*BURNING*OIL*AND*HEATED*METAL.*SOMEONE*IN*THE*NEXT*ROOM*HAD*LIT*A*DARK-LANTERN.*I*HEARD*A*GENTLE*SOUND*OF*MOVEMENT,*AND*THEN*ALL*WAS*SILENT*ONCE*MORE,*THOUGH*THE*SMELL*GREW*STRONGER.*FOR*HALF*AN*HOUR*I*SAT*WITH*STRAINING*EARS.*THEN*SUDDENLY*ANOTHER*SOUND*BECAME*AUDIBLE--A*VERY*GENTLE,*SOOTHING*SOUND,*LIKE*THAT*OF*A*SMALL*JET*OF*STEAM*ESCAPING*CONTINUALLY*FROM*A*KETTLE.*THE*INSTANT*THAT*WE*HEARD*IT,*HOLMES*SPRANG*FROM*THE*BED,*STRUCK*A*MATCH,*AND*LASHED*FURIOUSLY*WITH*HIS*CANE*AT*THE*BELL-PULL.

"YOU*SEE*IT,*WATSON?"*HE*YELLED.*"YOU*SEE*IT?"

BUT*I*SAW*NOTHING.*AT*THE*MOMENT*WHEN*HOLMES*STRUCK*THE*LIGHT*I*HEARD*A*LOW,*CLEAR*WHISTLE,*BUT*THE*SUDDEN*GLARE*FLASHING*INTO*MY*WEARY*EYES*MADE*IT*IMPOSSIBLE*FOR*ME*TO*TELL*WHAT*IT*WAS*AT*WHICH*MY*FRIEND*LASHED*SO*SAVAGELY.*I*COULD,*HOWEVER,*SEE*THAT*HIS*FACE*WAS*DEADLY*PALE*AND*FILLED*WITH*HORROR*AND*LOATHING.*HE*HAD*CEASED*TO*STRIKE*AND*WAS*GAZING*UP*AT*THE*VENTILATOR*WHEN*SUDDENLY*THERE*BROKE*FROM*THE*SILENCE*OF*THE*NIGHT*THE*MOST*HORRIBLE*CRY*TO*WHICH*I*HAVE*EVER*LISTENED.*IT*SWELLED*UP*LOUDER*AND*LOUDER,*A*HOARSE*YELL*OF*PAIN*AND*FEAR*AND*ANGER*ALL*MINGLED*IN*THE*ONE*DREADFUL*SHRIEK.*THEY*SAY*THAT*AWAY*DOWN*IN*THE*VILLAGE,*AND*EVEN*IN*THE*DISTANT*PARSONAGE,*THAT*CRY*RAISED*THE*SLEEPERS*FROM*THEIR*BEDS.*IT*STRUCK*COLD*TO*OUR*HEARTS,*AND*I*STOOD*GAZING*AT*HOLMES,*AND*HE*AT*ME,*UNTIL*THE*LAST*ECHOES*OF*IT*HAD*DIED*AWAY*INTO*THE*SILENCE*FROM*WHICH*IT*ROSE.

"WHAT*CAN*IT*MEAN?"*I*GASPED.

"IT*MEANS*THAT*IT*IS*ALL*OVER,"*HOLMES*ANSWERED.*"AND*PERHAPS,*AFTER*ALL,*IT*IS*FOR*THE*BEST.*TAKE*YOUR*PISTOL,*AND*WE*WILL*ENTER*DR.*ROYLOTT'S*ROOM."

WITH*A*GRAVE*FACE*HE*LIT*THE*LAMP*AND*LED*THE*WAY*DOWN*THE*CORRIDOR.*TWICE*HE*STRUCK*AT*THE*CHAMBER*DOOR*WITHOUT*ANY*REPLY*FROM*WITHIN.*THEN*HE*TURNED*THE*HANDLE*AND*ENTERED,*I*AT*HIS*HEELS,*WITH*THE*COCKED*PISTOL*IN*MY*HAND.

IT*WAS*A*SINGULAR*SIGHT*WHICH*MET*OUR*EYES.*ON*THE*TABLE*STOOD*A*DARK-LANTERN*WITH*THE*SHUTTER*HALF*OPEN,*THROWING*A*BRILLIANT*BEAM*OF*LIGHT*UPON*THE*IRON*SAFE,*THE*DOOR*OF*WHICH*WAS*AJAR.*BESIDE*THIS*TABLE,*ON*THE*WOODEN*CHAIR,*SAT*DR.*GRIMESBY*ROYLOTT*CLAD*IN*A*LONG*GREY*DRESSING-GOWN,*HIS*BARE*ANKLES*PROTRUDING*BENEATH,*AND*HIS*FEET*THRUST*INTO*RED*HEELLESS*TURKISH*SLIPPERS.*ACROSS*HIS*LAP*LAY*THE*SHORT*STOCK*WITH*THE*LONG*LASH*WHICH*WE*HAD*NOTICED*DURING*THE*DAY.*HIS*CHIN*WAS*COCKED*UPWARD*AND*HIS*EYES*WERE*FIXED*IN*A*DREADFUL,*RIGID*STARE*AT*THE*CORNER*OF*THE*CEILING.*ROUND*HIS*BROW*HE*HAD*A*PECULIAR*YELLOW*BAND,*WITH*BROWNISH*SPECKLES,*WHICH*SEEMED*TO*BE*BOUND*TIGHTLY*ROUND*HIS*HEAD.*AS*WE*ENTERED*HE*MADE*NEITHER*SOUND*NOR*MOTION.

"THE*BAND!*THE*SPECKLED*BAND!"*WHISPERED*HOLMES.

I*TOOK*A*STEP*FORWARD.*IN*AN*INSTANT*HIS*STRANGE*HEADGEAR*BEGAN*TO*MOVE,*AND*THERE*REARED*ITSELF*FROM*AMONG*HIS*HAIR*THE*SQUAT*DIAMOND-SHAPED*HEAD*AND*PUFFED*NECK*OF*A*LOATHSOME*SERPENT.

"IT*IS*A*SWAMP*ADDER!"*CRIED*HOLMES;*"THE*DEADLIEST*SNAKE*IN*INDIA.*HE*HAS*DIED*WITHIN*TEN*SECONDS*OF*BEING*BITTEN.*VIOLENCE*DOES,*IN*TRUTH,*RECOIL*UPON*THE*VIOLENT,*AND*THE*SCHEMER*FALLS*INTO*THE*PIT*WHICH*HE*DIGS*FOR*ANOTHER.*LET*US*THRUST*THIS*CREATURE*BACK*INTO*ITS*DEN,*AND*WE*CAN*THEN*REMOVE*MISS*STONER*TO*SOME*PLACE*OF*SHELTER*AND*LET*THE*COUNTY*POLICE*KNOW*WHAT*HAS*HAPPENED."

AS*HE*SPOKE*HE*DREW*THE*DOG-WHIP*SWIFTLY*FROM*THE*DEAD*MAN'S*LAP,*AND*THROWING*THE*NOOSE*ROUND*THE*REPTILE'S*NECK*HE*DREW*IT*FROM*ITS*HORRID*PERCH*AND,*CARRYING*IT*AT*ARM'S*LENGTH,*THREW*IT*INTO*THE*IRON*SAFE,*WHICH*HE*CLOSED*UPON*IT.

SUCH*ARE*THE*TRUE*FACTS*OF*THE*DEATH*OF*DR.*GRIMESBY*ROYLOTT,*OF*STOKE*MORAN.*IT*IS*NOT*NECESSARY*THAT*I*SHOULD*PROLONG*A*NARRATIVE*WHICH*HAS*ALREADY*RUN*TO*TOO*GREAT*A*LENGTH*BY*TELLING*HOW*WE*BROKE*THE*SAD*NEWS*TO*THE*TERRIFIED*GIRL,*HOW*WE*CONVEYED*HER*BY*THE*MORNING*TRAIN*TO*THE*CARE*OF*HER*GOOD*AUNT*AT*HARROW,*OF*HOW*THE*SLOW*PROCESS*OF*OFFICIAL*INQUIRY*CAME*TO*THE*CONCLUSION*THAT*THE*DOCTOR*MET*HIS*FATE*WHILE*INDISCREETLY*PLAYING*WITH*A*DANGEROUS*PET.*THE*LITTLE*WHICH*I*HAD*YET*TO*LEARN*OF*THE*CASE*WAS*TOLD*ME*BY*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*AS*WE*TRAVELLED*BACK*NEXT*DAY.


"I*HAD*COME*TO*THESE*CONCLUSIONS*BEFORE*EVER*I*HAD*ENTERED*HIS*ROOM.*AN*INSPECTION*OF*HIS*CHAIR*SHOWED*ME*THAT*HE*HAD*BEEN*IN*THE*HABIT*OF*STANDING*ON*IT,*WHICH*OF*COURSE*WOULD*BE*NECESSARY*IN*ORDER*THAT*HE*SHOULD*REACH*THE*VENTILATOR.*THE*SIGHT*OF*THE*SAFE,*THE*SAUCER*OF*MILK,*AND*THE*LOOP*OF*WHIPCORD*WERE*ENOUGH*TO*FINALLY*DISPEL*ANY*DOUBTS*WHICH*MAY*HAVE*REMAINED.*THE*METALLIC*CLANG*HEARD*BY*MISS*STONER*WAS*OBVIOUSLY*CAUSED*BY*HER*STEPFATHER*HASTILY*CLOSING*THE*DOOR*OF*HIS*SAFE*UPON*ITS*TERRIBLE*OCCUPANT.*HAVING*ONCE*MADE*UP*MY*MIND,*YOU*KNOW*THE*STEPS*WHICH*I*TOOK*IN*ORDER*TO*PUT*THE*MATTER*TO*THE*PROOF.*I*HEARD*THE*CREATURE*HISS*AS*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*YOU*DID*ALSO,*AND*I*INSTANTLY*LIT*THE*LIGHT*AND*ATTACKED*IT."

"WITH*THE*RESULT*OF*DRIVING*IT*THROUGH*THE*VENTILATOR."

"AND*ALSO*WITH*THE*RESULT*OF*CAUSING*IT*TO*TURN*UPON*ITS*MASTER*AT*THE*OTHER*SIDE.*SOME*OF*THE*BLOWS*OF*MY*CANE*CAME*HOME*AND*ROUSED*ITS*SNAKISH*TEMPER,*SO*THAT*IT*FLEW*UPON*THE*FIRST*PERSON*IT*SAW.*IN*THIS*WAY*I*AM*NO*DOUBT*INDIRECTLY*RESPONSIBLE*FOR*DR.*GRIMESBY*ROYLOTT'S*DEATH,*AND*I*CANNOT*SAY*THAT*IT*IS*LIKELY*TO*WEIGH*VERY*HEAVILY*UPON*MY*CONSCIENCE."

IX.**THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*ENGINEER'S*THUMB



IT*WAS*IN*THE*SUMMER*OF*'89,*NOT*LONG*AFTER*MY*MARRIAGE,*THAT*THE*EVENTS*OCCURRED*WHICH*I*AM*NOW*ABOUT*TO*SUMMARISE.*I*HAD*RETURNED*TO*CIVIL*PRACTICE*AND*HAD*FINALLY*ABANDONED*HOLMES*IN*HIS*BAKER*STREET*ROOMS,*ALTHOUGH*I*CONTINUALLY*VISITED*HIM*AND*OCCASIONALLY*EVEN*PERSUADED*HIM*TO*FORGO*HIS*BOHEMIAN*HABITS*SO*FAR*AS*TO*COME*AND*VISIT*US.*MY*PRACTICE*HAD*STEADILY*INCREASED,*AND*AS*I*HAPPENED*TO*LIVE*AT*NO*VERY*GREAT*DISTANCE*FROM*PADDINGTON*STATION,*I*GOT*A*FEW*PATIENTS*FROM*AMONG*THE*OFFICIALS.*ONE*OF*THESE,*WHOM*I*HAD*CURED*OF*A*PAINFUL*AND*LINGERING*DISEASE,*WAS*NEVER*WEARY*OF*ADVERTISING*MY*VIRTUES*AND*OF*ENDEAVOURING*TO*SEND*ME*ON*EVERY*SUFFERER*OVER*WHOM*HE*MIGHT*HAVE*ANY*INFLUENCE.

ONE*MORNING,*AT*A*LITTLE*BEFORE*SEVEN*O'CLOCK,*I*WAS*AWAKENED*BY*THE*MAID*TAPPING*AT*THE*DOOR*TO*ANNOUNCE*THAT*TWO*MEN*HAD*COME*FROM*PADDINGTON*AND*WERE*WAITING*IN*THE*CONSULTING-ROOM.*I*DRESSED*HURRIEDLY,*FOR*I*KNEW*BY*EXPERIENCE*THAT*RAILWAY*CASES*WERE*SELDOM*TRIVIAL,*AND*HASTENED*DOWNSTAIRS.*AS*I*DESCENDED,*MY*OLD*ALLY,*THE*GUARD,*CAME*OUT*OF*THE*ROOM*AND*CLOSED*THE*DOOR*TIGHTLY*BEHIND*HIM.

"I'VE*GOT*HIM*HERE,"*HE*WHISPERED,*JERKING*HIS*THUMB*OVER*HIS*SHOULDER;*"HE'S*ALL*RIGHT."

"WHAT*IS*IT,*THEN?"*I*ASKED,*FOR*HIS*MANNER*SUGGESTED*THAT*IT*WAS*SOME*STRANGE*CREATURE*WHICH*HE*HAD*CAGED*UP*IN*MY*ROOM.

"IT'S*A*NEW*PATIENT,"*HE*WHISPERED.*"I*THOUGHT*I'D*BRING*HIM*ROUND*MYSELF;*THEN*HE*COULDN'T*SLIP*AWAY.*THERE*HE*IS,*ALL*SAFE*AND*SOUND.*I*MUST*GO*NOW,*DOCTOR;*I*HAVE*MY*DOOTIES,*JUST*THE*SAME*AS*YOU."*AND*OFF*HE*WENT,*THIS*TRUSTY*TOUT,*WITHOUT*EVEN*GIVING*ME*TIME*TO*THANK*HIM.

I*ENTERED*MY*CONSULTING-ROOM*AND*FOUND*A*GENTLEMAN*SEATED*BY*THE*TABLE.*HE*WAS*QUIETLY*DRESSED*IN*A*SUIT*OF*HEATHER*TWEED*WITH*A*SOFT*CLOTH*CAP*WHICH*HE*HAD*LAID*DOWN*UPON*MY*BOOKS.*ROUND*ONE*OF*HIS*HANDS*HE*HAD*A*HANDKERCHIEF*WRAPPED,*WHICH*WAS*MOTTLED*ALL*OVER*WITH*BLOODSTAINS.*HE*WAS*YOUNG,*NOT*MORE*THAN*FIVE-AND-TWENTY,*I*SHOULD*SAY,*WITH*A*STRONG,*MASCULINE*FACE;*BUT*HE*WAS*EXCEEDINGLY*PALE*AND*GAVE*ME*THE*IMPRESSION*OF*A*MAN*WHO*WAS*SUFFERING*FROM*SOME*STRONG*AGITATION,*WHICH*IT*TOOK*ALL*HIS*STRENGTH*OF*MIND*TO*CONTROL.

"I*AM*SORRY*TO*KNOCK*YOU*UP*SO*EARLY,*DOCTOR,"*SAID*HE,*"BUT*I*HAVE*HAD*A*VERY*SERIOUS*ACCIDENT*DURING*THE*NIGHT.*I*CAME*IN*BY*TRAIN*THIS*MORNING,*AND*ON*INQUIRING*AT*PADDINGTON*AS*TO*WHERE*I*MIGHT*FIND*A*DOCTOR,*A*WORTHY*FELLOW*VERY*KINDLY*ESCORTED*ME*HERE.*I*GAVE*THE*MAID*A*CARD,*BUT*I*SEE*THAT*SHE*HAS*LEFT*IT*UPON*THE*SIDE-TABLE."

I*TOOK*IT*UP*AND*GLANCED*AT*IT.*"MR.*VICTOR*HATHERLEY,*HYDRAULIC*ENGINEER,*16A,*VICTORIA*STREET*(3RD*FLOOR)."*THAT*WAS*THE*NAME,*STYLE,*AND*ABODE*OF*MY*MORNING*VISITOR.*"I*REGRET*THAT*I*HAVE*KEPT*YOU*WAITING,"*SAID*I,*SITTING*DOWN*IN*MY*LIBRARY-CHAIR.*"YOU*ARE*FRESH*FROM*A*NIGHT*JOURNEY,*I*UNDERSTAND,*WHICH*IS*IN*ITSELF*A*MONOTONOUS*OCCUPATION."

"OH,*MY*NIGHT*COULD*NOT*BE*CALLED*MONOTONOUS,"*SAID*HE,*AND*LAUGHED.*HE*LAUGHED*VERY*HEARTILY,*WITH*A*HIGH,*RINGING*NOTE,*LEANING*BACK*IN*HIS*CHAIR*AND*SHAKING*HIS*SIDES.*ALL*MY*MEDICAL*INSTINCTS*ROSE*UP*AGAINST*THAT*LAUGH.

"STOP*IT!"*I*CRIED;*"PULL*YOURSELF*TOGETHER!"*AND*I*POURED*OUT*SOME*WATER*FROM*A*CARAFFE.

IT*WAS*USELESS,*HOWEVER.*HE*WAS*OFF*IN*ONE*OF*THOSE*HYSTERICAL*OUTBURSTS*WHICH*COME*UPON*A*STRONG*NATURE*WHEN*SOME*GREAT*CRISIS*IS*OVER*AND*GONE.*PRESENTLY*HE*CAME*TO*HIMSELF*ONCE*MORE,*VERY*WEARY*AND*PALE-LOOKING.

"I*HAVE*BEEN*MAKING*A*FOOL*OF*MYSELF,"*HE*GASPED.

"NOT*AT*ALL.*DRINK*THIS."*I*DASHED*SOME*BRANDY*INTO*THE*WATER,*AND*THE*COLOUR*BEGAN*TO*COME*BACK*TO*HIS*BLOODLESS*CHEEKS.

"THAT'S*BETTER!"*SAID*HE.*"AND*NOW,*DOCTOR,*PERHAPS*YOU*WOULD*KINDLY*ATTEND*TO*MY*THUMB,*OR*RATHER*TO*THE*PLACE*WHERE*MY*THUMB*USED*TO*BE."

HE*UNWOUND*THE*HANDKERCHIEF*AND*HELD*OUT*HIS*HAND.*IT*GAVE*EVEN*MY*HARDENED*NERVES*A*SHUDDER*TO*LOOK*AT*IT.*THERE*WERE*FOUR*PROTRUDING*FINGERS*AND*A*HORRID*RED,*SPONGY*SURFACE*WHERE*THE*THUMB*SHOULD*HAVE*BEEN.*IT*HAD*BEEN*HACKED*OR*TORN*RIGHT*OUT*FROM*THE*ROOTS.

"GOOD*HEAVENS!"*I*CRIED,*"THIS*IS*A*TERRIBLE*INJURY.*IT*MUST*HAVE*BLED*CONSIDERABLY."

"YES,*IT*DID.*I*FAINTED*WHEN*IT*WAS*DONE,*AND*I*THINK*THAT*I*MUST*HAVE*BEEN*SENSELESS*FOR*A*LONG*TIME.*WHEN*I*CAME*TO*I*FOUND*THAT*IT*WAS*STILL*BLEEDING,*SO*I*TIED*ONE*END*OF*MY*HANDKERCHIEF*VERY*TIGHTLY*ROUND*THE*WRIST*AND*BRACED*IT*UP*WITH*A*TWIG."

"EXCELLENT!*YOU*SHOULD*HAVE*BEEN*A*SURGEON."

"IT*IS*A*QUESTION*OF*HYDRAULICS,*YOU*SEE,*AND*CAME*WITHIN*MY*OWN*PROVINCE."

"THIS*HAS*BEEN*DONE,"*SAID*I,*EXAMINING*THE*WOUND,*"BY*A*VERY*HEAVY*AND*SHARP*INSTRUMENT."

"A*THING*LIKE*A*CLEAVER,"*SAID*HE.

"AN*ACCIDENT,*I*PRESUME?"

"BY*NO*MEANS."

"WHAT!*A*MURDEROUS*ATTACK?"

"VERY*MURDEROUS*INDEED."

"YOU*HORRIFY*ME."

I*SPONGED*THE*WOUND,*CLEANED*IT,*DRESSED*IT,*AND*FINALLY*COVERED*IT*OVER*WITH*COTTON*WADDING*AND*CARBOLISED*BANDAGES.*HE*LAY*BACK*WITHOUT*WINCING,*THOUGH*HE*BIT*HIS*LIP*FROM*TIME*TO*TIME.

"HOW*IS*THAT?"*I*ASKED*WHEN*I*HAD*FINISHED.

"CAPITAL!*BETWEEN*YOUR*BRANDY*AND*YOUR*BANDAGE,*I*FEEL*A*NEW*MAN.*I*WAS*VERY*WEAK,*BUT*I*HAVE*HAD*A*GOOD*DEAL*TO*GO*THROUGH."

"PERHAPS*YOU*HAD*BETTER*NOT*SPEAK*OF*THE*MATTER.*IT*IS*EVIDENTLY*TRYING*TO*YOUR*NERVES."

"OH,*NO,*NOT*NOW.*I*SHALL*HAVE*TO*TELL*MY*TALE*TO*THE*POLICE;*BUT,*BETWEEN*OURSELVES,*IF*IT*WERE*NOT*FOR*THE*CONVINCING*EVIDENCE*OF*THIS*WOUND*OF*MINE,*I*SHOULD*BE*SURPRISED*IF*THEY*BELIEVED*MY*STATEMENT,*FOR*IT*IS*A*VERY*EXTRAORDINARY*ONE,*AND*I*HAVE*NOT*MUCH*IN*THE*WAY*OF*PROOF*WITH*WHICH*TO*BACK*IT*UP;*AND,*EVEN*IF*THEY*BELIEVE*ME,*THE*CLUES*WHICH*I*CAN*GIVE*THEM*ARE*SO*VAGUE*THAT*IT*IS*A*QUESTION*WHETHER*JUSTICE*WILL*BE*DONE."

"HA!"*CRIED*I,*"IF*IT*IS*ANYTHING*IN*THE*NATURE*OF*A*PROBLEM*WHICH*YOU*DESIRE*TO*SEE*SOLVED,*I*SHOULD*STRONGLY*RECOMMEND*YOU*TO*COME*TO*MY*FRIEND,*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*BEFORE*YOU*GO*TO*THE*OFFICIAL*POLICE."

"OH,*I*HAVE*HEARD*OF*THAT*FELLOW,"*ANSWERED*MY*VISITOR,*"AND*I*SHOULD*BE*VERY*GLAD*IF*HE*WOULD*TAKE*THE*MATTER*UP,*THOUGH*OF*COURSE*I*MUST*USE*THE*OFFICIAL*POLICE*AS*WELL.*WOULD*YOU*GIVE*ME*AN*INTRODUCTION*TO*HIM?"

"I'LL*DO*BETTER.*I'LL*TAKE*YOU*ROUND*TO*HIM*MYSELF."

"I*SHOULD*BE*IMMENSELY*OBLIGED*TO*YOU."

"WE'LL*CALL*A*CAB*AND*GO*TOGETHER.*WE*SHALL*JUST*BE*IN*TIME*TO*HAVE*A*LITTLE*BREAKFAST*WITH*HIM.*DO*YOU*FEEL*EQUAL*TO*IT?"

"YES;*I*SHALL*NOT*FEEL*EASY*UNTIL*I*HAVE*TOLD*MY*STORY."

"THEN*MY*SERVANT*WILL*CALL*A*CAB,*AND*I*SHALL*BE*WITH*YOU*IN*AN*INSTANT."*I*RUSHED*UPSTAIRS,*EXPLAINED*THE*MATTER*SHORTLY*TO*MY*WIFE,*AND*IN*FIVE*MINUTES*WAS*INSIDE*A*HANSOM,*DRIVING*WITH*MY*NEW*ACQUAINTANCE*TO*BAKER*STREET.

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*WAS,*AS*I*EXPECTED,*LOUNGING*ABOUT*HIS*SITTING-ROOM*IN*HIS*DRESSING-GOWN,*READING*THE*AGONY*COLUMN*OF*THE*TIMES*AND*SMOKING*HIS*BEFORE-BREAKFAST*PIPE,*WHICH*WAS*COMPOSED*OF*ALL*THE*PLUGS*AND*DOTTLES*LEFT*FROM*HIS*SMOKES*OF*THE*DAY*BEFORE,*ALL*CAREFULLY*DRIED*AND*COLLECTED*ON*THE*CORNER*OF*THE*MANTELPIECE.*HE*RECEIVED*US*IN*HIS*QUIETLY*GENIAL*FASHION,*ORDERED*FRESH*RASHERS*AND*EGGS,*AND*JOINED*US*IN*A*HEARTY*MEAL.*WHEN*IT*WAS*CONCLUDED*HE*SETTLED*OUR*NEW*ACQUAINTANCE*UPON*THE*SOFA,*PLACED*A*PILLOW*BENEATH*HIS*HEAD,*AND*LAID*A*GLASS*OF*BRANDY*AND*WATER*WITHIN*HIS*REACH.

"IT*IS*EASY*TO*SEE*THAT*YOUR*EXPERIENCE*HAS*BEEN*NO*COMMON*ONE,*MR.*HATHERLEY,"*SAID*HE.*"PRAY,*LIE*DOWN*THERE*AND*MAKE*YOURSELF*ABSOLUTELY*AT*HOME.*TELL*US*WHAT*YOU*CAN,*BUT*STOP*WHEN*YOU*ARE*TIRED*AND*KEEP*UP*YOUR*STRENGTH*WITH*A*LITTLE*STIMULANT."

"THANK*YOU,"*SAID*MY*PATIENT.*"BUT*I*HAVE*FELT*ANOTHER*MAN*SINCE*THE*DOCTOR*BANDAGED*ME,*AND*I*THINK*THAT*YOUR*BREAKFAST*HAS*COMPLETED*THE*CURE.*I*SHALL*TAKE*UP*AS*LITTLE*OF*YOUR*VALUABLE*TIME*AS*POSSIBLE,*SO*I*SHALL*START*AT*ONCE*UPON*MY*PECULIAR*EXPERIENCES."

HOLMES*SAT*IN*HIS*BIG*ARMCHAIR*WITH*THE*WEARY,*HEAVY-LIDDED*EXPRESSION*WHICH*VEILED*HIS*KEEN*AND*EAGER*NATURE,*WHILE*I*SAT*OPPOSITE*TO*HIM,*AND*WE*LISTENED*IN*SILENCE*TO*THE*STRANGE*STORY*WHICH*OUR*VISITOR*DETAILED*TO*US.

"YOU*MUST*KNOW,"*SAID*HE,*"THAT*I*AM*AN*ORPHAN*AND*A*BACHELOR,*RESIDING*ALONE*IN*LODGINGS*IN*LONDON.*BY*PROFESSION*I*AM*A*HYDRAULIC*ENGINEER,*AND*I*HAVE*HAD*CONSIDERABLE*EXPERIENCE*OF*MY*WORK*DURING*THE*SEVEN*YEARS*THAT*I*WAS*APPRENTICED*TO*VENNER*&*MATHESON,*THE*WELL-KNOWN*FIRM,*OF*GREENWICH.*TWO*YEARS*AGO,*HAVING*SERVED*MY*TIME,*AND*HAVING*ALSO*COME*INTO*A*FAIR*SUM*OF*MONEY*THROUGH*MY*POOR*FATHER'S*DEATH,*I*DETERMINED*TO*START*IN*BUSINESS*FOR*MYSELF*AND*TOOK*PROFESSIONAL*CHAMBERS*IN*VICTORIA*STREET.

"I*SUPPOSE*THAT*EVERYONE*FINDS*HIS*FIRST*INDEPENDENT*START*IN*BUSINESS*A*DREARY*EXPERIENCE.*TO*ME*IT*HAS*BEEN*EXCEPTIONALLY*SO.*DURING*TWO*YEARS*I*HAVE*HAD*THREE*CONSULTATIONS*AND*ONE*SMALL*JOB,*AND*THAT*IS*ABSOLUTELY*ALL*THAT*MY*PROFESSION*HAS*BROUGHT*ME.*MY*GROSS*TAKINGS*AMOUNT*TO*$27*10S.*EVERY*DAY,*FROM*NINE*IN*THE*MORNING*UNTIL*FOUR*IN*THE*AFTERNOON,*I*WAITED*IN*MY*LITTLE*DEN,*UNTIL*AT*LAST*MY*HEART*BEGAN*TO*SINK,*AND*I*CAME*TO*BELIEVE*THAT*I*SHOULD*NEVER*HAVE*ANY*PRACTICE*AT*ALL.

"YESTERDAY,*HOWEVER,*JUST*AS*I*WAS*THINKING*OF*LEAVING*THE*OFFICE,*MY*CLERK*ENTERED*TO*SAY*THERE*WAS*A*GENTLEMAN*WAITING*WHO*WISHED*TO*SEE*ME*UPON*BUSINESS.*HE*BROUGHT*UP*A*CARD,*TOO,*WITH*THE*NAME*OF*'COLONEL*LYSANDER*STARK'*ENGRAVED*UPON*IT.*CLOSE*AT*HIS*HEELS*CAME*THE*COLONEL*HIMSELF,*A*MAN*RATHER*OVER*THE*MIDDLE*SIZE,*BUT*OF*AN*EXCEEDING*THINNESS.*I*DO*NOT*THINK*THAT*I*HAVE*EVER*SEEN*SO*THIN*A*MAN.*HIS*WHOLE*FACE*SHARPENED*AWAY*INTO*NOSE*AND*CHIN,*AND*THE*SKIN*OF*HIS*CHEEKS*WAS*DRAWN*QUITE*TENSE*OVER*HIS*OUTSTANDING*BONES.*YET*THIS*EMACIATION*SEEMED*TO*BE*HIS*NATURAL*HABIT,*AND*DUE*TO*NO*DISEASE,*FOR*HIS*EYE*WAS*BRIGHT,*HIS*STEP*BRISK,*AND*HIS*BEARING*ASSURED.*HE*WAS*PLAINLY*BUT*NEATLY*DRESSED,*AND*HIS*AGE,*I*SHOULD*JUDGE,*WOULD*BE*NEARER*FORTY*THAN*THIRTY.

"*'MR.*HATHERLEY?'*SAID*HE,*WITH*SOMETHING*OF*A*GERMAN*ACCENT.*'YOU*HAVE*BEEN*RECOMMENDED*TO*ME,*MR.*HATHERLEY,*AS*BEING*A*MAN*WHO*IS*NOT*ONLY*PROFICIENT*IN*HIS*PROFESSION*BUT*IS*ALSO*DISCREET*AND*CAPABLE*OF*PRESERVING*A*SECRET.'

"I*BOWED,*FEELING*AS*FLATTERED*AS*ANY*YOUNG*MAN*WOULD*AT*SUCH*AN*ADDRESS.*'MAY*I*ASK*WHO*IT*WAS*WHO*GAVE*ME*SO*GOOD*A*CHARACTER?'

"*'WELL,*PERHAPS*IT*IS*BETTER*THAT*I*SHOULD*NOT*TELL*YOU*THAT*JUST*AT*THIS*MOMENT.*I*HAVE*IT*FROM*THE*SAME*SOURCE*THAT*YOU*ARE*BOTH*AN*ORPHAN*AND*A*BACHELOR*AND*ARE*RESIDING*ALONE*IN*LONDON.'

"*'THAT*IS*QUITE*CORRECT,'*I*ANSWERED;*'BUT*YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*ME*IF*I*SAY*THAT*I*CANNOT*SEE*HOW*ALL*THIS*BEARS*UPON*MY*PROFESSIONAL*QUALIFICATIONS.*I*UNDERSTAND*THAT*IT*WAS*ON*A*PROFESSIONAL*MATTER*THAT*YOU*WISHED*TO*SPEAK*TO*ME?'

"*'UNDOUBTEDLY*SO.*BUT*YOU*WILL*FIND*THAT*ALL*I*SAY*IS*REALLY*TO*THE*POINT.*I*HAVE*A*PROFESSIONAL*COMMISSION*FOR*YOU,*BUT*ABSOLUTE*SECRECY*IS*QUITE*ESSENTIAL--ABSOLUTE*SECRECY,*YOU*UNDERSTAND,*AND*OF*COURSE*WE*MAY*EXPECT*THAT*MORE*FROM*A*MAN*WHO*IS*ALONE*THAN*FROM*ONE*WHO*LIVES*IN*THE*BOSOM*OF*HIS*FAMILY.'

"*'IF*I*PROMISE*TO*KEEP*A*SECRET,'*SAID*I,*'YOU*MAY*ABSOLUTELY*DEPEND*UPON*MY*DOING*SO.'

"HE*LOOKED*VERY*HARD*AT*ME*AS*I*SPOKE,*AND*IT*SEEMED*TO*ME*THAT*I*HAD*NEVER*SEEN*SO*SUSPICIOUS*AND*QUESTIONING*AN*EYE.

"*'DO*YOU*PROMISE,*THEN?'*SAID*HE*AT*LAST.

"*'YES,*I*PROMISE.'

"*'ABSOLUTE*AND*COMPLETE*SILENCE*BEFORE,*DURING,*AND*AFTER?*NO*REFERENCE*TO*THE*MATTER*AT*ALL,*EITHER*IN*WORD*OR*WRITING?'

"*'I*HAVE*ALREADY*GIVEN*YOU*MY*WORD.'

"*'VERY*GOOD.'*HE*SUDDENLY*SPRANG*UP,*AND*DARTING*LIKE*LIGHTNING*ACROSS*THE*ROOM*HE*FLUNG*OPEN*THE*DOOR.*THE*PASSAGE*OUTSIDE*WAS*EMPTY.

"*'THAT'S*ALL*RIGHT,'*SAID*HE,*COMING*BACK.*'I*KNOW*THAT*CLERKS*ARE*SOMETIMES*CURIOUS*AS*TO*THEIR*MASTER'S*AFFAIRS.*NOW*WE*CAN*TALK*IN*SAFETY.'*HE*DREW*UP*HIS*CHAIR*VERY*CLOSE*TO*MINE*AND*BEGAN*TO*STARE*AT*ME*AGAIN*WITH*THE*SAME*QUESTIONING*AND*THOUGHTFUL*LOOK.

"A*FEELING*OF*REPULSION,*AND*OF*SOMETHING*AKIN*TO*FEAR*HAD*BEGUN*TO*RISE*WITHIN*ME*AT*THE*STRANGE*ANTICS*OF*THIS*FLESHLESS*MAN.*EVEN*MY*DREAD*OF*LOSING*A*CLIENT*COULD*NOT*RESTRAIN*ME*FROM*SHOWING*MY*IMPATIENCE.

"*'I*BEG*THAT*YOU*WILL*STATE*YOUR*BUSINESS,*SIR,'*SAID*I;*'MY*TIME*IS*OF*VALUE.'*HEAVEN*FORGIVE*ME*FOR*THAT*LAST*SENTENCE,*BUT*THE*WORDS*CAME*TO*MY*LIPS.

"*'HOW*WOULD*FIFTY*GUINEAS*FOR*A*NIGHT'S*WORK*SUIT*YOU?'*HE*ASKED.

"*'MOST*ADMIRABLY.'

"*'I*SAY*A*NIGHT'S*WORK,*BUT*AN*HOUR'S*WOULD*BE*NEARER*THE*MARK.*I*SIMPLY*WANT*YOUR*OPINION*ABOUT*A*HYDRAULIC*STAMPING*MACHINE*WHICH*HAS*GOT*OUT*OF*GEAR.*IF*YOU*SHOW*US*WHAT*IS*WRONG*WE*SHALL*SOON*SET*IT*RIGHT*OURSELVES.*WHAT*DO*YOU*THINK*OF*SUCH*A*COMMISSION*AS*THAT?'

"*'THE*WORK*APPEARS*TO*BE*LIGHT*AND*THE*PAY*MUNIFICENT.'

"*'PRECISELY*SO.*WE*SHALL*WANT*YOU*TO*COME*TO-NIGHT*BY*THE*LAST*TRAIN.'

"*'WHERE*TO?'

"*'TO*EYFORD,*IN*BERKSHIRE.*IT*IS*A*LITTLE*PLACE*NEAR*THE*BORDERS*OF*OXFORDSHIRE,*AND*WITHIN*SEVEN*MILES*OF*READING.*THERE*IS*A*TRAIN*FROM*PADDINGTON*WHICH*WOULD*BRING*YOU*THERE*AT*ABOUT*11:15.'

"*'VERY*GOOD.'

"*'I*SHALL*COME*DOWN*IN*A*CARRIAGE*TO*MEET*YOU.'

"*'THERE*IS*A*DRIVE,*THEN?'

"*'YES,*OUR*LITTLE*PLACE*IS*QUITE*OUT*IN*THE*COUNTRY.*IT*IS*A*GOOD*SEVEN*MILES*FROM*EYFORD*STATION.'

"*'THEN*WE*CAN*HARDLY*GET*THERE*BEFORE*MIDNIGHT.*I*SUPPOSE*THERE*WOULD*BE*NO*CHANCE*OF*A*TRAIN*BACK.*I*SHOULD*BE*COMPELLED*TO*STOP*THE*NIGHT.'

"*'YES,*WE*COULD*EASILY*GIVE*YOU*A*SHAKE-DOWN.'

"*'THAT*IS*VERY*AWKWARD.*COULD*I*NOT*COME*AT*SOME*MORE*CONVENIENT*HOUR?'

"*'WE*HAVE*JUDGED*IT*BEST*THAT*YOU*SHOULD*COME*LATE.*IT*IS*TO*RECOMPENSE*YOU*FOR*ANY*INCONVENIENCE*THAT*WE*ARE*PAYING*TO*YOU,*A*YOUNG*AND*UNKNOWN*MAN,*A*FEE*WHICH*WOULD*BUY*AN*OPINION*FROM*THE*VERY*HEADS*OF*YOUR*PROFESSION.*STILL,*OF*COURSE,*IF*YOU*WOULD*LIKE*TO*DRAW*OUT*OF*THE*BUSINESS,*THERE*IS*PLENTY*OF*TIME*TO*DO*SO.'

"I*THOUGHT*OF*THE*FIFTY*GUINEAS,*AND*OF*HOW*VERY*USEFUL*THEY*WOULD*BE*TO*ME.*'NOT*AT*ALL,'*SAID*I,*'I*SHALL*BE*VERY*HAPPY*TO*ACCOMMODATE*MYSELF*TO*YOUR*WISHES.*I*SHOULD*LIKE,*HOWEVER,*TO*UNDERSTAND*A*LITTLE*MORE*CLEARLY*WHAT*IT*IS*THAT*YOU*WISH*ME*TO*DO.'

"*'QUITE*SO.*IT*IS*VERY*NATURAL*THAT*THE*PLEDGE*OF*SECRECY*WHICH*WE*HAVE*EXACTED*FROM*YOU*SHOULD*HAVE*AROUSED*YOUR*CURIOSITY.*I*HAVE*NO*WISH*TO*COMMIT*YOU*TO*ANYTHING*WITHOUT*YOUR*HAVING*IT*ALL*LAID*BEFORE*YOU.*I*SUPPOSE*THAT*WE*ARE*ABSOLUTELY*SAFE*FROM*EAVESDROPPERS?'

"*'ENTIRELY.'

"*'THEN*THE*MATTER*STANDS*THUS.*YOU*ARE*PROBABLY*AWARE*THAT*FULLER'S-EARTH*IS*A*VALUABLE*PRODUCT,*AND*THAT*IT*IS*ONLY*FOUND*IN*ONE*OR*TWO*PLACES*IN*ENGLAND?'

"*'I*HAVE*HEARD*SO.'


"*'I*QUITE*FOLLOW*YOU,'*SAID*I.*'THE*ONLY*POINT*WHICH*I*COULD*NOT*QUITE*UNDERSTAND*WAS*WHAT*USE*YOU*COULD*MAKE*OF*A*HYDRAULIC*PRESS*IN*EXCAVATING*FULLER'S-EARTH,*WHICH,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND,*IS*DUG*OUT*LIKE*GRAVEL*FROM*A*PIT.'

"*'AH!'*SAID*HE*CARELESSLY,*'WE*HAVE*OUR*OWN*PROCESS.*WE*COMPRESS*THE*EARTH*INTO*BRICKS,*SO*AS*TO*REMOVE*THEM*WITHOUT*REVEALING*WHAT*THEY*ARE.*BUT*THAT*IS*A*MERE*DETAIL.*I*HAVE*TAKEN*YOU*FULLY*INTO*MY*CONFIDENCE*NOW,*MR.*HATHERLEY,*AND*I*HAVE*SHOWN*YOU*HOW*I*TRUST*YOU.'*HE*ROSE*AS*HE*SPOKE.*'I*SHALL*EXPECT*YOU,*THEN,*AT*EYFORD*AT*11:15.'

"*'I*SHALL*CERTAINLY*BE*THERE.'

"*'AND*NOT*A*WORD*TO*A*SOUL.'*HE*LOOKED*AT*ME*WITH*A*LAST*LONG,*QUESTIONING*GAZE,*AND*THEN,*PRESSING*MY*HAND*IN*A*COLD,*DANK*GRASP,*HE*HURRIED*FROM*THE*ROOM.

"WELL,*WHEN*I*CAME*TO*THINK*IT*ALL*OVER*IN*COOL*BLOOD*I*WAS*VERY*MUCH*ASTONISHED,*AS*YOU*MAY*BOTH*THINK,*AT*THIS*SUDDEN*COMMISSION*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*INTRUSTED*TO*ME.*ON*THE*ONE*HAND,*OF*COURSE,*I*WAS*GLAD,*FOR*THE*FEE*WAS*AT*LEAST*TENFOLD*WHAT*I*SHOULD*HAVE*ASKED*HAD*I*SET*A*PRICE*UPON*MY*OWN*SERVICES,*AND*IT*WAS*POSSIBLE*THAT*THIS*ORDER*MIGHT*LEAD*TO*OTHER*ONES.*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*THE*FACE*AND*MANNER*OF*MY*PATRON*HAD*MADE*AN*UNPLEASANT*IMPRESSION*UPON*ME,*AND*I*COULD*NOT*THINK*THAT*HIS*EXPLANATION*OF*THE*FULLER'S-EARTH*WAS*SUFFICIENT*TO*EXPLAIN*THE*NECESSITY*FOR*MY*COMING*AT*MIDNIGHT,*AND*HIS*EXTREME*ANXIETY*LEST*I*SHOULD*TELL*ANYONE*OF*MY*ERRAND.*HOWEVER,*I*THREW*ALL*FEARS*TO*THE*WINDS,*ATE*A*HEARTY*SUPPER,*DROVE*TO*PADDINGTON,*AND*STARTED*OFF,*HAVING*OBEYED*TO*THE*LETTER*THE*INJUNCTION*AS*TO*HOLDING*MY*TONGUE.

"AT*READING*I*HAD*TO*CHANGE*NOT*ONLY*MY*CARRIAGE*BUT*MY*STATION.*HOWEVER,*I*WAS*IN*TIME*FOR*THE*LAST*TRAIN*TO*EYFORD,*AND*I*REACHED*THE*LITTLE*DIM-LIT*STATION*AFTER*ELEVEN*O'CLOCK.*I*WAS*THE*ONLY*PASSENGER*WHO*GOT*OUT*THERE,*AND*THERE*WAS*NO*ONE*UPON*THE*PLATFORM*SAVE*A*SINGLE*SLEEPY*PORTER*WITH*A*LANTERN.*AS*I*PASSED*OUT*THROUGH*THE*WICKET*GATE,*HOWEVER,*I*FOUND*MY*ACQUAINTANCE*OF*THE*MORNING*WAITING*IN*THE*SHADOW*UPON*THE*OTHER*SIDE.*WITHOUT*A*WORD*HE*GRASPED*MY*ARM*AND*HURRIED*ME*INTO*A*CARRIAGE,*THE*DOOR*OF*WHICH*WAS*STANDING*OPEN.*HE*DREW*UP*THE*WINDOWS*ON*EITHER*SIDE,*TAPPED*ON*THE*WOOD-WORK,*AND*AWAY*WE*WENT*AS*FAST*AS*THE*HORSE*COULD*GO."

"ONE*HORSE?"*INTERJECTED*HOLMES.

"YES,*ONLY*ONE."

"DID*YOU*OBSERVE*THE*COLOUR?"

"YES,*I*SAW*IT*BY*THE*SIDE-LIGHTS*WHEN*I*WAS*STEPPING*INTO*THE*CARRIAGE.*IT*WAS*A*CHESTNUT."

"TIRED-LOOKING*OR*FRESH?"

"OH,*FRESH*AND*GLOSSY."

"THANK*YOU.*I*AM*SORRY*TO*HAVE*INTERRUPTED*YOU.*PRAY*CONTINUE*YOUR*MOST*INTERESTING*STATEMENT."


"IT*WAS*PITCH*DARK*INSIDE*THE*HOUSE,*AND*THE*COLONEL*FUMBLED*ABOUT*LOOKING*FOR*MATCHES*AND*MUTTERING*UNDER*HIS*BREATH.*SUDDENLY*A*DOOR*OPENED*AT*THE*OTHER*END*OF*THE*PASSAGE,*AND*A*LONG,*GOLDEN*BAR*OF*LIGHT*SHOT*OUT*IN*OUR*DIRECTION.*IT*GREW*BROADER,*AND*A*WOMAN*APPEARED*WITH*A*LAMP*IN*HER*HAND,*WHICH*SHE*HELD*ABOVE*HER*HEAD,*PUSHING*HER*FACE*FORWARD*AND*PEERING*AT*US.*I*COULD*SEE*THAT*SHE*WAS*PRETTY,*AND*FROM*THE*GLOSS*WITH*WHICH*THE*LIGHT*SHONE*UPON*HER*DARK*DRESS*I*KNEW*THAT*IT*WAS*A*RICH*MATERIAL.*SHE*SPOKE*A*FEW*WORDS*IN*A*FOREIGN*TONGUE*IN*A*TONE*AS*THOUGH*ASKING*A*QUESTION,*AND*WHEN*MY*COMPANION*ANSWERED*IN*A*GRUFF*MONOSYLLABLE*SHE*GAVE*SUCH*A*START*THAT*THE*LAMP*NEARLY*FELL*FROM*HER*HAND.*COLONEL*STARK*WENT*UP*TO*HER,*WHISPERED*SOMETHING*IN*HER*EAR,*AND*THEN,*PUSHING*HER*BACK*INTO*THE*ROOM*FROM*WHENCE*SHE*HAD*COME,*HE*WALKED*TOWARDS*ME*AGAIN*WITH*THE*LAMP*IN*HIS*HAND.

"*'PERHAPS*YOU*WILL*HAVE*THE*KINDNESS*TO*WAIT*IN*THIS*ROOM*FOR*A*FEW*MINUTES,'*SAID*HE,*THROWING*OPEN*ANOTHER*DOOR.*IT*WAS*A*QUIET,*LITTLE,*PLAINLY*FURNISHED*ROOM,*WITH*A*ROUND*TABLE*IN*THE*CENTRE,*ON*WHICH*SEVERAL*GERMAN*BOOKS*WERE*SCATTERED.*COLONEL*STARK*LAID*DOWN*THE*LAMP*ON*THE*TOP*OF*A*HARMONIUM*BESIDE*THE*DOOR.*'I*SHALL*NOT*KEEP*YOU*WAITING*AN*INSTANT,'*SAID*HE,*AND*VANISHED*INTO*THE*DARKNESS.


"SUDDENLY,*WITHOUT*ANY*PRELIMINARY*SOUND*IN*THE*MIDST*OF*THE*UTTER*STILLNESS,*THE*DOOR*OF*MY*ROOM*SWUNG*SLOWLY*OPEN.*THE*WOMAN*WAS*STANDING*IN*THE*APERTURE,*THE*DARKNESS*OF*THE*HALL*BEHIND*HER,*THE*YELLOW*LIGHT*FROM*MY*LAMP*BEATING*UPON*HER*EAGER*AND*BEAUTIFUL*FACE.*I*COULD*SEE*AT*A*GLANCE*THAT*SHE*WAS*SICK*WITH*FEAR,*AND*THE*SIGHT*SENT*A*CHILL*TO*MY*OWN*HEART.*SHE*HELD*UP*ONE*SHAKING*FINGER*TO*WARN*ME*TO*BE*SILENT,*AND*SHE*SHOT*A*FEW*WHISPERED*WORDS*OF*BROKEN*ENGLISH*AT*ME,*HER*EYES*GLANCING*BACK,*LIKE*THOSE*OF*A*FRIGHTENED*HORSE,*INTO*THE*GLOOM*BEHIND*HER.

"*'I*WOULD*GO,'*SAID*SHE,*TRYING*HARD,*AS*IT*SEEMED*TO*ME,*TO*SPEAK*CALMLY;*'I*WOULD*GO.*I*SHOULD*NOT*STAY*HERE.*THERE*IS*NO*GOOD*FOR*YOU*TO*DO.'

"*'BUT,*MADAM,'*SAID*I,*'I*HAVE*NOT*YET*DONE*WHAT*I*CAME*FOR.*I*CANNOT*POSSIBLY*LEAVE*UNTIL*I*HAVE*SEEN*THE*MACHINE.'

"*'IT*IS*NOT*WORTH*YOUR*WHILE*TO*WAIT,'*SHE*WENT*ON.*'YOU*CAN*PASS*THROUGH*THE*DOOR;*NO*ONE*HINDERS.'*AND*THEN,*SEEING*THAT*I*SMILED*AND*SHOOK*MY*HEAD,*SHE*SUDDENLY*THREW*ASIDE*HER*CONSTRAINT*AND*MADE*A*STEP*FORWARD,*WITH*HER*HANDS*WRUNG*TOGETHER.*'FOR*THE*LOVE*OF*HEAVEN!'*SHE*WHISPERED,*'GET*AWAY*FROM*HERE*BEFORE*IT*IS*TOO*LATE!'

"BUT*I*AM*SOMEWHAT*HEADSTRONG*BY*NATURE,*AND*THE*MORE*READY*TO*ENGAGE*IN*AN*AFFAIR*WHEN*THERE*IS*SOME*OBSTACLE*IN*THE*WAY.*I*THOUGHT*OF*MY*FIFTY-GUINEA*FEE,*OF*MY*WEARISOME*JOURNEY,*AND*OF*THE*UNPLEASANT*NIGHT*WHICH*SEEMED*TO*BE*BEFORE*ME.*WAS*IT*ALL*TO*GO*FOR*NOTHING?*WHY*SHOULD*I*SLINK*AWAY*WITHOUT*HAVING*CARRIED*OUT*MY*COMMISSION,*AND*WITHOUT*THE*PAYMENT*WHICH*WAS*MY*DUE?*THIS*WOMAN*MIGHT,*FOR*ALL*I*KNEW,*BE*A*MONOMANIAC.*WITH*A*STOUT*BEARING,*THEREFORE,*THOUGH*HER*MANNER*HAD*SHAKEN*ME*MORE*THAN*I*CARED*TO*CONFESS,*I*STILL*SHOOK*MY*HEAD*AND*DECLARED*MY*INTENTION*OF*REMAINING*WHERE*I*WAS.*SHE*WAS*ABOUT*TO*RENEW*HER*ENTREATIES*WHEN*A*DOOR*SLAMMED*OVERHEAD,*AND*THE*SOUND*OF*SEVERAL*FOOTSTEPS*WAS*HEARD*UPON*THE*STAIRS.*SHE*LISTENED*FOR*AN*INSTANT,*THREW*UP*HER*HANDS*WITH*A*DESPAIRING*GESTURE,*AND*VANISHED*AS*SUDDENLY*AND*AS*NOISELESSLY*AS*SHE*HAD*COME.

"THE*NEWCOMERS*WERE*COLONEL*LYSANDER*STARK*AND*A*SHORT*THICK*MAN*WITH*A*CHINCHILLA*BEARD*GROWING*OUT*OF*THE*CREASES*OF*HIS*DOUBLE*CHIN,*WHO*WAS*INTRODUCED*TO*ME*AS*MR.*FERGUSON.

"*'THIS*IS*MY*SECRETARY*AND*MANAGER,'*SAID*THE*COLONEL.*'BY*THE*WAY,*I*WAS*UNDER*THE*IMPRESSION*THAT*I*LEFT*THIS*DOOR*SHUT*JUST*NOW.*I*FEAR*THAT*YOU*HAVE*FELT*THE*DRAUGHT.'

"*'ON*THE*CONTRARY,'*SAID*I,*'I*OPENED*THE*DOOR*MYSELF*BECAUSE*I*FELT*THE*ROOM*TO*BE*A*LITTLE*CLOSE.'

"HE*SHOT*ONE*OF*HIS*SUSPICIOUS*LOOKS*AT*ME.*'PERHAPS*WE*HAD*BETTER*PROCEED*TO*BUSINESS,*THEN,'*SAID*HE.*'MR.*FERGUSON*AND*I*WILL*TAKE*YOU*UP*TO*SEE*THE*MACHINE.'

"*'I*HAD*BETTER*PUT*MY*HAT*ON,*I*SUPPOSE.'

"*'OH,*NO,*IT*IS*IN*THE*HOUSE.'

"*'WHAT,*YOU*DIG*FULLER'S-EARTH*IN*THE*HOUSE?'

"*'NO,*NO.*THIS*IS*ONLY*WHERE*WE*COMPRESS*IT.*BUT*NEVER*MIND*THAT.*ALL*WE*WISH*YOU*TO*DO*IS*TO*EXAMINE*THE*MACHINE*AND*TO*LET*US*KNOW*WHAT*IS*WRONG*WITH*IT.'

"WE*WENT*UPSTAIRS*TOGETHER,*THE*COLONEL*FIRST*WITH*THE*LAMP,*THE*FAT*MANAGER*AND*I*BEHIND*HIM.*IT*WAS*A*LABYRINTH*OF*AN*OLD*HOUSE,*WITH*CORRIDORS,*PASSAGES,*NARROW*WINDING*STAIRCASES,*AND*LITTLE*LOW*DOORS,*THE*THRESHOLDS*OF*WHICH*WERE*HOLLOWED*OUT*BY*THE*GENERATIONS*WHO*HAD*CROSSED*THEM.*THERE*WERE*NO*CARPETS*AND*NO*SIGNS*OF*ANY*FURNITURE*ABOVE*THE*GROUND*FLOOR,*WHILE*THE*PLASTER*WAS*PEELING*OFF*THE*WALLS,*AND*THE*DAMP*WAS*BREAKING*THROUGH*IN*GREEN,*UNHEALTHY*BLOTCHES.*I*TRIED*TO*PUT*ON*AS*UNCONCERNED*AN*AIR*AS*POSSIBLE,*BUT*I*HAD*NOT*FORGOTTEN*THE*WARNINGS*OF*THE*LADY,*EVEN*THOUGH*I*DISREGARDED*THEM,*AND*I*KEPT*A*KEEN*EYE*UPON*MY*TWO*COMPANIONS.*FERGUSON*APPEARED*TO*BE*A*MOROSE*AND*SILENT*MAN,*BUT*I*COULD*SEE*FROM*THE*LITTLE*THAT*HE*SAID*THAT*HE*WAS*AT*LEAST*A*FELLOW-COUNTRYMAN.

"COLONEL*LYSANDER*STARK*STOPPED*AT*LAST*BEFORE*A*LOW*DOOR,*WHICH*HE*UNLOCKED.*WITHIN*WAS*A*SMALL,*SQUARE*ROOM,*IN*WHICH*THE*THREE*OF*US*COULD*HARDLY*GET*AT*ONE*TIME.*FERGUSON*REMAINED*OUTSIDE,*AND*THE*COLONEL*USHERED*ME*IN.

"*'WE*ARE*NOW,'*SAID*HE,*'ACTUALLY*WITHIN*THE*HYDRAULIC*PRESS,*AND*IT*WOULD*BE*A*PARTICULARLY*UNPLEASANT*THING*FOR*US*IF*ANYONE*WERE*TO*TURN*IT*ON.*THE*CEILING*OF*THIS*SMALL*CHAMBER*IS*REALLY*THE*END*OF*THE*DESCENDING*PISTON,*AND*IT*COMES*DOWN*WITH*THE*FORCE*OF*MANY*TONS*UPON*THIS*METAL*FLOOR.*THERE*ARE*SMALL*LATERAL*COLUMNS*OF*WATER*OUTSIDE*WHICH*RECEIVE*THE*FORCE,*AND*WHICH*TRANSMIT*AND*MULTIPLY*IT*IN*THE*MANNER*WHICH*IS*FAMILIAR*TO*YOU.*THE*MACHINE*GOES*READILY*ENOUGH,*BUT*THERE*IS*SOME*STIFFNESS*IN*THE*WORKING*OF*IT,*AND*IT*HAS*LOST*A*LITTLE*OF*ITS*FORCE.*PERHAPS*YOU*WILL*HAVE*THE*GOODNESS*TO*LOOK*IT*OVER*AND*TO*SHOW*US*HOW*WE*CAN*SET*IT*RIGHT.'


"*'WHAT*ARE*YOU*DOING*THERE?'*HE*ASKED.

"I*FELT*ANGRY*AT*HAVING*BEEN*TRICKED*BY*SO*ELABORATE*A*STORY*AS*THAT*WHICH*HE*HAD*TOLD*ME.*'I*WAS*ADMIRING*YOUR*FULLER'S-EARTH,'*SAID*I;*'I*THINK*THAT*I*SHOULD*BE*BETTER*ABLE*TO*ADVISE*YOU*AS*TO*YOUR*MACHINE*IF*I*KNEW*WHAT*THE*EXACT*PURPOSE*WAS*FOR*WHICH*IT*WAS*USED.'

"THE*INSTANT*THAT*I*UTTERED*THE*WORDS*I*REGRETTED*THE*RASHNESS*OF*MY*SPEECH.*HIS*FACE*SET*HARD,*AND*A*BALEFUL*LIGHT*SPRANG*UP*IN*HIS*GREY*EYES.

"*'VERY*WELL,'*SAID*HE,*'YOU*SHALL*KNOW*ALL*ABOUT*THE*MACHINE.'*HE*TOOK*A*STEP*BACKWARD,*SLAMMED*THE*LITTLE*DOOR,*AND*TURNED*THE*KEY*IN*THE*LOCK.*I*RUSHED*TOWARDS*IT*AND*PULLED*AT*THE*HANDLE,*BUT*IT*WAS*QUITE*SECURE,*AND*DID*NOT*GIVE*IN*THE*LEAST*TO*MY*KICKS*AND*SHOVES.*'HULLO!'*I*YELLED.*'HULLO!*COLONEL!*LET*ME*OUT!'


"I*HAVE*SAID*THAT*THOUGH*THE*FLOOR*AND*CEILING*WERE*OF*IRON,*THE*WALLS*WERE*OF*WOOD.*AS*I*GAVE*A*LAST*HURRIED*GLANCE*AROUND,*I*SAW*A*THIN*LINE*OF*YELLOW*LIGHT*BETWEEN*TWO*OF*THE*BOARDS,*WHICH*BROADENED*AND*BROADENED*AS*A*SMALL*PANEL*WAS*PUSHED*BACKWARD.*FOR*AN*INSTANT*I*COULD*HARDLY*BELIEVE*THAT*HERE*WAS*INDEED*A*DOOR*WHICH*LED*AWAY*FROM*DEATH.*THE*NEXT*INSTANT*I*THREW*MYSELF*THROUGH,*AND*LAY*HALF-FAINTING*UPON*THE*OTHER*SIDE.*THE*PANEL*HAD*CLOSED*AGAIN*BEHIND*ME,*BUT*THE*CRASH*OF*THE*LAMP,*AND*A*FEW*MOMENTS*AFTERWARDS*THE*CLANG*OF*THE*TWO*SLABS*OF*METAL,*TOLD*ME*HOW*NARROW*HAD*BEEN*MY*ESCAPE.

"I*WAS*RECALLED*TO*MYSELF*BY*A*FRANTIC*PLUCKING*AT*MY*WRIST,*AND*I*FOUND*MYSELF*LYING*UPON*THE*STONE*FLOOR*OF*A*NARROW*CORRIDOR,*WHILE*A*WOMAN*BENT*OVER*ME*AND*TUGGED*AT*ME*WITH*HER*LEFT*HAND,*WHILE*SHE*HELD*A*CANDLE*IN*HER*RIGHT.*IT*WAS*THE*SAME*GOOD*FRIEND*WHOSE*WARNING*I*HAD*SO*FOOLISHLY*REJECTED.

"*'COME!*COME!'*SHE*CRIED*BREATHLESSLY.*'THEY*WILL*BE*HERE*IN*A*MOMENT.*THEY*WILL*SEE*THAT*YOU*ARE*NOT*THERE.*OH,*DO*NOT*WASTE*THE*SO-PRECIOUS*TIME,*BUT*COME!'

"THIS*TIME,*AT*LEAST,*I*DID*NOT*SCORN*HER*ADVICE.*I*STAGGERED*TO*MY*FEET*AND*RAN*WITH*HER*ALONG*THE*CORRIDOR*AND*DOWN*A*WINDING*STAIR.*THE*LATTER*LED*TO*ANOTHER*BROAD*PASSAGE,*AND*JUST*AS*WE*REACHED*IT*WE*HEARD*THE*SOUND*OF*RUNNING*FEET*AND*THE*SHOUTING*OF*TWO*VOICES,*ONE*ANSWERING*THE*OTHER*FROM*THE*FLOOR*ON*WHICH*WE*WERE*AND*FROM*THE*ONE*BENEATH.*MY*GUIDE*STOPPED*AND*LOOKED*ABOUT*HER*LIKE*ONE*WHO*IS*AT*HER*WIT'S*END.*THEN*SHE*THREW*OPEN*A*DOOR*WHICH*LED*INTO*A*BEDROOM,*THROUGH*THE*WINDOW*OF*WHICH*THE*MOON*WAS*SHINING*BRIGHTLY.

"*'IT*IS*YOUR*ONLY*CHANCE,'*SAID*SHE.*'IT*IS*HIGH,*BUT*IT*MAY*BE*THAT*YOU*CAN*JUMP*IT.'

"AS*SHE*SPOKE*A*LIGHT*SPRANG*INTO*VIEW*AT*THE*FURTHER*END*OF*THE*PASSAGE,*AND*I*SAW*THE*LEAN*FIGURE*OF*COLONEL*LYSANDER*STARK*RUSHING*FORWARD*WITH*A*LANTERN*IN*ONE*HAND*AND*A*WEAPON*LIKE*A*BUTCHER'S*CLEAVER*IN*THE*OTHER.*I*RUSHED*ACROSS*THE*BEDROOM,*FLUNG*OPEN*THE*WINDOW,*AND*LOOKED*OUT.*HOW*QUIET*AND*SWEET*AND*WHOLESOME*THE*GARDEN*LOOKED*IN*THE*MOONLIGHT,*AND*IT*COULD*NOT*BE*MORE*THAN*THIRTY*FEET*DOWN.*I*CLAMBERED*OUT*UPON*THE*SILL,*BUT*I*HESITATED*TO*JUMP*UNTIL*I*SHOULD*HAVE*HEARD*WHAT*PASSED*BETWEEN*MY*SAVIOUR*AND*THE*RUFFIAN*WHO*PURSUED*ME.*IF*SHE*WERE*ILL-USED,*THEN*AT*ANY*RISKS*I*WAS*DETERMINED*TO*GO*BACK*TO*HER*ASSISTANCE.*THE*THOUGHT*HAD*HARDLY*FLASHED*THROUGH*MY*MIND*BEFORE*HE*WAS*AT*THE*DOOR,*PUSHING*HIS*WAY*PAST*HER;*BUT*SHE*THREW*HER*ARMS*ROUND*HIM*AND*TRIED*TO*HOLD*HIM*BACK.

"*'FRITZ!*FRITZ!'*SHE*CRIED*IN*ENGLISH,*'REMEMBER*YOUR*PROMISE*AFTER*THE*LAST*TIME.*YOU*SAID*IT*SHOULD*NOT*BE*AGAIN.*HE*WILL*BE*SILENT!*OH,*HE*WILL*BE*SILENT!'

"*'YOU*ARE*MAD,*ELISE!'*HE*SHOUTED,*STRUGGLING*TO*BREAK*AWAY*FROM*HER.*'YOU*WILL*BE*THE*RUIN*OF*US.*HE*HAS*SEEN*TOO*MUCH.*LET*ME*PASS,*I*SAY!'*HE*DASHED*HER*TO*ONE*SIDE,*AND,*RUSHING*TO*THE*WINDOW,*CUT*AT*ME*WITH*HIS*HEAVY*WEAPON.*I*HAD*LET*MYSELF*GO,*AND*WAS*HANGING*BY*THE*HANDS*TO*THE*SILL,*WHEN*HIS*BLOW*FELL.*I*WAS*CONSCIOUS*OF*A*DULL*PAIN,*MY*GRIP*LOOSENED,*AND*I*FELL*INTO*THE*GARDEN*BELOW.

"I*WAS*SHAKEN*BUT*NOT*HURT*BY*THE*FALL;*SO*I*PICKED*MYSELF*UP*AND*RUSHED*OFF*AMONG*THE*BUSHES*AS*HARD*AS*I*COULD*RUN,*FOR*I*UNDERSTOOD*THAT*I*WAS*FAR*FROM*BEING*OUT*OF*DANGER*YET.*SUDDENLY,*HOWEVER,*AS*I*RAN,*A*DEADLY*DIZZINESS*AND*SICKNESS*CAME*OVER*ME.*I*GLANCED*DOWN*AT*MY*HAND,*WHICH*WAS*THROBBING*PAINFULLY,*AND*THEN,*FOR*THE*FIRST*TIME,*SAW*THAT*MY*THUMB*HAD*BEEN*CUT*OFF*AND*THAT*THE*BLOOD*WAS*POURING*FROM*MY*WOUND.*I*ENDEAVOURED*TO*TIE*MY*HANDKERCHIEF*ROUND*IT,*BUT*THERE*CAME*A*SUDDEN*BUZZING*IN*MY*EARS,*AND*NEXT*MOMENT*I*FELL*IN*A*DEAD*FAINT*AMONG*THE*ROSE-BUSHES.

"HOW*LONG*I*REMAINED*UNCONSCIOUS*I*CANNOT*TELL.*IT*MUST*HAVE*BEEN*A*VERY*LONG*TIME,*FOR*THE*MOON*HAD*SUNK,*AND*A*BRIGHT*MORNING*WAS*BREAKING*WHEN*I*CAME*TO*MYSELF.*MY*CLOTHES*WERE*ALL*SODDEN*WITH*DEW,*AND*MY*COAT-SLEEVE*WAS*DRENCHED*WITH*BLOOD*FROM*MY*WOUNDED*THUMB.*THE*SMARTING*OF*IT*RECALLED*IN*AN*INSTANT*ALL*THE*PARTICULARS*OF*MY*NIGHT'S*ADVENTURE,*AND*I*SPRANG*TO*MY*FEET*WITH*THE*FEELING*THAT*I*MIGHT*HARDLY*YET*BE*SAFE*FROM*MY*PURSUERS.*BUT*TO*MY*ASTONISHMENT,*WHEN*I*CAME*TO*LOOK*ROUND*ME,*NEITHER*HOUSE*NOR*GARDEN*WERE*TO*BE*SEEN.*I*HAD*BEEN*LYING*IN*AN*ANGLE*OF*THE*HEDGE*CLOSE*BY*THE*HIGHROAD,*AND*JUST*A*LITTLE*LOWER*DOWN*WAS*A*LONG*BUILDING,*WHICH*PROVED,*UPON*MY*APPROACHING*IT,*TO*BE*THE*VERY*STATION*AT*WHICH*I*HAD*ARRIVED*UPON*THE*PREVIOUS*NIGHT.*WERE*IT*NOT*FOR*THE*UGLY*WOUND*UPON*MY*HAND,*ALL*THAT*HAD*PASSED*DURING*THOSE*DREADFUL*HOURS*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*AN*EVIL*DREAM.

"HALF*DAZED,*I*WENT*INTO*THE*STATION*AND*ASKED*ABOUT*THE*MORNING*TRAIN.*THERE*WOULD*BE*ONE*TO*READING*IN*LESS*THAN*AN*HOUR.*THE*SAME*PORTER*WAS*ON*DUTY,*I*FOUND,*AS*HAD*BEEN*THERE*WHEN*I*ARRIVED.*I*INQUIRED*OF*HIM*WHETHER*HE*HAD*EVER*HEARD*OF*COLONEL*LYSANDER*STARK.*THE*NAME*WAS*STRANGE*TO*HIM.*HAD*HE*OBSERVED*A*CARRIAGE*THE*NIGHT*BEFORE*WAITING*FOR*ME?*NO,*HE*HAD*NOT.*WAS*THERE*A*POLICE-STATION*ANYWHERE*NEAR?*THERE*WAS*ONE*ABOUT*THREE*MILES*OFF.

"IT*WAS*TOO*FAR*FOR*ME*TO*GO,*WEAK*AND*ILL*AS*I*WAS.*I*DETERMINED*TO*WAIT*UNTIL*I*GOT*BACK*TO*TOWN*BEFORE*TELLING*MY*STORY*TO*THE*POLICE.*IT*WAS*A*LITTLE*PAST*SIX*WHEN*I*ARRIVED,*SO*I*WENT*FIRST*TO*HAVE*MY*WOUND*DRESSED,*AND*THEN*THE*DOCTOR*WAS*KIND*ENOUGH*TO*BRING*ME*ALONG*HERE.*I*PUT*THE*CASE*INTO*YOUR*HANDS*AND*SHALL*DO*EXACTLY*WHAT*YOU*ADVISE."

WE*BOTH*SAT*IN*SILENCE*FOR*SOME*LITTLE*TIME*AFTER*LISTENING*TO*THIS*EXTRAORDINARY*NARRATIVE.*THEN*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*PULLED*DOWN*FROM*THE*SHELF*ONE*OF*THE*PONDEROUS*COMMONPLACE*BOOKS*IN*WHICH*HE*PLACED*HIS*CUTTINGS.

"HERE*IS*AN*ADVERTISEMENT*WHICH*WILL*INTEREST*YOU,"*SAID*HE.*"IT*APPEARED*IN*ALL*THE*PAPERS*ABOUT*A*YEAR*AGO.*LISTEN*TO*THIS:*'LOST,*ON*THE*9TH*INST.,*MR.*JEREMIAH*HAYLING,*AGED*TWENTY-SIX,*A*HYDRAULIC*ENGINEER.*LEFT*HIS*LODGINGS*AT*TEN*O'CLOCK*AT*NIGHT,*AND*HAS*NOT*BEEN*HEARD*OF*SINCE.*WAS*DRESSED*IN,'*ETC.,*ETC.*HA!*THAT*REPRESENTS*THE*LAST*TIME*THAT*THE*COLONEL*NEEDED*TO*HAVE*HIS*MACHINE*OVERHAULED,*I*FANCY."

"GOOD*HEAVENS!"*CRIED*MY*PATIENT.*"THEN*THAT*EXPLAINS*WHAT*THE*GIRL*SAID."

"UNDOUBTEDLY.*IT*IS*QUITE*CLEAR*THAT*THE*COLONEL*WAS*A*COOL*AND*DESPERATE*MAN,*WHO*WAS*ABSOLUTELY*DETERMINED*THAT*NOTHING*SHOULD*STAND*IN*THE*WAY*OF*HIS*LITTLE*GAME,*LIKE*THOSE*OUT-AND-OUT*PIRATES*WHO*WILL*LEAVE*NO*SURVIVOR*FROM*A*CAPTURED*SHIP.*WELL,*EVERY*MOMENT*NOW*IS*PRECIOUS,*SO*IF*YOU*FEEL*EQUAL*TO*IT*WE*SHALL*GO*DOWN*TO*SCOTLAND*YARD*AT*ONCE*AS*A*PRELIMINARY*TO*STARTING*FOR*EYFORD."

SOME*THREE*HOURS*OR*SO*AFTERWARDS*WE*WERE*ALL*IN*THE*TRAIN*TOGETHER,*BOUND*FROM*READING*TO*THE*LITTLE*BERKSHIRE*VILLAGE.*THERE*WERE*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*THE*HYDRAULIC*ENGINEER,*INSPECTOR*BRADSTREET,*OF*SCOTLAND*YARD,*A*PLAIN-CLOTHES*MAN,*AND*MYSELF.*BRADSTREET*HAD*SPREAD*AN*ORDNANCE*MAP*OF*THE*COUNTY*OUT*UPON*THE*SEAT*AND*WAS*BUSY*WITH*HIS*COMPASSES*DRAWING*A*CIRCLE*WITH*EYFORD*FOR*ITS*CENTRE.

"THERE*YOU*ARE,"*SAID*HE.*"THAT*CIRCLE*IS*DRAWN*AT*A*RADIUS*OF*TEN*MILES*FROM*THE*VILLAGE.*THE*PLACE*WE*WANT*MUST*BE*SOMEWHERE*NEAR*THAT*LINE.*YOU*SAID*TEN*MILES,*I*THINK,*SIR."

"IT*WAS*AN*HOUR'S*GOOD*DRIVE."

"AND*YOU*THINK*THAT*THEY*BROUGHT*YOU*BACK*ALL*THAT*WAY*WHEN*YOU*WERE*UNCONSCIOUS?"

"THEY*MUST*HAVE*DONE*SO.*I*HAVE*A*CONFUSED*MEMORY,*TOO,*OF*HAVING*BEEN*LIFTED*AND*CONVEYED*SOMEWHERE."

"WHAT*I*CANNOT*UNDERSTAND,"*SAID*I,*"IS*WHY*THEY*SHOULD*HAVE*SPARED*YOU*WHEN*THEY*FOUND*YOU*LYING*FAINTING*IN*THE*GARDEN.*PERHAPS*THE*VILLAIN*WAS*SOFTENED*BY*THE*WOMAN'S*ENTREATIES."

"I*HARDLY*THINK*THAT*LIKELY.*I*NEVER*SAW*A*MORE*INEXORABLE*FACE*IN*MY*LIFE."

"OH,*WE*SHALL*SOON*CLEAR*UP*ALL*THAT,"*SAID*BRADSTREET.*"WELL,*I*HAVE*DRAWN*MY*CIRCLE,*AND*I*ONLY*WISH*I*KNEW*AT*WHAT*POINT*UPON*IT*THE*FOLK*THAT*WE*ARE*IN*SEARCH*OF*ARE*TO*BE*FOUND."

"I*THINK*I*COULD*LAY*MY*FINGER*ON*IT,"*SAID*HOLMES*QUIETLY.

"REALLY,*NOW!"*CRIED*THE*INSPECTOR,*"YOU*HAVE*FORMED*YOUR*OPINION!*COME,*NOW,*WE*SHALL*SEE*WHO*AGREES*WITH*YOU.*I*SAY*IT*IS*SOUTH,*FOR*THE*COUNTRY*IS*MORE*DESERTED*THERE."

"AND*I*SAY*EAST,"*SAID*MY*PATIENT.

"I*AM*FOR*WEST,"*REMARKED*THE*PLAIN-CLOTHES*MAN.*"THERE*ARE*SEVERAL*QUIET*LITTLE*VILLAGES*UP*THERE."

"AND*I*AM*FOR*NORTH,"*SAID*I,*"BECAUSE*THERE*ARE*NO*HILLS*THERE,*AND*OUR*FRIEND*SAYS*THAT*HE*DID*NOT*NOTICE*THE*CARRIAGE*GO*UP*ANY."

"COME,"*CRIED*THE*INSPECTOR,*LAUGHING;*"IT'S*A*VERY*PRETTY*DIVERSITY*OF*OPINION.*WE*HAVE*BOXED*THE*COMPASS*AMONG*US.*WHO*DO*YOU*GIVE*YOUR*CASTING*VOTE*TO?"

"YOU*ARE*ALL*WRONG."

"BUT*WE*CAN'T*ALL*BE."

"OH,*YES,*YOU*CAN.*THIS*IS*MY*POINT."*HE*PLACED*HIS*FINGER*IN*THE*CENTRE*OF*THE*CIRCLE.*"THIS*IS*WHERE*WE*SHALL*FIND*THEM."

"BUT*THE*TWELVE-MILE*DRIVE?"*GASPED*HATHERLEY.

"SIX*OUT*AND*SIX*BACK.*NOTHING*SIMPLER.*YOU*SAY*YOURSELF*THAT*THE*HORSE*WAS*FRESH*AND*GLOSSY*WHEN*YOU*GOT*IN.*HOW*COULD*IT*BE*THAT*IF*IT*HAD*GONE*TWELVE*MILES*OVER*HEAVY*ROADS?"

"INDEED,*IT*IS*A*LIKELY*RUSE*ENOUGH,"*OBSERVED*BRADSTREET*THOUGHTFULLY.*"OF*COURSE*THERE*CAN*BE*NO*DOUBT*AS*TO*THE*NATURE*OF*THIS*GANG."

"NONE*AT*ALL,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"THEY*ARE*COINERS*ON*A*LARGE*SCALE,*AND*HAVE*USED*THE*MACHINE*TO*FORM*THE*AMALGAM*WHICH*HAS*TAKEN*THE*PLACE*OF*SILVER."

"WE*HAVE*KNOWN*FOR*SOME*TIME*THAT*A*CLEVER*GANG*WAS*AT*WORK,"*SAID*THE*INSPECTOR.*"THEY*HAVE*BEEN*TURNING*OUT*HALF-CROWNS*BY*THE*THOUSAND.*WE*EVEN*TRACED*THEM*AS*FAR*AS*READING,*BUT*COULD*GET*NO*FARTHER,*FOR*THEY*HAD*COVERED*THEIR*TRACES*IN*A*WAY*THAT*SHOWED*THAT*THEY*WERE*VERY*OLD*HANDS.*BUT*NOW,*THANKS*TO*THIS*LUCKY*CHANCE,*I*THINK*THAT*WE*HAVE*GOT*THEM*RIGHT*ENOUGH."

BUT*THE*INSPECTOR*WAS*MISTAKEN,*FOR*THOSE*CRIMINALS*WERE*NOT*DESTINED*TO*FALL*INTO*THE*HANDS*OF*JUSTICE.*AS*WE*ROLLED*INTO*EYFORD*STATION*WE*SAW*A*GIGANTIC*COLUMN*OF*SMOKE*WHICH*STREAMED*UP*FROM*BEHIND*A*SMALL*CLUMP*OF*TREES*IN*THE*NEIGHBOURHOOD*AND*HUNG*LIKE*AN*IMMENSE*OSTRICH*FEATHER*OVER*THE*LANDSCAPE.

"A*HOUSE*ON*FIRE?"*ASKED*BRADSTREET*AS*THE*TRAIN*STEAMED*OFF*AGAIN*ON*ITS*WAY.

"YES,*SIR!"*SAID*THE*STATION-MASTER.

"WHEN*DID*IT*BREAK*OUT?"

"I*HEAR*THAT*IT*WAS*DURING*THE*NIGHT,*SIR,*BUT*IT*HAS*GOT*WORSE,*AND*THE*WHOLE*PLACE*IS*IN*A*BLAZE."

"WHOSE*HOUSE*IS*IT?"

"DR.*BECHER'S."

"TELL*ME,"*BROKE*IN*THE*ENGINEER,*"IS*DR.*BECHER*A*GERMAN,*VERY*THIN,*WITH*A*LONG,*SHARP*NOSE?"

THE*STATION-MASTER*LAUGHED*HEARTILY.*"NO,*SIR,*DR.*BECHER*IS*AN*ENGLISHMAN,*AND*THERE*ISN'T*A*MAN*IN*THE*PARISH*WHO*HAS*A*BETTER-LINED*WAISTCOAT.*BUT*HE*HAS*A*GENTLEMAN*STAYING*WITH*HIM,*A*PATIENT,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND,*WHO*IS*A*FOREIGNER,*AND*HE*LOOKS*AS*IF*A*LITTLE*GOOD*BERKSHIRE*BEEF*WOULD*DO*HIM*NO*HARM."

THE*STATION-MASTER*HAD*NOT*FINISHED*HIS*SPEECH*BEFORE*WE*WERE*ALL*HASTENING*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*THE*FIRE.*THE*ROAD*TOPPED*A*LOW*HILL,*AND*THERE*WAS*A*GREAT*WIDESPREAD*WHITEWASHED*BUILDING*IN*FRONT*OF*US,*SPOUTING*FIRE*AT*EVERY*CHINK*AND*WINDOW,*WHILE*IN*THE*GARDEN*IN*FRONT*THREE*FIRE-ENGINES*WERE*VAINLY*STRIVING*TO*KEEP*THE*FLAMES*UNDER.

"THAT'S*IT!"*CRIED*HATHERLEY,*IN*INTENSE*EXCITEMENT.*"THERE*IS*THE*GRAVEL-DRIVE,*AND*THERE*ARE*THE*ROSE-BUSHES*WHERE*I*LAY.*THAT*SECOND*WINDOW*IS*THE*ONE*THAT*I*JUMPED*FROM."

"WELL,*AT*LEAST,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"YOU*HAVE*HAD*YOUR*REVENGE*UPON*THEM.*THERE*CAN*BE*NO*QUESTION*THAT*IT*WAS*YOUR*OIL-LAMP*WHICH,*WHEN*IT*WAS*CRUSHED*IN*THE*PRESS,*SET*FIRE*TO*THE*WOODEN*WALLS,*THOUGH*NO*DOUBT*THEY*WERE*TOO*EXCITED*IN*THE*CHASE*AFTER*YOU*TO*OBSERVE*IT*AT*THE*TIME.*NOW*KEEP*YOUR*EYES*OPEN*IN*THIS*CROWD*FOR*YOUR*FRIENDS*OF*LAST*NIGHT,*THOUGH*I*VERY*MUCH*FEAR*THAT*THEY*ARE*A*GOOD*HUNDRED*MILES*OFF*BY*NOW."

AND*HOLMES'*FEARS*CAME*TO*BE*REALISED,*FOR*FROM*THAT*DAY*TO*THIS*NO*WORD*HAS*EVER*BEEN*HEARD*EITHER*OF*THE*BEAUTIFUL*WOMAN,*THE*SINISTER*GERMAN,*OR*THE*MOROSE*ENGLISHMAN.*EARLY*THAT*MORNING*A*PEASANT*HAD*MET*A*CART*CONTAINING*SEVERAL*PEOPLE*AND*SOME*VERY*BULKY*BOXES*DRIVING*RAPIDLY*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*READING,*BUT*THERE*ALL*TRACES*OF*THE*FUGITIVES*DISAPPEARED,*AND*EVEN*HOLMES'*INGENUITY*FAILED*EVER*TO*DISCOVER*THE*LEAST*CLUE*AS*TO*THEIR*WHEREABOUTS.

THE*FIREMEN*HAD*BEEN*MUCH*PERTURBED*AT*THE*STRANGE*ARRANGEMENTS*WHICH*THEY*HAD*FOUND*WITHIN,*AND*STILL*MORE*SO*BY*DISCOVERING*A*NEWLY*SEVERED*HUMAN*THUMB*UPON*A*WINDOW-SILL*OF*THE*SECOND*FLOOR.*ABOUT*SUNSET,*HOWEVER,*THEIR*EFFORTS*WERE*AT*LAST*SUCCESSFUL,*AND*THEY*SUBDUED*THE*FLAMES,*BUT*NOT*BEFORE*THE*ROOF*HAD*FALLEN*IN,*AND*THE*WHOLE*PLACE*BEEN*REDUCED*TO*SUCH*ABSOLUTE*RUIN*THAT,*SAVE*SOME*TWISTED*CYLINDERS*AND*IRON*PIPING,*NOT*A*TRACE*REMAINED*OF*THE*MACHINERY*WHICH*HAD*COST*OUR*UNFORTUNATE*ACQUAINTANCE*SO*DEARLY.*LARGE*MASSES*OF*NICKEL*AND*OF*TIN*WERE*DISCOVERED*STORED*IN*AN*OUT-HOUSE,*BUT*NO*COINS*WERE*TO*BE*FOUND,*WHICH*MAY*HAVE*EXPLAINED*THE*PRESENCE*OF*THOSE*BULKY*BOXES*WHICH*HAVE*BEEN*ALREADY*REFERRED*TO.

HOW*OUR*HYDRAULIC*ENGINEER*HAD*BEEN*CONVEYED*FROM*THE*GARDEN*TO*THE*SPOT*WHERE*HE*RECOVERED*HIS*SENSES*MIGHT*HAVE*REMAINED*FOREVER*A*MYSTERY*WERE*IT*NOT*FOR*THE*SOFT*MOULD,*WHICH*TOLD*US*A*VERY*PLAIN*TALE.*HE*HAD*EVIDENTLY*BEEN*CARRIED*DOWN*BY*TWO*PERSONS,*ONE*OF*WHOM*HAD*REMARKABLY*SMALL*FEET*AND*THE*OTHER*UNUSUALLY*LARGE*ONES.*ON*THE*WHOLE,*IT*WAS*MOST*PROBABLE*THAT*THE*SILENT*ENGLISHMAN,*BEING*LESS*BOLD*OR*LESS*MURDEROUS*THAN*HIS*COMPANION,*HAD*ASSISTED*THE*WOMAN*TO*BEAR*THE*UNCONSCIOUS*MAN*OUT*OF*THE*WAY*OF*DANGER.

"WELL,"*SAID*OUR*ENGINEER*RUEFULLY*AS*WE*TOOK*OUR*SEATS*TO*RETURN*ONCE*MORE*TO*LONDON,*"IT*HAS*BEEN*A*PRETTY*BUSINESS*FOR*ME!*I*HAVE*LOST*MY*THUMB*AND*I*HAVE*LOST*A*FIFTY-GUINEA*FEE,*AND*WHAT*HAVE*I*GAINED?"

"EXPERIENCE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*LAUGHING.*"INDIRECTLY*IT*MAY*BE*OF*VALUE,*YOU*KNOW;*YOU*HAVE*ONLY*TO*PUT*IT*INTO*WORDS*TO*GAIN*THE*REPUTATION*OF*BEING*EXCELLENT*COMPANY*FOR*THE*REMAINDER*OF*YOUR*EXISTENCE."

X.**THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*NOBLE*BACHELOR


THE*LORD*ST.*SIMON*MARRIAGE,*AND*ITS*CURIOUS*TERMINATION,*HAVE*LONG*CEASED*TO*BE*A*SUBJECT*OF*INTEREST*IN*THOSE*EXALTED*CIRCLES*IN*WHICH*THE*UNFORTUNATE*BRIDEGROOM*MOVES.*FRESH*SCANDALS*HAVE*ECLIPSED*IT,*AND*THEIR*MORE*PIQUANT*DETAILS*HAVE*DRAWN*THE*GOSSIPS*AWAY*FROM*THIS*FOUR-YEAR-OLD*DRAMA.*AS*I*HAVE*REASON*TO*BELIEVE,*HOWEVER,*THAT*THE*FULL*FACTS*HAVE*NEVER*BEEN*REVEALED*TO*THE*GENERAL*PUBLIC,*AND*AS*MY*FRIEND*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*HAD*A*CONSIDERABLE*SHARE*IN*CLEARING*THE*MATTER*UP,*I*FEEL*THAT*NO*MEMOIR*OF*HIM*WOULD*BE*COMPLETE*WITHOUT*SOME*LITTLE*SKETCH*OF*THIS*REMARKABLE*EPISODE.

IT*WAS*A*FEW*WEEKS*BEFORE*MY*OWN*MARRIAGE,*DURING*THE*DAYS*WHEN*I*WAS*STILL*SHARING*ROOMS*WITH*HOLMES*IN*BAKER*STREET,*THAT*HE*CAME*HOME*FROM*AN*AFTERNOON*STROLL*TO*FIND*A*LETTER*ON*THE*TABLE*WAITING*FOR*HIM.*I*HAD*REMAINED*INDOORS*ALL*DAY,*FOR*THE*WEATHER*HAD*TAKEN*A*SUDDEN*TURN*TO*RAIN,*WITH*HIGH*AUTUMNAL*WINDS,*AND*THE*JEZAIL*BULLET*WHICH*I*HAD*BROUGHT*BACK*IN*ONE*OF*MY*LIMBS*AS*A*RELIC*OF*MY*AFGHAN*CAMPAIGN*THROBBED*WITH*DULL*PERSISTENCE.*WITH*MY*BODY*IN*ONE*EASY-CHAIR*AND*MY*LEGS*UPON*ANOTHER,*I*HAD*SURROUNDED*MYSELF*WITH*A*CLOUD*OF*NEWSPAPERS*UNTIL*AT*LAST,*SATURATED*WITH*THE*NEWS*OF*THE*DAY,*I*TOSSED*THEM*ALL*ASIDE*AND*LAY*LISTLESS,*WATCHING*THE*HUGE*CREST*AND*MONOGRAM*UPON*THE*ENVELOPE*UPON*THE*TABLE*AND*WONDERING*LAZILY*WHO*MY*FRIEND'S*NOBLE*CORRESPONDENT*COULD*BE.

"HERE*IS*A*VERY*FASHIONABLE*EPISTLE,"*I*REMARKED*AS*HE*ENTERED.*"YOUR*MORNING*LETTERS,*IF*I*REMEMBER*RIGHT,*WERE*FROM*A*FISH-MONGER*AND*A*TIDE-WAITER."

"YES,*MY*CORRESPONDENCE*HAS*CERTAINLY*THE*CHARM*OF*VARIETY,"*HE*ANSWERED,*SMILING,*"AND*THE*HUMBLER*ARE*USUALLY*THE*MORE*INTERESTING.*THIS*LOOKS*LIKE*ONE*OF*THOSE*UNWELCOME*SOCIAL*SUMMONSES*WHICH*CALL*UPON*A*MAN*EITHER*TO*BE*BORED*OR*TO*LIE."

HE*BROKE*THE*SEAL*AND*GLANCED*OVER*THE*CONTENTS.

"OH,*COME,*IT*MAY*PROVE*TO*BE*SOMETHING*OF*INTEREST,*AFTER*ALL."

"NOT*SOCIAL,*THEN?"

"NO,*DISTINCTLY*PROFESSIONAL."

"AND*FROM*A*NOBLE*CLIENT?"

"ONE*OF*THE*HIGHEST*IN*ENGLAND."

"MY*DEAR*FELLOW,*I*CONGRATULATE*YOU."

"I*ASSURE*YOU,*WATSON,*WITHOUT*AFFECTATION,*THAT*THE*STATUS*OF*MY*CLIENT*IS*A*MATTER*OF*LESS*MOMENT*TO*ME*THAN*THE*INTEREST*OF*HIS*CASE.*IT*IS*JUST*POSSIBLE,*HOWEVER,*THAT*THAT*ALSO*MAY*NOT*BE*WANTING*IN*THIS*NEW*INVESTIGATION.*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*READING*THE*PAPERS*DILIGENTLY*OF*LATE,*HAVE*YOU*NOT?"

"IT*LOOKS*LIKE*IT,"*SAID*I*RUEFULLY,*POINTING*TO*A*HUGE*BUNDLE*IN*THE*CORNER.*"I*HAVE*HAD*NOTHING*ELSE*TO*DO."

"IT*IS*FORTUNATE,*FOR*YOU*WILL*PERHAPS*BE*ABLE*TO*POST*ME*UP.*I*READ*NOTHING*EXCEPT*THE*CRIMINAL*NEWS*AND*THE*AGONY*COLUMN.*THE*LATTER*IS*ALWAYS*INSTRUCTIVE.*BUT*IF*YOU*HAVE*FOLLOWED*RECENT*EVENTS*SO*CLOSELY*YOU*MUST*HAVE*READ*ABOUT*LORD*ST.*SIMON*AND*HIS*WEDDING?"

"OH,*YES,*WITH*THE*DEEPEST*INTEREST."

"THAT*IS*WELL.*THE*LETTER*WHICH*I*HOLD*IN*MY*HAND*IS*FROM*LORD*ST.*SIMON.*I*WILL*READ*IT*TO*YOU,*AND*IN*RETURN*YOU*MUST*TURN*OVER*THESE*PAPERS*AND*LET*ME*HAVE*WHATEVER*BEARS*UPON*THE*MATTER.*THIS*IS*WHAT*HE*SAYS:

"*'MY*DEAR*MR.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES:--LORD*BACKWATER*TELLS*ME*THAT*I*MAY*PLACE*IMPLICIT*RELIANCE*UPON*YOUR*JUDGMENT*AND*DISCRETION.*I*HAVE*DETERMINED,*THEREFORE,*TO*CALL*UPON*YOU*AND*TO*CONSULT*YOU*IN*REFERENCE*TO*THE*VERY*PAINFUL*EVENT*WHICH*HAS*OCCURRED*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*MY*WEDDING.*MR.*LESTRADE,*OF*SCOTLAND*YARD,*IS*ACTING*ALREADY*IN*THE*MATTER,*BUT*HE*ASSURES*ME*THAT*HE*SEES*NO*OBJECTION*TO*YOUR*CO-OPERATION,*AND*THAT*HE*EVEN*THINKS*THAT*IT*MIGHT*BE*OF*SOME*ASSISTANCE.*I*WILL*CALL*AT*FOUR*O'CLOCK*IN*THE*AFTERNOON,*AND,*SHOULD*YOU*HAVE*ANY*OTHER*ENGAGEMENT*AT*THAT*TIME,*I*HOPE*THAT*YOU*WILL*POSTPONE*IT,*AS*THIS*MATTER*IS*OF*PARAMOUNT*IMPORTANCE.*YOURS*FAITHFULLY,


"*'ST.*SIMON.'

"IT*IS*DATED*FROM*GROSVENOR*MANSIONS,*WRITTEN*WITH*A*QUILL*PEN,*AND*THE*NOBLE*LORD*HAS*HAD*THE*MISFORTUNE*TO*GET*A*SMEAR*OF*INK*UPON*THE*OUTER*SIDE*OF*HIS*RIGHT*LITTLE*FINGER,"*REMARKED*HOLMES*AS*HE*FOLDED*UP*THE*EPISTLE.

"HE*SAYS*FOUR*O'CLOCK.*IT*IS*THREE*NOW.*HE*WILL*BE*HERE*IN*AN*HOUR."

"THEN*I*HAVE*JUST*TIME,*WITH*YOUR*ASSISTANCE,*TO*GET*CLEAR*UPON*THE*SUBJECT.*TURN*OVER*THOSE*PAPERS*AND*ARRANGE*THE*EXTRACTS*IN*THEIR*ORDER*OF*TIME,*WHILE*I*TAKE*A*GLANCE*AS*TO*WHO*OUR*CLIENT*IS."*HE*PICKED*A*RED-COVERED*VOLUME*FROM*A*LINE*OF*BOOKS*OF*REFERENCE*BESIDE*THE*MANTELPIECE.*"HERE*HE*IS,"*SAID*HE,*SITTING*DOWN*AND*FLATTENING*IT*OUT*UPON*HIS*KNEE.*"*'LORD*ROBERT*WALSINGHAM*DE*VERE*ST.*SIMON,*SECOND*SON*OF*THE*DUKE*OF*BALMORAL.'*HUM!*'ARMS:*AZURE,*THREE*CALTROPS*IN*CHIEF*OVER*A*FESS*SABLE.*BORN*IN*1846.'*HE'S*FORTY-ONE*YEARS*OF*AGE,*WHICH*IS*MATURE*FOR*MARRIAGE.*WAS*UNDER-SECRETARY*FOR*THE*COLONIES*IN*A*LATE*ADMINISTRATION.*THE*DUKE,*HIS*FATHER,*WAS*AT*ONE*TIME*SECRETARY*FOR*FOREIGN*AFFAIRS.*THEY*INHERIT*PLANTAGENET*BLOOD*BY*DIRECT*DESCENT,*AND*TUDOR*ON*THE*DISTAFF*SIDE.*HA!*WELL,*THERE*IS*NOTHING*VERY*INSTRUCTIVE*IN*ALL*THIS.*I*THINK*THAT*I*MUST*TURN*TO*YOU*WATSON,*FOR*SOMETHING*MORE*SOLID."

"I*HAVE*VERY*LITTLE*DIFFICULTY*IN*FINDING*WHAT*I*WANT,"*SAID*I,*"FOR*THE*FACTS*ARE*QUITE*RECENT,*AND*THE*MATTER*STRUCK*ME*AS*REMARKABLE.*I*FEARED*TO*REFER*THEM*TO*YOU,*HOWEVER,*AS*I*KNEW*THAT*YOU*HAD*AN*INQUIRY*ON*HAND*AND*THAT*YOU*DISLIKED*THE*INTRUSION*OF*OTHER*MATTERS."

"OH,*YOU*MEAN*THE*LITTLE*PROBLEM*OF*THE*GROSVENOR*SQUARE*FURNITURE*VAN.*THAT*IS*QUITE*CLEARED*UP*NOW--THOUGH,*INDEED,*IT*WAS*OBVIOUS*FROM*THE*FIRST.*PRAY*GIVE*ME*THE*RESULTS*OF*YOUR*NEWSPAPER*SELECTIONS."

"HERE*IS*THE*FIRST*NOTICE*WHICH*I*CAN*FIND.*IT*IS*IN*THE*PERSONAL*COLUMN*OF*THE*MORNING*POST,*AND*DATES,*AS*YOU*SEE,*SOME*WEEKS*BACK:*'A*MARRIAGE*HAS*BEEN*ARRANGED,'*IT*SAYS,*'AND*WILL,*IF*RUMOUR*IS*CORRECT,*VERY*SHORTLY*TAKE*PLACE,*BETWEEN*LORD*ROBERT*ST.*SIMON,*SECOND*SON*OF*THE*DUKE*OF*BALMORAL,*AND*MISS*HATTY*DORAN,*THE*ONLY*DAUGHTER*OF*ALOYSIUS*DORAN.*ESQ.,*OF*SAN*FRANCISCO,*CAL.,*U.S.A.'*THAT*IS*ALL."

"TERSE*AND*TO*THE*POINT,"*REMARKED*HOLMES,*STRETCHING*HIS*LONG,*THIN*LEGS*TOWARDS*THE*FIRE.


"ANYTHING*ELSE?"*ASKED*HOLMES,*YAWNING.

"OH,*YES;*PLENTY.*THEN*THERE*IS*ANOTHER*NOTE*IN*THE*MORNING*POST*TO*SAY*THAT*THE*MARRIAGE*WOULD*BE*AN*ABSOLUTELY*QUIET*ONE,*THAT*IT*WOULD*BE*AT*ST.*GEORGE'S,*HANOVER*SQUARE,*THAT*ONLY*HALF*A*DOZEN*INTIMATE*FRIENDS*WOULD*BE*INVITED,*AND*THAT*THE*PARTY*WOULD*RETURN*TO*THE*FURNISHED*HOUSE*AT*LANCASTER*GATE*WHICH*HAS*BEEN*TAKEN*BY*MR.*ALOYSIUS*DORAN.*TWO*DAYS*LATER--THAT*IS,*ON*WEDNESDAY*LAST--THERE*IS*A*CURT*ANNOUNCEMENT*THAT*THE*WEDDING*HAD*TAKEN*PLACE,*AND*THAT*THE*HONEYMOON*WOULD*BE*PASSED*AT*LORD*BACKWATER'S*PLACE,*NEAR*PETERSFIELD.*THOSE*ARE*ALL*THE*NOTICES*WHICH*APPEARED*BEFORE*THE*DISAPPEARANCE*OF*THE*BRIDE."

"BEFORE*THE*WHAT?"*ASKED*HOLMES*WITH*A*START.

"THE*VANISHING*OF*THE*LADY."

"WHEN*DID*SHE*VANISH,*THEN?"

"AT*THE*WEDDING*BREAKFAST."

"INDEED.*THIS*IS*MORE*INTERESTING*THAN*IT*PROMISED*TO*BE;*QUITE*DRAMATIC,*IN*FACT."

"YES;*IT*STRUCK*ME*AS*BEING*A*LITTLE*OUT*OF*THE*COMMON."

"THEY*OFTEN*VANISH*BEFORE*THE*CEREMONY,*AND*OCCASIONALLY*DURING*THE*HONEYMOON;*BUT*I*CANNOT*CALL*TO*MIND*ANYTHING*QUITE*SO*PROMPT*AS*THIS.*PRAY*LET*ME*HAVE*THE*DETAILS."

"I*WARN*YOU*THAT*THEY*ARE*VERY*INCOMPLETE."

"PERHAPS*WE*MAY*MAKE*THEM*LESS*SO."

"SUCH*AS*THEY*ARE,*THEY*ARE*SET*FORTH*IN*A*SINGLE*ARTICLE*OF*A*MORNING*PAPER*OF*YESTERDAY,*WHICH*I*WILL*READ*TO*YOU.*IT*IS*HEADED,*'SINGULAR*OCCURRENCE*AT*A*FASHIONABLE*WEDDING':

"*'THE*FAMILY*OF*LORD*ROBERT*ST.*SIMON*HAS*BEEN*THROWN*INTO*THE*GREATEST*CONSTERNATION*BY*THE*STRANGE*AND*PAINFUL*EPISODES*WHICH*HAVE*TAKEN*PLACE*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*HIS*WEDDING.*THE*CEREMONY,*AS*SHORTLY*ANNOUNCED*IN*THE*PAPERS*OF*YESTERDAY,*OCCURRED*ON*THE*PREVIOUS*MORNING;*BUT*IT*IS*ONLY*NOW*THAT*IT*HAS*BEEN*POSSIBLE*TO*CONFIRM*THE*STRANGE*RUMOURS*WHICH*HAVE*BEEN*SO*PERSISTENTLY*FLOATING*ABOUT.*IN*SPITE*OF*THE*ATTEMPTS*OF*THE*FRIENDS*TO*HUSH*THE*MATTER*UP,*SO*MUCH*PUBLIC*ATTENTION*HAS*NOW*BEEN*DRAWN*TO*IT*THAT*NO*GOOD*PURPOSE*CAN*BE*SERVED*BY*AFFECTING*TO*DISREGARD*WHAT*IS*A*COMMON*SUBJECT*FOR*CONVERSATION.


"AND*IS*THAT*ALL?"

"ONLY*ONE*LITTLE*ITEM*IN*ANOTHER*OF*THE*MORNING*PAPERS,*BUT*IT*IS*A*SUGGESTIVE*ONE."

"AND*IT*IS--"

"THAT*MISS*FLORA*MILLAR,*THE*LADY*WHO*HAD*CAUSED*THE*DISTURBANCE,*HAS*ACTUALLY*BEEN*ARRESTED.*IT*APPEARS*THAT*SHE*WAS*FORMERLY*A*DANSEUSE*AT*THE*ALLEGRO,*AND*THAT*SHE*HAS*KNOWN*THE*BRIDEGROOM*FOR*SOME*YEARS.*THERE*ARE*NO*FURTHER*PARTICULARS,*AND*THE*WHOLE*CASE*IS*IN*YOUR*HANDS*NOW--SO*FAR*AS*IT*HAS*BEEN*SET*FORTH*IN*THE*PUBLIC*PRESS."

"AND*AN*EXCEEDINGLY*INTERESTING*CASE*IT*APPEARS*TO*BE.*I*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*MISSED*IT*FOR*WORLDS.*BUT*THERE*IS*A*RING*AT*THE*BELL,*WATSON,*AND*AS*THE*CLOCK*MAKES*IT*A*FEW*MINUTES*AFTER*FOUR,*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*THIS*WILL*PROVE*TO*BE*OUR*NOBLE*CLIENT.*DO*NOT*DREAM*OF*GOING,*WATSON,*FOR*I*VERY*MUCH*PREFER*HAVING*A*WITNESS,*IF*ONLY*AS*A*CHECK*TO*MY*OWN*MEMORY."

"LORD*ROBERT*ST.*SIMON,"*ANNOUNCED*OUR*PAGE-BOY,*THROWING*OPEN*THE*DOOR.*A*GENTLEMAN*ENTERED,*WITH*A*PLEASANT,*CULTURED*FACE,*HIGH-NOSED*AND*PALE,*WITH*SOMETHING*PERHAPS*OF*PETULANCE*ABOUT*THE*MOUTH,*AND*WITH*THE*STEADY,*WELL-OPENED*EYE*OF*A*MAN*WHOSE*PLEASANT*LOT*IT*HAD*EVER*BEEN*TO*COMMAND*AND*TO*BE*OBEYED.*HIS*MANNER*WAS*BRISK,*AND*YET*HIS*GENERAL*APPEARANCE*GAVE*AN*UNDUE*IMPRESSION*OF*AGE,*FOR*HE*HAD*A*SLIGHT*FORWARD*STOOP*AND*A*LITTLE*BEND*OF*THE*KNEES*AS*HE*WALKED.*HIS*HAIR,*TOO,*AS*HE*SWEPT*OFF*HIS*VERY*CURLY-BRIMMED*HAT,*WAS*GRIZZLED*ROUND*THE*EDGES*AND*THIN*UPON*THE*TOP.*AS*TO*HIS*DRESS,*IT*WAS*CAREFUL*TO*THE*VERGE*OF*FOPPISHNESS,*WITH*HIGH*COLLAR,*BLACK*FROCK-COAT,*WHITE*WAISTCOAT,*YELLOW*GLOVES,*PATENT-LEATHER*SHOES,*AND*LIGHT-COLOURED*GAITERS.*HE*ADVANCED*SLOWLY*INTO*THE*ROOM,*TURNING*HIS*HEAD*FROM*LEFT*TO*RIGHT,*AND*SWINGING*IN*HIS*RIGHT*HAND*THE*CORD*WHICH*HELD*HIS*GOLDEN*EYEGLASSES.

"GOOD-DAY,*LORD*ST.*SIMON,"*SAID*HOLMES,*RISING*AND*BOWING.*"PRAY*TAKE*THE*BASKET-CHAIR.*THIS*IS*MY*FRIEND*AND*COLLEAGUE,*DR.*WATSON.*DRAW*UP*A*LITTLE*TO*THE*FIRE,*AND*WE*WILL*TALK*THIS*MATTER*OVER."

"A*MOST*PAINFUL*MATTER*TO*ME,*AS*YOU*CAN*MOST*READILY*IMAGINE,*MR.*HOLMES.*I*HAVE*BEEN*CUT*TO*THE*QUICK.*I*UNDERSTAND*THAT*YOU*HAVE*ALREADY*MANAGED*SEVERAL*DELICATE*CASES*OF*THIS*SORT,*SIR,*THOUGH*I*PRESUME*THAT*THEY*WERE*HARDLY*FROM*THE*SAME*CLASS*OF*SOCIETY."

"NO,*I*AM*DESCENDING."

"I*BEG*PARDON."

"MY*LAST*CLIENT*OF*THE*SORT*WAS*A*KING."

"OH,*REALLY!*I*HAD*NO*IDEA.*AND*WHICH*KING?"

"THE*KING*OF*SCANDINAVIA."

"WHAT!*HAD*HE*LOST*HIS*WIFE?"

"YOU*CAN*UNDERSTAND,"*SAID*HOLMES*SUAVELY,*"THAT*I*EXTEND*TO*THE*AFFAIRS*OF*MY*OTHER*CLIENTS*THE*SAME*SECRECY*WHICH*I*PROMISE*TO*YOU*IN*YOURS."

"OF*COURSE!*VERY*RIGHT!*VERY*RIGHT!*I'M*SURE*I*BEG*PARDON.*AS*TO*MY*OWN*CASE,*I*AM*READY*TO*GIVE*YOU*ANY*INFORMATION*WHICH*MAY*ASSIST*YOU*IN*FORMING*AN*OPINION."

"THANK*YOU.*I*HAVE*ALREADY*LEARNED*ALL*THAT*IS*IN*THE*PUBLIC*PRINTS,*NOTHING*MORE.*I*PRESUME*THAT*I*MAY*TAKE*IT*AS*CORRECT--THIS*ARTICLE,*FOR*EXAMPLE,*AS*TO*THE*DISAPPEARANCE*OF*THE*BRIDE."

LORD*ST.*SIMON*GLANCED*OVER*IT.*"YES,*IT*IS*CORRECT,*AS*FAR*AS*IT*GOES."

"BUT*IT*NEEDS*A*GREAT*DEAL*OF*SUPPLEMENTING*BEFORE*ANYONE*COULD*OFFER*AN*OPINION.*I*THINK*THAT*I*MAY*ARRIVE*AT*MY*FACTS*MOST*DIRECTLY*BY*QUESTIONING*YOU."

"PRAY*DO*SO."

"WHEN*DID*YOU*FIRST*MEET*MISS*HATTY*DORAN?"

"IN*SAN*FRANCISCO,*A*YEAR*AGO."

"YOU*WERE*TRAVELLING*IN*THE*STATES?"

"YES."

"DID*YOU*BECOME*ENGAGED*THEN?"

"NO."

"BUT*YOU*WERE*ON*A*FRIENDLY*FOOTING?"

"I*WAS*AMUSED*BY*HER*SOCIETY,*AND*SHE*COULD*SEE*THAT*I*WAS*AMUSED."

"HER*FATHER*IS*VERY*RICH?"

"HE*IS*SAID*TO*BE*THE*RICHEST*MAN*ON*THE*PACIFIC*SLOPE."

"AND*HOW*DID*HE*MAKE*HIS*MONEY?"

"IN*MINING.*HE*HAD*NOTHING*A*FEW*YEARS*AGO.*THEN*HE*STRUCK*GOLD,*INVESTED*IT,*AND*CAME*UP*BY*LEAPS*AND*BOUNDS."

"NOW,*WHAT*IS*YOUR*OWN*IMPRESSION*AS*TO*THE*YOUNG*LADY'S--YOUR*WIFE'S*CHARACTER?"

THE*NOBLEMAN*SWUNG*HIS*GLASSES*A*LITTLE*FASTER*AND*STARED*DOWN*INTO*THE*FIRE.*"YOU*SEE,*MR.*HOLMES,"*SAID*HE,*"MY*WIFE*WAS*TWENTY*BEFORE*HER*FATHER*BECAME*A*RICH*MAN.*DURING*THAT*TIME*SHE*RAN*FREE*IN*A*MINING*CAMP*AND*WANDERED*THROUGH*WOODS*OR*MOUNTAINS,*SO*THAT*HER*EDUCATION*HAS*COME*FROM*NATURE*RATHER*THAN*FROM*THE*SCHOOLMASTER.*SHE*IS*WHAT*WE*CALL*IN*ENGLAND*A*TOMBOY,*WITH*A*STRONG*NATURE,*WILD*AND*FREE,*UNFETTERED*BY*ANY*SORT*OF*TRADITIONS.*SHE*IS*IMPETUOUS--VOLCANIC,*I*WAS*ABOUT*TO*SAY.*SHE*IS*SWIFT*IN*MAKING*UP*HER*MIND*AND*FEARLESS*IN*CARRYING*OUT*HER*RESOLUTIONS.*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*I*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*GIVEN*HER*THE*NAME*WHICH*I*HAVE*THE*HONOUR*TO*BEAR"--HE*GAVE*A*LITTLE*STATELY*COUGH--"HAD*I*NOT*THOUGHT*HER*TO*BE*AT*BOTTOM*A*NOBLE*WOMAN.*I*BELIEVE*THAT*SHE*IS*CAPABLE*OF*HEROIC*SELF-SACRIFICE*AND*THAT*ANYTHING*DISHONOURABLE*WOULD*BE*REPUGNANT*TO*HER."

"HAVE*YOU*HER*PHOTOGRAPH?"

"I*BROUGHT*THIS*WITH*ME."*HE*OPENED*A*LOCKET*AND*SHOWED*US*THE*FULL*FACE*OF*A*VERY*LOVELY*WOMAN.*IT*WAS*NOT*A*PHOTOGRAPH*BUT*AN*IVORY*MINIATURE,*AND*THE*ARTIST*HAD*BROUGHT*OUT*THE*FULL*EFFECT*OF*THE*LUSTROUS*BLACK*HAIR,*THE*LARGE*DARK*EYES,*AND*THE*EXQUISITE*MOUTH.*HOLMES*GAZED*LONG*AND*EARNESTLY*AT*IT.*THEN*HE*CLOSED*THE*LOCKET*AND*HANDED*IT*BACK*TO*LORD*ST.*SIMON.

"THE*YOUNG*LADY*CAME*TO*LONDON,*THEN,*AND*YOU*RENEWED*YOUR*ACQUAINTANCE?"

"YES,*HER*FATHER*BROUGHT*HER*OVER*FOR*THIS*LAST*LONDON*SEASON.*I*MET*HER*SEVERAL*TIMES,*BECAME*ENGAGED*TO*HER,*AND*HAVE*NOW*MARRIED*HER."

"SHE*BROUGHT,*I*UNDERSTAND,*A*CONSIDERABLE*DOWRY?"

"A*FAIR*DOWRY.*NOT*MORE*THAN*IS*USUAL*IN*MY*FAMILY."

"AND*THIS,*OF*COURSE,*REMAINS*TO*YOU,*SINCE*THE*MARRIAGE*IS*A*FAIT*ACCOMPLI?"

"I*REALLY*HAVE*MADE*NO*INQUIRIES*ON*THE*SUBJECT."

"VERY*NATURALLY*NOT.*DID*YOU*SEE*MISS*DORAN*ON*THE*DAY*BEFORE*THE*WEDDING?"

"YES."

"WAS*SHE*IN*GOOD*SPIRITS?"

"NEVER*BETTER.*SHE*KEPT*TALKING*OF*WHAT*WE*SHOULD*DO*IN*OUR*FUTURE*LIVES."

"INDEED!*THAT*IS*VERY*INTERESTING.*AND*ON*THE*MORNING*OF*THE*WEDDING?"

"SHE*WAS*AS*BRIGHT*AS*POSSIBLE--AT*LEAST*UNTIL*AFTER*THE*CEREMONY."

"AND*DID*YOU*OBSERVE*ANY*CHANGE*IN*HER*THEN?"

"WELL,*TO*TELL*THE*TRUTH,*I*SAW*THEN*THE*FIRST*SIGNS*THAT*I*HAD*EVER*SEEN*THAT*HER*TEMPER*WAS*JUST*A*LITTLE*SHARP.*THE*INCIDENT*HOWEVER,*WAS*TOO*TRIVIAL*TO*RELATE*AND*CAN*HAVE*NO*POSSIBLE*BEARING*UPON*THE*CASE."

"PRAY*LET*US*HAVE*IT,*FOR*ALL*THAT."

"OH,*IT*IS*CHILDISH.*SHE*DROPPED*HER*BOUQUET*AS*WE*WENT*TOWARDS*THE*VESTRY.*SHE*WAS*PASSING*THE*FRONT*PEW*AT*THE*TIME,*AND*IT*FELL*OVER*INTO*THE*PEW.*THERE*WAS*A*MOMENT'S*DELAY,*BUT*THE*GENTLEMAN*IN*THE*PEW*HANDED*IT*UP*TO*HER*AGAIN,*AND*IT*DID*NOT*APPEAR*TO*BE*THE*WORSE*FOR*THE*FALL.*YET*WHEN*I*SPOKE*TO*HER*OF*THE*MATTER,*SHE*ANSWERED*ME*ABRUPTLY;*AND*IN*THE*CARRIAGE,*ON*OUR*WAY*HOME,*SHE*SEEMED*ABSURDLY*AGITATED*OVER*THIS*TRIFLING*CAUSE."

"INDEED!*YOU*SAY*THAT*THERE*WAS*A*GENTLEMAN*IN*THE*PEW.*SOME*OF*THE*GENERAL*PUBLIC*WERE*PRESENT,*THEN?"

"OH,*YES.*IT*IS*IMPOSSIBLE*TO*EXCLUDE*THEM*WHEN*THE*CHURCH*IS*OPEN."

"THIS*GENTLEMAN*WAS*NOT*ONE*OF*YOUR*WIFE'S*FRIENDS?"

"NO,*NO;*I*CALL*HIM*A*GENTLEMAN*BY*COURTESY,*BUT*HE*WAS*QUITE*A*COMMON-LOOKING*PERSON.*I*HARDLY*NOTICED*HIS*APPEARANCE.*BUT*REALLY*I*THINK*THAT*WE*ARE*WANDERING*RATHER*FAR*FROM*THE*POINT."

"LADY*ST.*SIMON,*THEN,*RETURNED*FROM*THE*WEDDING*IN*A*LESS*CHEERFUL*FRAME*OF*MIND*THAN*SHE*HAD*GONE*TO*IT.*WHAT*DID*SHE*DO*ON*RE-ENTERING*HER*FATHER'S*HOUSE?"

"I*SAW*HER*IN*CONVERSATION*WITH*HER*MAID."

"AND*WHO*IS*HER*MAID?"

"ALICE*IS*HER*NAME.*SHE*IS*AN*AMERICAN*AND*CAME*FROM*CALIFORNIA*WITH*HER."

"A*CONFIDENTIAL*SERVANT?"

"A*LITTLE*TOO*MUCH*SO.*IT*SEEMED*TO*ME*THAT*HER*MISTRESS*ALLOWED*HER*TO*TAKE*GREAT*LIBERTIES.*STILL,*OF*COURSE,*IN*AMERICA*THEY*LOOK*UPON*THESE*THINGS*IN*A*DIFFERENT*WAY."

"HOW*LONG*DID*SHE*SPEAK*TO*THIS*ALICE?"

"OH,*A*FEW*MINUTES.*I*HAD*SOMETHING*ELSE*TO*THINK*OF."

"YOU*DID*NOT*OVERHEAR*WHAT*THEY*SAID?"

"LADY*ST.*SIMON*SAID*SOMETHING*ABOUT*'JUMPING*A*CLAIM.'*SHE*WAS*ACCUSTOMED*TO*USE*SLANG*OF*THE*KIND.*I*HAVE*NO*IDEA*WHAT*SHE*MEANT."

"AMERICAN*SLANG*IS*VERY*EXPRESSIVE*SOMETIMES.*AND*WHAT*DID*YOUR*WIFE*DO*WHEN*SHE*FINISHED*SPEAKING*TO*HER*MAID?"

"SHE*WALKED*INTO*THE*BREAKFAST-ROOM."

"ON*YOUR*ARM?"

"NO,*ALONE.*SHE*WAS*VERY*INDEPENDENT*IN*LITTLE*MATTERS*LIKE*THAT.*THEN,*AFTER*WE*HAD*SAT*DOWN*FOR*TEN*MINUTES*OR*SO,*SHE*ROSE*HURRIEDLY,*MUTTERED*SOME*WORDS*OF*APOLOGY,*AND*LEFT*THE*ROOM.*SHE*NEVER*CAME*BACK."

"BUT*THIS*MAID,*ALICE,*AS*I*UNDERSTAND,*DEPOSES*THAT*SHE*WENT*TO*HER*ROOM,*COVERED*HER*BRIDE'S*DRESS*WITH*A*LONG*ULSTER,*PUT*ON*A*BONNET,*AND*WENT*OUT."

"QUITE*SO.*AND*SHE*WAS*AFTERWARDS*SEEN*WALKING*INTO*HYDE*PARK*IN*COMPANY*WITH*FLORA*MILLAR,*A*WOMAN*WHO*IS*NOW*IN*CUSTODY,*AND*WHO*HAD*ALREADY*MADE*A*DISTURBANCE*AT*MR.*DORAN'S*HOUSE*THAT*MORNING."

"AH,*YES.*I*SHOULD*LIKE*A*FEW*PARTICULARS*AS*TO*THIS*YOUNG*LADY,*AND*YOUR*RELATIONS*TO*HER."

LORD*ST.*SIMON*SHRUGGED*HIS*SHOULDERS*AND*RAISED*HIS*EYEBROWS.*"WE*HAVE*BEEN*ON*A*FRIENDLY*FOOTING*FOR*SOME*YEARS--I*MAY*SAY*ON*A*VERY*FRIENDLY*FOOTING.*SHE*USED*TO*BE*AT*THE*ALLEGRO.*I*HAVE*NOT*TREATED*HER*UNGENEROUSLY,*AND*SHE*HAD*NO*JUST*CAUSE*OF*COMPLAINT*AGAINST*ME,*BUT*YOU*KNOW*WHAT*WOMEN*ARE,*MR.*HOLMES.*FLORA*WAS*A*DEAR*LITTLE*THING,*BUT*EXCEEDINGLY*HOT-HEADED*AND*DEVOTEDLY*ATTACHED*TO*ME.*SHE*WROTE*ME*DREADFUL*LETTERS*WHEN*SHE*HEARD*THAT*I*WAS*ABOUT*TO*BE*MARRIED,*AND,*TO*TELL*THE*TRUTH,*THE*REASON*WHY*I*HAD*THE*MARRIAGE*CELEBRATED*SO*QUIETLY*WAS*THAT*I*FEARED*LEST*THERE*MIGHT*BE*A*SCANDAL*IN*THE*CHURCH.*SHE*CAME*TO*MR.*DORAN'S*DOOR*JUST*AFTER*WE*RETURNED,*AND*SHE*ENDEAVOURED*TO*PUSH*HER*WAY*IN,*UTTERING*VERY*ABUSIVE*EXPRESSIONS*TOWARDS*MY*WIFE,*AND*EVEN*THREATENING*HER,*BUT*I*HAD*FORESEEN*THE*POSSIBILITY*OF*SOMETHING*OF*THE*SORT,*AND*I*HAD*TWO*POLICE*FELLOWS*THERE*IN*PRIVATE*CLOTHES,*WHO*SOON*PUSHED*HER*OUT*AGAIN.*SHE*WAS*QUIET*WHEN*SHE*SAW*THAT*THERE*WAS*NO*GOOD*IN*MAKING*A*ROW."

"DID*YOUR*WIFE*HEAR*ALL*THIS?"

"NO,*THANK*GOODNESS,*SHE*DID*NOT."

"AND*SHE*WAS*SEEN*WALKING*WITH*THIS*VERY*WOMAN*AFTERWARDS?"

"YES.*THAT*IS*WHAT*MR.*LESTRADE,*OF*SCOTLAND*YARD,*LOOKS*UPON*AS*SO*SERIOUS.*IT*IS*THOUGHT*THAT*FLORA*DECOYED*MY*WIFE*OUT*AND*LAID*SOME*TERRIBLE*TRAP*FOR*HER."

"WELL,*IT*IS*A*POSSIBLE*SUPPOSITION."

"YOU*THINK*SO,*TOO?"

"I*DID*NOT*SAY*A*PROBABLE*ONE.*BUT*YOU*DO*NOT*YOURSELF*LOOK*UPON*THIS*AS*LIKELY?"

"I*DO*NOT*THINK*FLORA*WOULD*HURT*A*FLY."

"STILL,*JEALOUSY*IS*A*STRANGE*TRANSFORMER*OF*CHARACTERS.*PRAY*WHAT*IS*YOUR*OWN*THEORY*AS*TO*WHAT*TOOK*PLACE?"

"WELL,*REALLY,*I*CAME*TO*SEEK*A*THEORY,*NOT*TO*PROPOUND*ONE.*I*HAVE*GIVEN*YOU*ALL*THE*FACTS.*SINCE*YOU*ASK*ME,*HOWEVER,*I*MAY*SAY*THAT*IT*HAS*OCCURRED*TO*ME*AS*POSSIBLE*THAT*THE*EXCITEMENT*OF*THIS*AFFAIR,*THE*CONSCIOUSNESS*THAT*SHE*HAD*MADE*SO*IMMENSE*A*SOCIAL*STRIDE,*HAD*THE*EFFECT*OF*CAUSING*SOME*LITTLE*NERVOUS*DISTURBANCE*IN*MY*WIFE."

"IN*SHORT,*THAT*SHE*HAD*BECOME*SUDDENLY*DERANGED?"

"WELL,*REALLY,*WHEN*I*CONSIDER*THAT*SHE*HAS*TURNED*HER*BACK--I*WILL*NOT*SAY*UPON*ME,*BUT*UPON*SO*MUCH*THAT*MANY*HAVE*ASPIRED*TO*WITHOUT*SUCCESS--I*CAN*HARDLY*EXPLAIN*IT*IN*ANY*OTHER*FASHION."

"WELL,*CERTAINLY*THAT*IS*ALSO*A*CONCEIVABLE*HYPOTHESIS,"*SAID*HOLMES,*SMILING.*"AND*NOW,*LORD*ST.*SIMON,*I*THINK*THAT*I*HAVE*NEARLY*ALL*MY*DATA.*MAY*I*ASK*WHETHER*YOU*WERE*SEATED*AT*THE*BREAKFAST-TABLE*SO*THAT*YOU*COULD*SEE*OUT*OF*THE*WINDOW?"

"WE*COULD*SEE*THE*OTHER*SIDE*OF*THE*ROAD*AND*THE*PARK."

"QUITE*SO.*THEN*I*DO*NOT*THINK*THAT*I*NEED*TO*DETAIN*YOU*LONGER.*I*SHALL*COMMUNICATE*WITH*YOU."

"SHOULD*YOU*BE*FORTUNATE*ENOUGH*TO*SOLVE*THIS*PROBLEM,"*SAID*OUR*CLIENT,*RISING.

"I*HAVE*SOLVED*IT."

"EH?*WHAT*WAS*THAT?"

"I*SAY*THAT*I*HAVE*SOLVED*IT."

"WHERE,*THEN,*IS*MY*WIFE?"

"THAT*IS*A*DETAIL*WHICH*I*SHALL*SPEEDILY*SUPPLY."

LORD*ST.*SIMON*SHOOK*HIS*HEAD.*"I*AM*AFRAID*THAT*IT*WILL*TAKE*WISER*HEADS*THAN*YOURS*OR*MINE,"*HE*REMARKED,*AND*BOWING*IN*A*STATELY,*OLD-FASHIONED*MANNER*HE*DEPARTED.

"IT*IS*VERY*GOOD*OF*LORD*ST.*SIMON*TO*HONOUR*MY*HEAD*BY*PUTTING*IT*ON*A*LEVEL*WITH*HIS*OWN,"*SAID*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*LAUGHING.*"I*THINK*THAT*I*SHALL*HAVE*A*WHISKY*AND*SODA*AND*A*CIGAR*AFTER*ALL*THIS*CROSS-QUESTIONING.*I*HAD*FORMED*MY*CONCLUSIONS*AS*TO*THE*CASE*BEFORE*OUR*CLIENT*CAME*INTO*THE*ROOM."

"MY*DEAR*HOLMES!"

"I*HAVE*NOTES*OF*SEVERAL*SIMILAR*CASES,*THOUGH*NONE,*AS*I*REMARKED*BEFORE,*WHICH*WERE*QUITE*AS*PROMPT.*MY*WHOLE*EXAMINATION*SERVED*TO*TURN*MY*CONJECTURE*INTO*A*CERTAINTY.*CIRCUMSTANTIAL*EVIDENCE*IS*OCCASIONALLY*VERY*CONVINCING,*AS*WHEN*YOU*FIND*A*TROUT*IN*THE*MILK,*TO*QUOTE*THOREAU'S*EXAMPLE."

"BUT*I*HAVE*HEARD*ALL*THAT*YOU*HAVE*HEARD."

"WITHOUT,*HOWEVER,*THE*KNOWLEDGE*OF*PRE-EXISTING*CASES*WHICH*SERVES*ME*SO*WELL.*THERE*WAS*A*PARALLEL*INSTANCE*IN*ABERDEEN*SOME*YEARS*BACK,*AND*SOMETHING*ON*VERY*MUCH*THE*SAME*LINES*AT*MUNICH*THE*YEAR*AFTER*THE*FRANCO-PRUSSIAN*WAR.*IT*IS*ONE*OF*THESE*CASES--BUT,*HULLO,*HERE*IS*LESTRADE!*GOOD-AFTERNOON,*LESTRADE!*YOU*WILL*FIND*AN*EXTRA*TUMBLER*UPON*THE*SIDEBOARD,*AND*THERE*ARE*CIGARS*IN*THE*BOX."

THE*OFFICIAL*DETECTIVE*WAS*ATTIRED*IN*A*PEA-JACKET*AND*CRAVAT,*WHICH*GAVE*HIM*A*DECIDEDLY*NAUTICAL*APPEARANCE,*AND*HE*CARRIED*A*BLACK*CANVAS*BAG*IN*HIS*HAND.*WITH*A*SHORT*GREETING*HE*SEATED*HIMSELF*AND*LIT*THE*CIGAR*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*OFFERED*TO*HIM.

"WHAT'S*UP,*THEN?"*ASKED*HOLMES*WITH*A*TWINKLE*IN*HIS*EYE.*"YOU*LOOK*DISSATISFIED."

"AND*I*FEEL*DISSATISFIED.*IT*IS*THIS*INFERNAL*ST.*SIMON*MARRIAGE*CASE.*I*CAN*MAKE*NEITHER*HEAD*NOR*TAIL*OF*THE*BUSINESS."

"REALLY!*YOU*SURPRISE*ME."

"WHO*EVER*HEARD*OF*SUCH*A*MIXED*AFFAIR?*EVERY*CLUE*SEEMS*TO*SLIP*THROUGH*MY*FINGERS.*I*HAVE*BEEN*AT*WORK*UPON*IT*ALL*DAY."

"AND*VERY*WET*IT*SEEMS*TO*HAVE*MADE*YOU,"*SAID*HOLMES*LAYING*HIS*HAND*UPON*THE*ARM*OF*THE*PEA-JACKET.

"YES,*I*HAVE*BEEN*DRAGGING*THE*SERPENTINE."

"IN*HEAVEN'S*NAME,*WHAT*FOR?"

"IN*SEARCH*OF*THE*BODY*OF*LADY*ST.*SIMON."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*LEANED*BACK*IN*HIS*CHAIR*AND*LAUGHED*HEARTILY.

"HAVE*YOU*DRAGGED*THE*BASIN*OF*TRAFALGAR*SQUARE*FOUNTAIN?"*HE*ASKED.

"WHY?*WHAT*DO*YOU*MEAN?"

"BECAUSE*YOU*HAVE*JUST*AS*GOOD*A*CHANCE*OF*FINDING*THIS*LADY*IN*THE*ONE*AS*IN*THE*OTHER."

LESTRADE*SHOT*AN*ANGRY*GLANCE*AT*MY*COMPANION.*"I*SUPPOSE*YOU*KNOW*ALL*ABOUT*IT,"*HE*SNARLED.

"WELL,*I*HAVE*ONLY*JUST*HEARD*THE*FACTS,*BUT*MY*MIND*IS*MADE*UP."

"OH,*INDEED!*THEN*YOU*THINK*THAT*THE*SERPENTINE*PLAYS*NO*PART*IN*THE*MATTER?"

"I*THINK*IT*VERY*UNLIKELY."

"THEN*PERHAPS*YOU*WILL*KINDLY*EXPLAIN*HOW*IT*IS*THAT*WE*FOUND*THIS*IN*IT?"*HE*OPENED*HIS*BAG*AS*HE*SPOKE,*AND*TUMBLED*ONTO*THE*FLOOR*A*WEDDING-DRESS*OF*WATERED*SILK,*A*PAIR*OF*WHITE*SATIN*SHOES*AND*A*BRIDE'S*WREATH*AND*VEIL,*ALL*DISCOLOURED*AND*SOAKED*IN*WATER.*"THERE,"*SAID*HE,*PUTTING*A*NEW*WEDDING-RING*UPON*THE*TOP*OF*THE*PILE.*"THERE*IS*A*LITTLE*NUT*FOR*YOU*TO*CRACK,*MASTER*HOLMES."

"OH,*INDEED!"*SAID*MY*FRIEND,*BLOWING*BLUE*RINGS*INTO*THE*AIR.*"YOU*DRAGGED*THEM*FROM*THE*SERPENTINE?"

"NO.*THEY*WERE*FOUND*FLOATING*NEAR*THE*MARGIN*BY*A*PARK-KEEPER.*THEY*HAVE*BEEN*IDENTIFIED*AS*HER*CLOTHES,*AND*IT*SEEMED*TO*ME*THAT*IF*THE*CLOTHES*WERE*THERE*THE*BODY*WOULD*NOT*BE*FAR*OFF."

"BY*THE*SAME*BRILLIANT*REASONING,*EVERY*MAN'S*BODY*IS*TO*BE*FOUND*IN*THE*NEIGHBOURHOOD*OF*HIS*WARDROBE.*AND*PRAY*WHAT*DID*YOU*HOPE*TO*ARRIVE*AT*THROUGH*THIS?"

"AT*SOME*EVIDENCE*IMPLICATING*FLORA*MILLAR*IN*THE*DISAPPEARANCE."

"I*AM*AFRAID*THAT*YOU*WILL*FIND*IT*DIFFICULT."

"ARE*YOU,*INDEED,*NOW?"*CRIED*LESTRADE*WITH*SOME*BITTERNESS.*"I*AM*AFRAID,*HOLMES,*THAT*YOU*ARE*NOT*VERY*PRACTICAL*WITH*YOUR*DEDUCTIONS*AND*YOUR*INFERENCES.*YOU*HAVE*MADE*TWO*BLUNDERS*IN*AS*MANY*MINUTES.*THIS*DRESS*DOES*IMPLICATE*MISS*FLORA*MILLAR."

"AND*HOW?"

"IN*THE*DRESS*IS*A*POCKET.*IN*THE*POCKET*IS*A*CARD-CASE.*IN*THE*CARD-CASE*IS*A*NOTE.*AND*HERE*IS*THE*VERY*NOTE."*HE*SLAPPED*IT*DOWN*UPON*THE*TABLE*IN*FRONT*OF*HIM.*"LISTEN*TO*THIS:*'YOU*WILL*SEE*ME*WHEN*ALL*IS*READY.*COME*AT*ONCE.*F.*H.*M.'*NOW*MY*THEORY*ALL*ALONG*HAS*BEEN*THAT*LADY*ST.*SIMON*WAS*DECOYED*AWAY*BY*FLORA*MILLAR,*AND*THAT*SHE,*WITH*CONFEDERATES,*NO*DOUBT,*WAS*RESPONSIBLE*FOR*HER*DISAPPEARANCE.*HERE,*SIGNED*WITH*HER*INITIALS,*IS*THE*VERY*NOTE*WHICH*WAS*NO*DOUBT*QUIETLY*SLIPPED*INTO*HER*HAND*AT*THE*DOOR*AND*WHICH*LURED*HER*WITHIN*THEIR*REACH."

"VERY*GOOD,*LESTRADE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*LAUGHING.*"YOU*REALLY*ARE*VERY*FINE*INDEED.*LET*ME*SEE*IT."*HE*TOOK*UP*THE*PAPER*IN*A*LISTLESS*WAY,*BUT*HIS*ATTENTION*INSTANTLY*BECAME*RIVETED,*AND*HE*GAVE*A*LITTLE*CRY*OF*SATISFACTION.*"THIS*IS*INDEED*IMPORTANT,"*SAID*HE.

"HA!*YOU*FIND*IT*SO?"

"EXTREMELY*SO.*I*CONGRATULATE*YOU*WARMLY."

LESTRADE*ROSE*IN*HIS*TRIUMPH*AND*BENT*HIS*HEAD*TO*LOOK.*"WHY,"*HE*SHRIEKED,*"YOU'RE*LOOKING*AT*THE*WRONG*SIDE!"

"ON*THE*CONTRARY,*THIS*IS*THE*RIGHT*SIDE."

"THE*RIGHT*SIDE?*YOU'RE*MAD!*HERE*IS*THE*NOTE*WRITTEN*IN*PENCIL*OVER*HERE."

"AND*OVER*HERE*IS*WHAT*APPEARS*TO*BE*THE*FRAGMENT*OF*A*HOTEL*BILL,*WHICH*INTERESTS*ME*DEEPLY."

"THERE'S*NOTHING*IN*IT.*I*LOOKED*AT*IT*BEFORE,"*SAID*LESTRADE.*"*'OCT.*4TH,*ROOMS*8S.,*BREAKFAST*2S.*6D.,*COCKTAIL*1S.,*LUNCH*2S.*6D.,*GLASS*SHERRY,*8D.'*I*SEE*NOTHING*IN*THAT."

"VERY*LIKELY*NOT.*IT*IS*MOST*IMPORTANT,*ALL*THE*SAME.*AS*TO*THE*NOTE,*IT*IS*IMPORTANT*ALSO,*OR*AT*LEAST*THE*INITIALS*ARE,*SO*I*CONGRATULATE*YOU*AGAIN."

"I'VE*WASTED*TIME*ENOUGH,"*SAID*LESTRADE,*RISING.*"I*BELIEVE*IN*HARD*WORK*AND*NOT*IN*SITTING*BY*THE*FIRE*SPINNING*FINE*THEORIES.*GOOD-DAY,*MR.*HOLMES,*AND*WE*SHALL*SEE*WHICH*GETS*TO*THE*BOTTOM*OF*THE*MATTER*FIRST."*HE*GATHERED*UP*THE*GARMENTS,*THRUST*THEM*INTO*THE*BAG,*AND*MADE*FOR*THE*DOOR.

"JUST*ONE*HINT*TO*YOU,*LESTRADE,"*DRAWLED*HOLMES*BEFORE*HIS*RIVAL*VANISHED;*"I*WILL*TELL*YOU*THE*TRUE*SOLUTION*OF*THE*MATTER.*LADY*ST.*SIMON*IS*A*MYTH.*THERE*IS*NOT,*AND*THERE*NEVER*HAS*BEEN,*ANY*SUCH*PERSON."

LESTRADE*LOOKED*SADLY*AT*MY*COMPANION.*THEN*HE*TURNED*TO*ME,*TAPPED*HIS*FOREHEAD*THREE*TIMES,*SHOOK*HIS*HEAD*SOLEMNLY,*AND*HURRIED*AWAY.

HE*HAD*HARDLY*SHUT*THE*DOOR*BEHIND*HIM*WHEN*HOLMES*ROSE*TO*PUT*ON*HIS*OVERCOAT.*"THERE*IS*SOMETHING*IN*WHAT*THE*FELLOW*SAYS*ABOUT*OUTDOOR*WORK,"*HE*REMARKED,*"SO*I*THINK,*WATSON,*THAT*I*MUST*LEAVE*YOU*TO*YOUR*PAPERS*FOR*A*LITTLE."

IT*WAS*AFTER*FIVE*O'CLOCK*WHEN*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*LEFT*ME,*BUT*I*HAD*NO*TIME*TO*BE*LONELY,*FOR*WITHIN*AN*HOUR*THERE*ARRIVED*A*CONFECTIONER'S*MAN*WITH*A*VERY*LARGE*FLAT*BOX.*THIS*HE*UNPACKED*WITH*THE*HELP*OF*A*YOUTH*WHOM*HE*HAD*BROUGHT*WITH*HIM,*AND*PRESENTLY,*TO*MY*VERY*GREAT*ASTONISHMENT,*A*QUITE*EPICUREAN*LITTLE*COLD*SUPPER*BEGAN*TO*BE*LAID*OUT*UPON*OUR*HUMBLE*LODGING-HOUSE*MAHOGANY.*THERE*WERE*A*COUPLE*OF*BRACE*OF*COLD*WOODCOCK,*A*PHEASANT,*A*PATE*DE*FOIE*GRAS*PIE*WITH*A*GROUP*OF*ANCIENT*AND*COBWEBBY*BOTTLES.*HAVING*LAID*OUT*ALL*THESE*LUXURIES,*MY*TWO*VISITORS*VANISHED*AWAY,*LIKE*THE*GENII*OF*THE*ARABIAN*NIGHTS,*WITH*NO*EXPLANATION*SAVE*THAT*THE*THINGS*HAD*BEEN*PAID*FOR*AND*WERE*ORDERED*TO*THIS*ADDRESS.

JUST*BEFORE*NINE*O'CLOCK*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*STEPPED*BRISKLY*INTO*THE*ROOM.*HIS*FEATURES*WERE*GRAVELY*SET,*BUT*THERE*WAS*A*LIGHT*IN*HIS*EYE*WHICH*MADE*ME*THINK*THAT*HE*HAD*NOT*BEEN*DISAPPOINTED*IN*HIS*CONCLUSIONS.

"THEY*HAVE*LAID*THE*SUPPER,*THEN,"*HE*SAID,*RUBBING*HIS*HANDS.

"YOU*SEEM*TO*EXPECT*COMPANY.*THEY*HAVE*LAID*FOR*FIVE."

"YES,*I*FANCY*WE*MAY*HAVE*SOME*COMPANY*DROPPING*IN,"*SAID*HE.*"I*AM*SURPRISED*THAT*LORD*ST.*SIMON*HAS*NOT*ALREADY*ARRIVED.*HA!*I*FANCY*THAT*I*HEAR*HIS*STEP*NOW*UPON*THE*STAIRS."

IT*WAS*INDEED*OUR*VISITOR*OF*THE*AFTERNOON*WHO*CAME*BUSTLING*IN,*DANGLING*HIS*GLASSES*MORE*VIGOROUSLY*THAN*EVER,*AND*WITH*A*VERY*PERTURBED*EXPRESSION*UPON*HIS*ARISTOCRATIC*FEATURES.

"MY*MESSENGER*REACHED*YOU,*THEN?"*ASKED*HOLMES.

"YES,*AND*I*CONFESS*THAT*THE*CONTENTS*STARTLED*ME*BEYOND*MEASURE.*HAVE*YOU*GOOD*AUTHORITY*FOR*WHAT*YOU*SAY?"

"THE*BEST*POSSIBLE."

LORD*ST.*SIMON*SANK*INTO*A*CHAIR*AND*PASSED*HIS*HAND*OVER*HIS*FOREHEAD.

"WHAT*WILL*THE*DUKE*SAY,"*HE*MURMURED,*"WHEN*HE*HEARS*THAT*ONE*OF*THE*FAMILY*HAS*BEEN*SUBJECTED*TO*SUCH*HUMILIATION?"

"IT*IS*THE*PUREST*ACCIDENT.*I*CANNOT*ALLOW*THAT*THERE*IS*ANY*HUMILIATION."

"AH,*YOU*LOOK*ON*THESE*THINGS*FROM*ANOTHER*STANDPOINT."

"I*FAIL*TO*SEE*THAT*ANYONE*IS*TO*BLAME.*I*CAN*HARDLY*SEE*HOW*THE*LADY*COULD*HAVE*ACTED*OTHERWISE,*THOUGH*HER*ABRUPT*METHOD*OF*DOING*IT*WAS*UNDOUBTEDLY*TO*BE*REGRETTED.*HAVING*NO*MOTHER,*SHE*HAD*NO*ONE*TO*ADVISE*HER*AT*SUCH*A*CRISIS."

"IT*WAS*A*SLIGHT,*SIR,*A*PUBLIC*SLIGHT,"*SAID*LORD*ST.*SIMON,*TAPPING*HIS*FINGERS*UPON*THE*TABLE.

"YOU*MUST*MAKE*ALLOWANCE*FOR*THIS*POOR*GIRL,*PLACED*IN*SO*UNPRECEDENTED*A*POSITION."

"I*WILL*MAKE*NO*ALLOWANCE.*I*AM*VERY*ANGRY*INDEED,*AND*I*HAVE*BEEN*SHAMEFULLY*USED."

"I*THINK*THAT*I*HEARD*A*RING,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"YES,*THERE*ARE*STEPS*ON*THE*LANDING.*IF*I*CANNOT*PERSUADE*YOU*TO*TAKE*A*LENIENT*VIEW*OF*THE*MATTER,*LORD*ST.*SIMON,*I*HAVE*BROUGHT*AN*ADVOCATE*HERE*WHO*MAY*BE*MORE*SUCCESSFUL."*HE*OPENED*THE*DOOR*AND*USHERED*IN*A*LADY*AND*GENTLEMAN.*"LORD*ST.*SIMON,"*SAID*HE*"ALLOW*ME*TO*INTRODUCE*YOU*TO*MR.*AND*MRS.*FRANCIS*HAY*MOULTON.*THE*LADY,*I*THINK,*YOU*HAVE*ALREADY*MET."

AT*THE*SIGHT*OF*THESE*NEWCOMERS*OUR*CLIENT*HAD*SPRUNG*FROM*HIS*SEAT*AND*STOOD*VERY*ERECT,*WITH*HIS*EYES*CAST*DOWN*AND*HIS*HAND*THRUST*INTO*THE*BREAST*OF*HIS*FROCK-COAT,*A*PICTURE*OF*OFFENDED*DIGNITY.*THE*LADY*HAD*TAKEN*A*QUICK*STEP*FORWARD*AND*HAD*HELD*OUT*HER*HAND*TO*HIM,*BUT*HE*STILL*REFUSED*TO*RAISE*HIS*EYES.*IT*WAS*AS*WELL*FOR*HIS*RESOLUTION,*PERHAPS,*FOR*HER*PLEADING*FACE*WAS*ONE*WHICH*IT*WAS*HARD*TO*RESIST.

"YOU'RE*ANGRY,*ROBERT,"*SAID*SHE.*"WELL,*I*GUESS*YOU*HAVE*EVERY*CAUSE*TO*BE."

"PRAY*MAKE*NO*APOLOGY*TO*ME,"*SAID*LORD*ST.*SIMON*BITTERLY.

"OH,*YES,*I*KNOW*THAT*I*HAVE*TREATED*YOU*REAL*BAD*AND*THAT*I*SHOULD*HAVE*SPOKEN*TO*YOU*BEFORE*I*WENT;*BUT*I*WAS*KIND*OF*RATTLED,*AND*FROM*THE*TIME*WHEN*I*SAW*FRANK*HERE*AGAIN*I*JUST*DIDN'T*KNOW*WHAT*I*WAS*DOING*OR*SAYING.*I*ONLY*WONDER*I*DIDN'T*FALL*DOWN*AND*DO*A*FAINT*RIGHT*THERE*BEFORE*THE*ALTAR."

"PERHAPS,*MRS.*MOULTON,*YOU*WOULD*LIKE*MY*FRIEND*AND*ME*TO*LEAVE*THE*ROOM*WHILE*YOU*EXPLAIN*THIS*MATTER?"

"IF*I*MAY*GIVE*AN*OPINION,"*REMARKED*THE*STRANGE*GENTLEMAN,*"WE'VE*HAD*JUST*A*LITTLE*TOO*MUCH*SECRECY*OVER*THIS*BUSINESS*ALREADY.*FOR*MY*PART,*I*SHOULD*LIKE*ALL*EUROPE*AND*AMERICA*TO*HEAR*THE*RIGHTS*OF*IT."*HE*WAS*A*SMALL,*WIRY,*SUNBURNT*MAN,*CLEAN-SHAVEN,*WITH*A*SHARP*FACE*AND*ALERT*MANNER.


"THE*NEXT*I*HEARD*OF*FRANK*WAS*THAT*HE*WAS*IN*MONTANA,*AND*THEN*HE*WENT*PROSPECTING*IN*ARIZONA,*AND*THEN*I*HEARD*OF*HIM*FROM*NEW*MEXICO.*AFTER*THAT*CAME*A*LONG*NEWSPAPER*STORY*ABOUT*HOW*A*MINERS'*CAMP*HAD*BEEN*ATTACKED*BY*APACHE*INDIANS,*AND*THERE*WAS*MY*FRANK'S*NAME*AMONG*THE*KILLED.*I*FAINTED*DEAD*AWAY,*AND*I*WAS*VERY*SICK*FOR*MONTHS*AFTER.*PA*THOUGHT*I*HAD*A*DECLINE*AND*TOOK*ME*TO*HALF*THE*DOCTORS*IN*'FRISCO.*NOT*A*WORD*OF*NEWS*CAME*FOR*A*YEAR*AND*MORE,*SO*THAT*I*NEVER*DOUBTED*THAT*FRANK*WAS*REALLY*DEAD.*THEN*LORD*ST.*SIMON*CAME*TO*'FRISCO,*AND*WE*CAME*TO*LONDON,*AND*A*MARRIAGE*WAS*ARRANGED,*AND*PA*WAS*VERY*PLEASED,*BUT*I*FELT*ALL*THE*TIME*THAT*NO*MAN*ON*THIS*EARTH*WOULD*EVER*TAKE*THE*PLACE*IN*MY*HEART*THAT*HAD*BEEN*GIVEN*TO*MY*POOR*FRANK.



"I*SAW*IT*IN*A*PAPER,"*EXPLAINED*THE*AMERICAN.*"IT*GAVE*THE*NAME*AND*THE*CHURCH*BUT*NOT*WHERE*THE*LADY*LIVED."


LORD*ST.*SIMON*HAD*BY*NO*MEANS*RELAXED*HIS*RIGID*ATTITUDE,*BUT*HAD*LISTENED*WITH*A*FROWNING*BROW*AND*A*COMPRESSED*LIP*TO*THIS*LONG*NARRATIVE.

"EXCUSE*ME,"*HE*SAID,*"BUT*IT*IS*NOT*MY*CUSTOM*TO*DISCUSS*MY*MOST*INTIMATE*PERSONAL*AFFAIRS*IN*THIS*PUBLIC*MANNER."

"THEN*YOU*WON'T*FORGIVE*ME?*YOU*WON'T*SHAKE*HANDS*BEFORE*I*GO?"

"OH,*CERTAINLY,*IF*IT*WOULD*GIVE*YOU*ANY*PLEASURE."*HE*PUT*OUT*HIS*HAND*AND*COLDLY*GRASPED*THAT*WHICH*SHE*EXTENDED*TO*HIM.

"I*HAD*HOPED,"*SUGGESTED*HOLMES,*"THAT*YOU*WOULD*HAVE*JOINED*US*IN*A*FRIENDLY*SUPPER."

"I*THINK*THAT*THERE*YOU*ASK*A*LITTLE*TOO*MUCH,"*RESPONDED*HIS*LORDSHIP.*"I*MAY*BE*FORCED*TO*ACQUIESCE*IN*THESE*RECENT*DEVELOPMENTS,*BUT*I*CAN*HARDLY*BE*EXPECTED*TO*MAKE*MERRY*OVER*THEM.*I*THINK*THAT*WITH*YOUR*PERMISSION*I*WILL*NOW*WISH*YOU*ALL*A*VERY*GOOD-NIGHT."*HE*INCLUDED*US*ALL*IN*A*SWEEPING*BOW*AND*STALKED*OUT*OF*THE*ROOM.

"THEN*I*TRUST*THAT*YOU*AT*LEAST*WILL*HONOUR*ME*WITH*YOUR*COMPANY,"*SAID*SHERLOCK*HOLMES.*"IT*IS*ALWAYS*A*JOY*TO*MEET*AN*AMERICAN,*MR.*MOULTON,*FOR*I*AM*ONE*OF*THOSE*WHO*BELIEVE*THAT*THE*FOLLY*OF*A*MONARCH*AND*THE*BLUNDERING*OF*A*MINISTER*IN*FAR-GONE*YEARS*WILL*NOT*PREVENT*OUR*CHILDREN*FROM*BEING*SOME*DAY*CITIZENS*OF*THE*SAME*WORLD-WIDE*COUNTRY*UNDER*A*FLAG*WHICH*SHALL*BE*A*QUARTERING*OF*THE*UNION*JACK*WITH*THE*STARS*AND*STRIPES."

"THE*CASE*HAS*BEEN*AN*INTERESTING*ONE,"*REMARKED*HOLMES*WHEN*OUR*VISITORS*HAD*LEFT*US,*"BECAUSE*IT*SERVES*TO*SHOW*VERY*CLEARLY*HOW*SIMPLE*THE*EXPLANATION*MAY*BE*OF*AN*AFFAIR*WHICH*AT*FIRST*SIGHT*SEEMS*TO*BE*ALMOST*INEXPLICABLE.*NOTHING*COULD*BE*MORE*NATURAL*THAN*THE*SEQUENCE*OF*EVENTS*AS*NARRATED*BY*THIS*LADY,*AND*NOTHING*STRANGER*THAN*THE*RESULT*WHEN*VIEWED,*FOR*INSTANCE,*BY*MR.*LESTRADE*OF*SCOTLAND*YARD."

"YOU*WERE*NOT*YOURSELF*AT*FAULT*AT*ALL,*THEN?"


"AND*HOW*IN*THE*WORLD*DID*YOU*FIND*THEM?"

"IT*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*DIFFICULT,*BUT*FRIEND*LESTRADE*HELD*INFORMATION*IN*HIS*HANDS*THE*VALUE*OF*WHICH*HE*DID*NOT*HIMSELF*KNOW.*THE*INITIALS*WERE,*OF*COURSE,*OF*THE*HIGHEST*IMPORTANCE,*BUT*MORE*VALUABLE*STILL*WAS*IT*TO*KNOW*THAT*WITHIN*A*WEEK*HE*HAD*SETTLED*HIS*BILL*AT*ONE*OF*THE*MOST*SELECT*LONDON*HOTELS."

"HOW*DID*YOU*DEDUCE*THE*SELECT?"

"BY*THE*SELECT*PRICES.*EIGHT*SHILLINGS*FOR*A*BED*AND*EIGHTPENCE*FOR*A*GLASS*OF*SHERRY*POINTED*TO*ONE*OF*THE*MOST*EXPENSIVE*HOTELS.*THERE*ARE*NOT*MANY*IN*LONDON*WHICH*CHARGE*AT*THAT*RATE.*IN*THE*SECOND*ONE*WHICH*I*VISITED*IN*NORTHUMBERLAND*AVENUE,*I*LEARNED*BY*AN*INSPECTION*OF*THE*BOOK*THAT*FRANCIS*H.*MOULTON,*AN*AMERICAN*GENTLEMAN,*HAD*LEFT*ONLY*THE*DAY*BEFORE,*AND*ON*LOOKING*OVER*THE*ENTRIES*AGAINST*HIM,*I*CAME*UPON*THE*VERY*ITEMS*WHICH*I*HAD*SEEN*IN*THE*DUPLICATE*BILL.*HIS*LETTERS*WERE*TO*BE*FORWARDED*TO*226*GORDON*SQUARE;*SO*THITHER*I*TRAVELLED,*AND*BEING*FORTUNATE*ENOUGH*TO*FIND*THE*LOVING*COUPLE*AT*HOME,*I*VENTURED*TO*GIVE*THEM*SOME*PATERNAL*ADVICE*AND*TO*POINT*OUT*TO*THEM*THAT*IT*WOULD*BE*BETTER*IN*EVERY*WAY*THAT*THEY*SHOULD*MAKE*THEIR*POSITION*A*LITTLE*CLEARER*BOTH*TO*THE*GENERAL*PUBLIC*AND*TO*LORD*ST.*SIMON*IN*PARTICULAR.*I*INVITED*THEM*TO*MEET*HIM*HERE,*AND,*AS*YOU*SEE,*I*MADE*HIM*KEEP*THE*APPOINTMENT."

"BUT*WITH*NO*VERY*GOOD*RESULT,"*I*REMARKED.*"HIS*CONDUCT*WAS*CERTAINLY*NOT*VERY*GRACIOUS."

"AH,*WATSON,"*SAID*HOLMES,*SMILING,*"PERHAPS*YOU*WOULD*NOT*BE*VERY*GRACIOUS*EITHER,*IF,*AFTER*ALL*THE*TROUBLE*OF*WOOING*AND*WEDDING,*YOU*FOUND*YOURSELF*DEPRIVED*IN*AN*INSTANT*OF*WIFE*AND*OF*FORTUNE.*I*THINK*THAT*WE*MAY*JUDGE*LORD*ST.*SIMON*VERY*MERCIFULLY*AND*THANK*OUR*STARS*THAT*WE*ARE*NEVER*LIKELY*TO*FIND*OURSELVES*IN*THE*SAME*POSITION.*DRAW*YOUR*CHAIR*UP*AND*HAND*ME*MY*VIOLIN,*FOR*THE*ONLY*PROBLEM*WE*HAVE*STILL*TO*SOLVE*IS*HOW*TO*WHILE*AWAY*THESE*BLEAK*AUTUMNAL*EVENINGS."

XI.**THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*BERYL*CORONET


"HOLMES,"*SAID*I*AS*I*STOOD*ONE*MORNING*IN*OUR*BOW-WINDOW*LOOKING*DOWN*THE*STREET,*"HERE*IS*A*MADMAN*COMING*ALONG.*IT*SEEMS*RATHER*SAD*THAT*HIS*RELATIVES*SHOULD*ALLOW*HIM*TO*COME*OUT*ALONE."

MY*FRIEND*ROSE*LAZILY*FROM*HIS*ARMCHAIR*AND*STOOD*WITH*HIS*HANDS*IN*THE*POCKETS*OF*HIS*DRESSING-GOWN,*LOOKING*OVER*MY*SHOULDER.*IT*WAS*A*BRIGHT,*CRISP*FEBRUARY*MORNING,*AND*THE*SNOW*OF*THE*DAY*BEFORE*STILL*LAY*DEEP*UPON*THE*GROUND,*SHIMMERING*BRIGHTLY*IN*THE*WINTRY*SUN.*DOWN*THE*CENTRE*OF*BAKER*STREET*IT*HAD*BEEN*PLOUGHED*INTO*A*BROWN*CRUMBLY*BAND*BY*THE*TRAFFIC,*BUT*AT*EITHER*SIDE*AND*ON*THE*HEAPED-UP*EDGES*OF*THE*FOOT-PATHS*IT*STILL*LAY*AS*WHITE*AS*WHEN*IT*FELL.*THE*GREY*PAVEMENT*HAD*BEEN*CLEANED*AND*SCRAPED,*BUT*WAS*STILL*DANGEROUSLY*SLIPPERY,*SO*THAT*THERE*WERE*FEWER*PASSENGERS*THAN*USUAL.*INDEED,*FROM*THE*DIRECTION*OF*THE*METROPOLITAN*STATION*NO*ONE*WAS*COMING*SAVE*THE*SINGLE*GENTLEMAN*WHOSE*ECCENTRIC*CONDUCT*HAD*DRAWN*MY*ATTENTION.

HE*WAS*A*MAN*OF*ABOUT*FIFTY,*TALL,*PORTLY,*AND*IMPOSING,*WITH*A*MASSIVE,*STRONGLY*MARKED*FACE*AND*A*COMMANDING*FIGURE.*HE*WAS*DRESSED*IN*A*SOMBRE*YET*RICH*STYLE,*IN*BLACK*FROCK-COAT,*SHINING*HAT,*NEAT*BROWN*GAITERS,*AND*WELL-CUT*PEARL-GREY*TROUSERS.*YET*HIS*ACTIONS*WERE*IN*ABSURD*CONTRAST*TO*THE*DIGNITY*OF*HIS*DRESS*AND*FEATURES,*FOR*HE*WAS*RUNNING*HARD,*WITH*OCCASIONAL*LITTLE*SPRINGS,*SUCH*AS*A*WEARY*MAN*GIVES*WHO*IS*LITTLE*ACCUSTOMED*TO*SET*ANY*TAX*UPON*HIS*LEGS.*AS*HE*RAN*HE*JERKED*HIS*HANDS*UP*AND*DOWN,*WAGGLED*HIS*HEAD,*AND*WRITHED*HIS*FACE*INTO*THE*MOST*EXTRAORDINARY*CONTORTIONS.

"WHAT*ON*EARTH*CAN*BE*THE*MATTER*WITH*HIM?"*I*ASKED.*"HE*IS*LOOKING*UP*AT*THE*NUMBERS*OF*THE*HOUSES."

"I*BELIEVE*THAT*HE*IS*COMING*HERE,"*SAID*HOLMES,*RUBBING*HIS*HANDS.

"HERE?"

"YES;*I*RATHER*THINK*HE*IS*COMING*TO*CONSULT*ME*PROFESSIONALLY.*I*THINK*THAT*I*RECOGNISE*THE*SYMPTOMS.*HA!*DID*I*NOT*TELL*YOU?"*AS*HE*SPOKE,*THE*MAN,*PUFFING*AND*BLOWING,*RUSHED*AT*OUR*DOOR*AND*PULLED*AT*OUR*BELL*UNTIL*THE*WHOLE*HOUSE*RESOUNDED*WITH*THE*CLANGING.

A*FEW*MOMENTS*LATER*HE*WAS*IN*OUR*ROOM,*STILL*PUFFING,*STILL*GESTICULATING,*BUT*WITH*SO*FIXED*A*LOOK*OF*GRIEF*AND*DESPAIR*IN*HIS*EYES*THAT*OUR*SMILES*WERE*TURNED*IN*AN*INSTANT*TO*HORROR*AND*PITY.*FOR*A*WHILE*HE*COULD*NOT*GET*HIS*WORDS*OUT,*BUT*SWAYED*HIS*BODY*AND*PLUCKED*AT*HIS*HAIR*LIKE*ONE*WHO*HAS*BEEN*DRIVEN*TO*THE*EXTREME*LIMITS*OF*HIS*REASON.*THEN,*SUDDENLY*SPRINGING*TO*HIS*FEET,*HE*BEAT*HIS*HEAD*AGAINST*THE*WALL*WITH*SUCH*FORCE*THAT*WE*BOTH*RUSHED*UPON*HIM*AND*TORE*HIM*AWAY*TO*THE*CENTRE*OF*THE*ROOM.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*PUSHED*HIM*DOWN*INTO*THE*EASY-CHAIR*AND,*SITTING*BESIDE*HIM,*PATTED*HIS*HAND*AND*CHATTED*WITH*HIM*IN*THE*EASY,*SOOTHING*TONES*WHICH*HE*KNEW*SO*WELL*HOW*TO*EMPLOY.

"YOU*HAVE*COME*TO*ME*TO*TELL*YOUR*STORY,*HAVE*YOU*NOT?"*SAID*HE.*"YOU*ARE*FATIGUED*WITH*YOUR*HASTE.*PRAY*WAIT*UNTIL*YOU*HAVE*RECOVERED*YOURSELF,*AND*THEN*I*SHALL*BE*MOST*HAPPY*TO*LOOK*INTO*ANY*LITTLE*PROBLEM*WHICH*YOU*MAY*SUBMIT*TO*ME."

THE*MAN*SAT*FOR*A*MINUTE*OR*MORE*WITH*A*HEAVING*CHEST,*FIGHTING*AGAINST*HIS*EMOTION.*THEN*HE*PASSED*HIS*HANDKERCHIEF*OVER*HIS*BROW,*SET*HIS*LIPS*TIGHT,*AND*TURNED*HIS*FACE*TOWARDS*US.

"NO*DOUBT*YOU*THINK*ME*MAD?"*SAID*HE.

"I*SEE*THAT*YOU*HAVE*HAD*SOME*GREAT*TROUBLE,"*RESPONDED*HOLMES.

"GOD*KNOWS*I*HAVE!--A*TROUBLE*WHICH*IS*ENOUGH*TO*UNSEAT*MY*REASON,*SO*SUDDEN*AND*SO*TERRIBLE*IS*IT.*PUBLIC*DISGRACE*I*MIGHT*HAVE*FACED,*ALTHOUGH*I*AM*A*MAN*WHOSE*CHARACTER*HAS*NEVER*YET*BORNE*A*STAIN.*PRIVATE*AFFLICTION*ALSO*IS*THE*LOT*OF*EVERY*MAN;*BUT*THE*TWO*COMING*TOGETHER,*AND*IN*SO*FRIGHTFUL*A*FORM,*HAVE*BEEN*ENOUGH*TO*SHAKE*MY*VERY*SOUL.*BESIDES,*IT*IS*NOT*I*ALONE.*THE*VERY*NOBLEST*IN*THE*LAND*MAY*SUFFER*UNLESS*SOME*WAY*BE*FOUND*OUT*OF*THIS*HORRIBLE*AFFAIR."

"PRAY*COMPOSE*YOURSELF,*SIR,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"AND*LET*ME*HAVE*A*CLEAR*ACCOUNT*OF*WHO*YOU*ARE*AND*WHAT*IT*IS*THAT*HAS*BEFALLEN*YOU."

"MY*NAME,"*ANSWERED*OUR*VISITOR,*"IS*PROBABLY*FAMILIAR*TO*YOUR*EARS.*I*AM*ALEXANDER*HOLDER,*OF*THE*BANKING*FIRM*OF*HOLDER*&*STEVENSON,*OF*THREADNEEDLE*STREET."

THE*NAME*WAS*INDEED*WELL*KNOWN*TO*US*AS*BELONGING*TO*THE*SENIOR*PARTNER*IN*THE*SECOND*LARGEST*PRIVATE*BANKING*CONCERN*IN*THE*CITY*OF*LONDON.*WHAT*COULD*HAVE*HAPPENED,*THEN,*TO*BRING*ONE*OF*THE*FOREMOST*CITIZENS*OF*LONDON*TO*THIS*MOST*PITIABLE*PASS?*WE*WAITED,*ALL*CURIOSITY,*UNTIL*WITH*ANOTHER*EFFORT*HE*BRACED*HIMSELF*TO*TELL*HIS*STORY.

"I*FEEL*THAT*TIME*IS*OF*VALUE,"*SAID*HE;*"THAT*IS*WHY*I*HASTENED*HERE*WHEN*THE*POLICE*INSPECTOR*SUGGESTED*THAT*I*SHOULD*SECURE*YOUR*CO-OPERATION.*I*CAME*TO*BAKER*STREET*BY*THE*UNDERGROUND*AND*HURRIED*FROM*THERE*ON*FOOT,*FOR*THE*CABS*GO*SLOWLY*THROUGH*THIS*SNOW.*THAT*IS*WHY*I*WAS*SO*OUT*OF*BREATH,*FOR*I*AM*A*MAN*WHO*TAKES*VERY*LITTLE*EXERCISE.*I*FEEL*BETTER*NOW,*AND*I*WILL*PUT*THE*FACTS*BEFORE*YOU*AS*SHORTLY*AND*YET*AS*CLEARLY*AS*I*CAN.

"IT*IS,*OF*COURSE,*WELL*KNOWN*TO*YOU*THAT*IN*A*SUCCESSFUL*BANKING*BUSINESS*AS*MUCH*DEPENDS*UPON*OUR*BEING*ABLE*TO*FIND*REMUNERATIVE*INVESTMENTS*FOR*OUR*FUNDS*AS*UPON*OUR*INCREASING*OUR*CONNECTION*AND*THE*NUMBER*OF*OUR*DEPOSITORS.*ONE*OF*OUR*MOST*LUCRATIVE*MEANS*OF*LAYING*OUT*MONEY*IS*IN*THE*SHAPE*OF*LOANS,*WHERE*THE*SECURITY*IS*UNIMPEACHABLE.*WE*HAVE*DONE*A*GOOD*DEAL*IN*THIS*DIRECTION*DURING*THE*LAST*FEW*YEARS,*AND*THERE*ARE*MANY*NOBLE*FAMILIES*TO*WHOM*WE*HAVE*ADVANCED*LARGE*SUMS*UPON*THE*SECURITY*OF*THEIR*PICTURES,*LIBRARIES,*OR*PLATE.

"YESTERDAY*MORNING*I*WAS*SEATED*IN*MY*OFFICE*AT*THE*BANK*WHEN*A*CARD*WAS*BROUGHT*IN*TO*ME*BY*ONE*OF*THE*CLERKS.*I*STARTED*WHEN*I*SAW*THE*NAME,*FOR*IT*WAS*THAT*OF*NONE*OTHER*THAN--WELL,*PERHAPS*EVEN*TO*YOU*I*HAD*BETTER*SAY*NO*MORE*THAN*THAT*IT*WAS*A*NAME*WHICH*IS*A*HOUSEHOLD*WORD*ALL*OVER*THE*EARTH--ONE*OF*THE*HIGHEST,*NOBLEST,*MOST*EXALTED*NAMES*IN*ENGLAND.*I*WAS*OVERWHELMED*BY*THE*HONOUR*AND*ATTEMPTED,*WHEN*HE*ENTERED,*TO*SAY*SO,*BUT*HE*PLUNGED*AT*ONCE*INTO*BUSINESS*WITH*THE*AIR*OF*A*MAN*WHO*WISHES*TO*HURRY*QUICKLY*THROUGH*A*DISAGREEABLE*TASK.

"*'MR.*HOLDER,'*SAID*HE,*'I*HAVE*BEEN*INFORMED*THAT*YOU*ARE*IN*THE*HABIT*OF*ADVANCING*MONEY.'

"*'THE*FIRM*DOES*SO*WHEN*THE*SECURITY*IS*GOOD.'*I*ANSWERED.

"*'IT*IS*ABSOLUTELY*ESSENTIAL*TO*ME,'*SAID*HE,*'THAT*I*SHOULD*HAVE*$50,000*AT*ONCE.*I*COULD,*OF*COURSE,*BORROW*SO*TRIFLING*A*SUM*TEN*TIMES*OVER*FROM*MY*FRIENDS,*BUT*I*MUCH*PREFER*TO*MAKE*IT*A*MATTER*OF*BUSINESS*AND*TO*CARRY*OUT*THAT*BUSINESS*MYSELF.*IN*MY*POSITION*YOU*CAN*READILY*UNDERSTAND*THAT*IT*IS*UNWISE*TO*PLACE*ONE'S*SELF*UNDER*OBLIGATIONS.'

"*'FOR*HOW*LONG,*MAY*I*ASK,*DO*YOU*WANT*THIS*SUM?'*I*ASKED.

"*'NEXT*MONDAY*I*HAVE*A*LARGE*SUM*DUE*TO*ME,*AND*I*SHALL*THEN*MOST*CERTAINLY*REPAY*WHAT*YOU*ADVANCE,*WITH*WHATEVER*INTEREST*YOU*THINK*IT*RIGHT*TO*CHARGE.*BUT*IT*IS*VERY*ESSENTIAL*TO*ME*THAT*THE*MONEY*SHOULD*BE*PAID*AT*ONCE.'

"*'I*SHOULD*BE*HAPPY*TO*ADVANCE*IT*WITHOUT*FURTHER*PARLEY*FROM*MY*OWN*PRIVATE*PURSE,'*SAID*I,*'WERE*IT*NOT*THAT*THE*STRAIN*WOULD*BE*RATHER*MORE*THAN*IT*COULD*BEAR.*IF,*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*I*AM*TO*DO*IT*IN*THE*NAME*OF*THE*FIRM,*THEN*IN*JUSTICE*TO*MY*PARTNER*I*MUST*INSIST*THAT,*EVEN*IN*YOUR*CASE,*EVERY*BUSINESSLIKE*PRECAUTION*SHOULD*BE*TAKEN.'

"*'I*SHOULD*MUCH*PREFER*TO*HAVE*IT*SO,'*SAID*HE,*RAISING*UP*A*SQUARE,*BLACK*MOROCCO*CASE*WHICH*HE*HAD*LAID*BESIDE*HIS*CHAIR.*'YOU*HAVE*DOUBTLESS*HEARD*OF*THE*BERYL*CORONET?'

"*'ONE*OF*THE*MOST*PRECIOUS*PUBLIC*POSSESSIONS*OF*THE*EMPIRE,'*SAID*I.

"*'PRECISELY.'*HE*OPENED*THE*CASE,*AND*THERE,*IMBEDDED*IN*SOFT,*FLESH-COLOURED*VELVET,*LAY*THE*MAGNIFICENT*PIECE*OF*JEWELLERY*WHICH*HE*HAD*NAMED.*'THERE*ARE*THIRTY-NINE*ENORMOUS*BERYLS,'*SAID*HE,*'AND*THE*PRICE*OF*THE*GOLD*CHASING*IS*INCALCULABLE.*THE*LOWEST*ESTIMATE*WOULD*PUT*THE*WORTH*OF*THE*CORONET*AT*DOUBLE*THE*SUM*WHICH*I*HAVE*ASKED.*I*AM*PREPARED*TO*LEAVE*IT*WITH*YOU*AS*MY*SECURITY.'

"I*TOOK*THE*PRECIOUS*CASE*INTO*MY*HANDS*AND*LOOKED*IN*SOME*PERPLEXITY*FROM*IT*TO*MY*ILLUSTRIOUS*CLIENT.

"*'YOU*DOUBT*ITS*VALUE?'*HE*ASKED.

"*'NOT*AT*ALL.*I*ONLY*DOUBT--'

"*'THE*PROPRIETY*OF*MY*LEAVING*IT.*YOU*MAY*SET*YOUR*MIND*AT*REST*ABOUT*THAT.*I*SHOULD*NOT*DREAM*OF*DOING*SO*WERE*IT*NOT*ABSOLUTELY*CERTAIN*THAT*I*SHOULD*BE*ABLE*IN*FOUR*DAYS*TO*RECLAIM*IT.*IT*IS*A*PURE*MATTER*OF*FORM.*IS*THE*SECURITY*SUFFICIENT?'

"*'AMPLE.'

"*'YOU*UNDERSTAND,*MR.*HOLDER,*THAT*I*AM*GIVING*YOU*A*STRONG*PROOF*OF*THE*CONFIDENCE*WHICH*I*HAVE*IN*YOU,*FOUNDED*UPON*ALL*THAT*I*HAVE*HEARD*OF*YOU.*I*RELY*UPON*YOU*NOT*ONLY*TO*BE*DISCREET*AND*TO*REFRAIN*FROM*ALL*GOSSIP*UPON*THE*MATTER*BUT,*ABOVE*ALL,*TO*PRESERVE*THIS*CORONET*WITH*EVERY*POSSIBLE*PRECAUTION*BECAUSE*I*NEED*NOT*SAY*THAT*A*GREAT*PUBLIC*SCANDAL*WOULD*BE*CAUSED*IF*ANY*HARM*WERE*TO*BEFALL*IT.*ANY*INJURY*TO*IT*WOULD*BE*ALMOST*AS*SERIOUS*AS*ITS*COMPLETE*LOSS,*FOR*THERE*ARE*NO*BERYLS*IN*THE*WORLD*TO*MATCH*THESE,*AND*IT*WOULD*BE*IMPOSSIBLE*TO*REPLACE*THEM.*I*LEAVE*IT*WITH*YOU,*HOWEVER,*WITH*EVERY*CONFIDENCE,*AND*I*SHALL*CALL*FOR*IT*IN*PERSON*ON*MONDAY*MORNING.'

"SEEING*THAT*MY*CLIENT*WAS*ANXIOUS*TO*LEAVE,*I*SAID*NO*MORE*BUT,*CALLING*FOR*MY*CASHIER,*I*ORDERED*HIM*TO*PAY*OVER*FIFTY*$1000*NOTES.*WHEN*I*WAS*ALONE*ONCE*MORE,*HOWEVER,*WITH*THE*PRECIOUS*CASE*LYING*UPON*THE*TABLE*IN*FRONT*OF*ME,*I*COULD*NOT*BUT*THINK*WITH*SOME*MISGIVINGS*OF*THE*IMMENSE*RESPONSIBILITY*WHICH*IT*ENTAILED*UPON*ME.*THERE*COULD*BE*NO*DOUBT*THAT,*AS*IT*WAS*A*NATIONAL*POSSESSION,*A*HORRIBLE*SCANDAL*WOULD*ENSUE*IF*ANY*MISFORTUNE*SHOULD*OCCUR*TO*IT.*I*ALREADY*REGRETTED*HAVING*EVER*CONSENTED*TO*TAKE*CHARGE*OF*IT.*HOWEVER,*IT*WAS*TOO*LATE*TO*ALTER*THE*MATTER*NOW,*SO*I*LOCKED*IT*UP*IN*MY*PRIVATE*SAFE*AND*TURNED*ONCE*MORE*TO*MY*WORK.

"WHEN*EVENING*CAME*I*FELT*THAT*IT*WOULD*BE*AN*IMPRUDENCE*TO*LEAVE*SO*PRECIOUS*A*THING*IN*THE*OFFICE*BEHIND*ME.*BANKERS'*SAFES*HAD*BEEN*FORCED*BEFORE*NOW,*AND*WHY*SHOULD*NOT*MINE*BE?*IF*SO,*HOW*TERRIBLE*WOULD*BE*THE*POSITION*IN*WHICH*I*SHOULD*FIND*MYSELF!*I*DETERMINED,*THEREFORE,*THAT*FOR*THE*NEXT*FEW*DAYS*I*WOULD*ALWAYS*CARRY*THE*CASE*BACKWARD*AND*FORWARD*WITH*ME,*SO*THAT*IT*MIGHT*NEVER*BE*REALLY*OUT*OF*MY*REACH.*WITH*THIS*INTENTION,*I*CALLED*A*CAB*AND*DROVE*OUT*TO*MY*HOUSE*AT*STREATHAM,*CARRYING*THE*JEWEL*WITH*ME.*I*DID*NOT*BREATHE*FREELY*UNTIL*I*HAD*TAKEN*IT*UPSTAIRS*AND*LOCKED*IT*IN*THE*BUREAU*OF*MY*DRESSING-ROOM.

"AND*NOW*A*WORD*AS*TO*MY*HOUSEHOLD,*MR.*HOLMES,*FOR*I*WISH*YOU*TO*THOROUGHLY*UNDERSTAND*THE*SITUATION.*MY*GROOM*AND*MY*PAGE*SLEEP*OUT*OF*THE*HOUSE,*AND*MAY*BE*SET*ASIDE*ALTOGETHER.*I*HAVE*THREE*MAID-SERVANTS*WHO*HAVE*BEEN*WITH*ME*A*NUMBER*OF*YEARS*AND*WHOSE*ABSOLUTE*RELIABILITY*IS*QUITE*ABOVE*SUSPICION.*ANOTHER,*LUCY*PARR,*THE*SECOND*WAITING-MAID,*HAS*ONLY*BEEN*IN*MY*SERVICE*A*FEW*MONTHS.*SHE*CAME*WITH*AN*EXCELLENT*CHARACTER,*HOWEVER,*AND*HAS*ALWAYS*GIVEN*ME*SATISFACTION.*SHE*IS*A*VERY*PRETTY*GIRL*AND*HAS*ATTRACTED*ADMIRERS*WHO*HAVE*OCCASIONALLY*HUNG*ABOUT*THE*PLACE.*THAT*IS*THE*ONLY*DRAWBACK*WHICH*WE*HAVE*FOUND*TO*HER,*BUT*WE*BELIEVE*HER*TO*BE*A*THOROUGHLY*GOOD*GIRL*IN*EVERY*WAY.

"SO*MUCH*FOR*THE*SERVANTS.*MY*FAMILY*ITSELF*IS*SO*SMALL*THAT*IT*WILL*NOT*TAKE*ME*LONG*TO*DESCRIBE*IT.*I*AM*A*WIDOWER*AND*HAVE*AN*ONLY*SON,*ARTHUR.*HE*HAS*BEEN*A*DISAPPOINTMENT*TO*ME,*MR.*HOLMES--A*GRIEVOUS*DISAPPOINTMENT.*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*I*AM*MYSELF*TO*BLAME.*PEOPLE*TELL*ME*THAT*I*HAVE*SPOILED*HIM.*VERY*LIKELY*I*HAVE.*WHEN*MY*DEAR*WIFE*DIED*I*FELT*THAT*HE*WAS*ALL*I*HAD*TO*LOVE.*I*COULD*NOT*BEAR*TO*SEE*THE*SMILE*FADE*EVEN*FOR*A*MOMENT*FROM*HIS*FACE.*I*HAVE*NEVER*DENIED*HIM*A*WISH.*PERHAPS*IT*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*BETTER*FOR*BOTH*OF*US*HAD*I*BEEN*STERNER,*BUT*I*MEANT*IT*FOR*THE*BEST.

"IT*WAS*NATURALLY*MY*INTENTION*THAT*HE*SHOULD*SUCCEED*ME*IN*MY*BUSINESS,*BUT*HE*WAS*NOT*OF*A*BUSINESS*TURN.*HE*WAS*WILD,*WAYWARD,*AND,*TO*SPEAK*THE*TRUTH,*I*COULD*NOT*TRUST*HIM*IN*THE*HANDLING*OF*LARGE*SUMS*OF*MONEY.*WHEN*HE*WAS*YOUNG*HE*BECAME*A*MEMBER*OF*AN*ARISTOCRATIC*CLUB,*AND*THERE,*HAVING*CHARMING*MANNERS,*HE*WAS*SOON*THE*INTIMATE*OF*A*NUMBER*OF*MEN*WITH*LONG*PURSES*AND*EXPENSIVE*HABITS.*HE*LEARNED*TO*PLAY*HEAVILY*AT*CARDS*AND*TO*SQUANDER*MONEY*ON*THE*TURF,*UNTIL*HE*HAD*AGAIN*AND*AGAIN*TO*COME*TO*ME*AND*IMPLORE*ME*TO*GIVE*HIM*AN*ADVANCE*UPON*HIS*ALLOWANCE,*THAT*HE*MIGHT*SETTLE*HIS*DEBTS*OF*HONOUR.*HE*TRIED*MORE*THAN*ONCE*TO*BREAK*AWAY*FROM*THE*DANGEROUS*COMPANY*WHICH*HE*WAS*KEEPING,*BUT*EACH*TIME*THE*INFLUENCE*OF*HIS*FRIEND,*SIR*GEORGE*BURNWELL,*WAS*ENOUGH*TO*DRAW*HIM*BACK*AGAIN.

"AND,*INDEED,*I*COULD*NOT*WONDER*THAT*SUCH*A*MAN*AS*SIR*GEORGE*BURNWELL*SHOULD*GAIN*AN*INFLUENCE*OVER*HIM,*FOR*HE*HAS*FREQUENTLY*BROUGHT*HIM*TO*MY*HOUSE,*AND*I*HAVE*FOUND*MYSELF*THAT*I*COULD*HARDLY*RESIST*THE*FASCINATION*OF*HIS*MANNER.*HE*IS*OLDER*THAN*ARTHUR,*A*MAN*OF*THE*WORLD*TO*HIS*FINGER-TIPS,*ONE*WHO*HAD*BEEN*EVERYWHERE,*SEEN*EVERYTHING,*A*BRILLIANT*TALKER,*AND*A*MAN*OF*GREAT*PERSONAL*BEAUTY.*YET*WHEN*I*THINK*OF*HIM*IN*COLD*BLOOD,*FAR*AWAY*FROM*THE*GLAMOUR*OF*HIS*PRESENCE,*I*AM*CONVINCED*FROM*HIS*CYNICAL*SPEECH*AND*THE*LOOK*WHICH*I*HAVE*CAUGHT*IN*HIS*EYES*THAT*HE*IS*ONE*WHO*SHOULD*BE*DEEPLY*DISTRUSTED.*SO*I*THINK,*AND*SO,*TOO,*THINKS*MY*LITTLE*MARY,*WHO*HAS*A*WOMAN'S*QUICK*INSIGHT*INTO*CHARACTER.

"AND*NOW*THERE*IS*ONLY*SHE*TO*BE*DESCRIBED.*SHE*IS*MY*NIECE;*BUT*WHEN*MY*BROTHER*DIED*FIVE*YEARS*AGO*AND*LEFT*HER*ALONE*IN*THE*WORLD*I*ADOPTED*HER,*AND*HAVE*LOOKED*UPON*HER*EVER*SINCE*AS*MY*DAUGHTER.*SHE*IS*A*SUNBEAM*IN*MY*HOUSE--SWEET,*LOVING,*BEAUTIFUL,*A*WONDERFUL*MANAGER*AND*HOUSEKEEPER,*YET*AS*TENDER*AND*QUIET*AND*GENTLE*AS*A*WOMAN*COULD*BE.*SHE*IS*MY*RIGHT*HAND.*I*DO*NOT*KNOW*WHAT*I*COULD*DO*WITHOUT*HER.*IN*ONLY*ONE*MATTER*HAS*SHE*EVER*GONE*AGAINST*MY*WISHES.*TWICE*MY*BOY*HAS*ASKED*HER*TO*MARRY*HIM,*FOR*HE*LOVES*HER*DEVOTEDLY,*BUT*EACH*TIME*SHE*HAS*REFUSED*HIM.*I*THINK*THAT*IF*ANYONE*COULD*HAVE*DRAWN*HIM*INTO*THE*RIGHT*PATH*IT*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*SHE,*AND*THAT*HIS*MARRIAGE*MIGHT*HAVE*CHANGED*HIS*WHOLE*LIFE;*BUT*NOW,*ALAS!*IT*IS*TOO*LATE--FOREVER*TOO*LATE!

"NOW,*MR.*HOLMES,*YOU*KNOW*THE*PEOPLE*WHO*LIVE*UNDER*MY*ROOF,*AND*I*SHALL*CONTINUE*WITH*MY*MISERABLE*STORY.

"WHEN*WE*WERE*TAKING*COFFEE*IN*THE*DRAWING-ROOM*THAT*NIGHT*AFTER*DINNER,*I*TOLD*ARTHUR*AND*MARY*MY*EXPERIENCE,*AND*OF*THE*PRECIOUS*TREASURE*WHICH*WE*HAD*UNDER*OUR*ROOF,*SUPPRESSING*ONLY*THE*NAME*OF*MY*CLIENT.*LUCY*PARR,*WHO*HAD*BROUGHT*IN*THE*COFFEE,*HAD,*I*AM*SURE,*LEFT*THE*ROOM;*BUT*I*CANNOT*SWEAR*THAT*THE*DOOR*WAS*CLOSED.*MARY*AND*ARTHUR*WERE*MUCH*INTERESTED*AND*WISHED*TO*SEE*THE*FAMOUS*CORONET,*BUT*I*THOUGHT*IT*BETTER*NOT*TO*DISTURB*IT.

"*'WHERE*HAVE*YOU*PUT*IT?'*ASKED*ARTHUR.

"*'IN*MY*OWN*BUREAU.'

"*'WELL,*I*HOPE*TO*GOODNESS*THE*HOUSE*WON'T*BE*BURGLED*DURING*THE*NIGHT.'*SAID*HE.

"*'IT*IS*LOCKED*UP,'*I*ANSWERED.

"*'OH,*ANY*OLD*KEY*WILL*FIT*THAT*BUREAU.*WHEN*I*WAS*A*YOUNGSTER*I*HAVE*OPENED*IT*MYSELF*WITH*THE*KEY*OF*THE*BOX-ROOM*CUPBOARD.'

"HE*OFTEN*HAD*A*WILD*WAY*OF*TALKING,*SO*THAT*I*THOUGHT*LITTLE*OF*WHAT*HE*SAID.*HE*FOLLOWED*ME*TO*MY*ROOM,*HOWEVER,*THAT*NIGHT*WITH*A*VERY*GRAVE*FACE.

"*'LOOK*HERE,*DAD,'*SAID*HE*WITH*HIS*EYES*CAST*DOWN,*'CAN*YOU*LET*ME*HAVE*$200?'

"*'NO,*I*CANNOT!'*I*ANSWERED*SHARPLY.*'I*HAVE*BEEN*FAR*TOO*GENEROUS*WITH*YOU*IN*MONEY*MATTERS.'

"*'YOU*HAVE*BEEN*VERY*KIND,'*SAID*HE,*'BUT*I*MUST*HAVE*THIS*MONEY,*OR*ELSE*I*CAN*NEVER*SHOW*MY*FACE*INSIDE*THE*CLUB*AGAIN.'

"*'AND*A*VERY*GOOD*THING,*TOO!'*I*CRIED.

"*'YES,*BUT*YOU*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*ME*LEAVE*IT*A*DISHONOURED*MAN,'*SAID*HE.*'I*COULD*NOT*BEAR*THE*DISGRACE.*I*MUST*RAISE*THE*MONEY*IN*SOME*WAY,*AND*IF*YOU*WILL*NOT*LET*ME*HAVE*IT,*THEN*I*MUST*TRY*OTHER*MEANS.'

"I*WAS*VERY*ANGRY,*FOR*THIS*WAS*THE*THIRD*DEMAND*DURING*THE*MONTH.*'YOU*SHALL*NOT*HAVE*A*FARTHING*FROM*ME,'*I*CRIED,*ON*WHICH*HE*BOWED*AND*LEFT*THE*ROOM*WITHOUT*ANOTHER*WORD.

"WHEN*HE*WAS*GONE*I*UNLOCKED*MY*BUREAU,*MADE*SURE*THAT*MY*TREASURE*WAS*SAFE,*AND*LOCKED*IT*AGAIN.*THEN*I*STARTED*TO*GO*ROUND*THE*HOUSE*TO*SEE*THAT*ALL*WAS*SECURE--A*DUTY*WHICH*I*USUALLY*LEAVE*TO*MARY*BUT*WHICH*I*THOUGHT*IT*WELL*TO*PERFORM*MYSELF*THAT*NIGHT.*AS*I*CAME*DOWN*THE*STAIRS*I*SAW*MARY*HERSELF*AT*THE*SIDE*WINDOW*OF*THE*HALL,*WHICH*SHE*CLOSED*AND*FASTENED*AS*I*APPROACHED.

"*'TELL*ME,*DAD,'*SAID*SHE,*LOOKING,*I*THOUGHT,*A*LITTLE*DISTURBED,*'DID*YOU*GIVE*LUCY,*THE*MAID,*LEAVE*TO*GO*OUT*TO-NIGHT?'

"*'CERTAINLY*NOT.'

"*'SHE*CAME*IN*JUST*NOW*BY*THE*BACK*DOOR.*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*SHE*HAS*ONLY*BEEN*TO*THE*SIDE*GATE*TO*SEE*SOMEONE,*BUT*I*THINK*THAT*IT*IS*HARDLY*SAFE*AND*SHOULD*BE*STOPPED.'

"*'YOU*MUST*SPEAK*TO*HER*IN*THE*MORNING,*OR*I*WILL*IF*YOU*PREFER*IT.*ARE*YOU*SURE*THAT*EVERYTHING*IS*FASTENED?'

"*'QUITE*SURE,*DAD.'

"*'THEN,*GOOD-NIGHT.'*I*KISSED*HER*AND*WENT*UP*TO*MY*BEDROOM*AGAIN,*WHERE*I*WAS*SOON*ASLEEP.

"I*AM*ENDEAVOURING*TO*TELL*YOU*EVERYTHING,*MR.*HOLMES,*WHICH*MAY*HAVE*ANY*BEARING*UPON*THE*CASE,*BUT*I*BEG*THAT*YOU*WILL*QUESTION*ME*UPON*ANY*POINT*WHICH*I*DO*NOT*MAKE*CLEAR."

"ON*THE*CONTRARY,*YOUR*STATEMENT*IS*SINGULARLY*LUCID."

"I*COME*TO*A*PART*OF*MY*STORY*NOW*IN*WHICH*I*SHOULD*WISH*TO*BE*PARTICULARLY*SO.*I*AM*NOT*A*VERY*HEAVY*SLEEPER,*AND*THE*ANXIETY*IN*MY*MIND*TENDED,*NO*DOUBT,*TO*MAKE*ME*EVEN*LESS*SO*THAN*USUAL.*ABOUT*TWO*IN*THE*MORNING,*THEN,*I*WAS*AWAKENED*BY*SOME*SOUND*IN*THE*HOUSE.*IT*HAD*CEASED*ERE*I*WAS*WIDE*AWAKE,*BUT*IT*HAD*LEFT*AN*IMPRESSION*BEHIND*IT*AS*THOUGH*A*WINDOW*HAD*GENTLY*CLOSED*SOMEWHERE.*I*LAY*LISTENING*WITH*ALL*MY*EARS.*SUDDENLY,*TO*MY*HORROR,*THERE*WAS*A*DISTINCT*SOUND*OF*FOOTSTEPS*MOVING*SOFTLY*IN*THE*NEXT*ROOM.*I*SLIPPED*OUT*OF*BED,*ALL*PALPITATING*WITH*FEAR,*AND*PEEPED*ROUND*THE*CORNER*OF*MY*DRESSING-ROOM*DOOR.

"*'ARTHUR!'*I*SCREAMED,*'YOU*VILLAIN!*YOU*THIEF!*HOW*DARE*YOU*TOUCH*THAT*CORONET?'

"THE*GAS*WAS*HALF*UP,*AS*I*HAD*LEFT*IT,*AND*MY*UNHAPPY*BOY,*DRESSED*ONLY*IN*HIS*SHIRT*AND*TROUSERS,*WAS*STANDING*BESIDE*THE*LIGHT,*HOLDING*THE*CORONET*IN*HIS*HANDS.*HE*APPEARED*TO*BE*WRENCHING*AT*IT,*OR*BENDING*IT*WITH*ALL*HIS*STRENGTH.*AT*MY*CRY*HE*DROPPED*IT*FROM*HIS*GRASP*AND*TURNED*AS*PALE*AS*DEATH.*I*SNATCHED*IT*UP*AND*EXAMINED*IT.*ONE*OF*THE*GOLD*CORNERS,*WITH*THREE*OF*THE*BERYLS*IN*IT,*WAS*MISSING.

"*'YOU*BLACKGUARD!'*I*SHOUTED,*BESIDE*MYSELF*WITH*RAGE.*'YOU*HAVE*DESTROYED*IT!*YOU*HAVE*DISHONOURED*ME*FOREVER!*WHERE*ARE*THE*JEWELS*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*STOLEN?'

"*'STOLEN!'*HE*CRIED.

"*'YES,*THIEF!'*I*ROARED,*SHAKING*HIM*BY*THE*SHOULDER.

"*'THERE*ARE*NONE*MISSING.*THERE*CANNOT*BE*ANY*MISSING,'*SAID*HE.

"*'THERE*ARE*THREE*MISSING.*AND*YOU*KNOW*WHERE*THEY*ARE.*MUST*I*CALL*YOU*A*LIAR*AS*WELL*AS*A*THIEF?*DID*I*NOT*SEE*YOU*TRYING*TO*TEAR*OFF*ANOTHER*PIECE?'

"*'YOU*HAVE*CALLED*ME*NAMES*ENOUGH,'*SAID*HE,*'I*WILL*NOT*STAND*IT*ANY*LONGER.*I*SHALL*NOT*SAY*ANOTHER*WORD*ABOUT*THIS*BUSINESS,*SINCE*YOU*HAVE*CHOSEN*TO*INSULT*ME.*I*WILL*LEAVE*YOUR*HOUSE*IN*THE*MORNING*AND*MAKE*MY*OWN*WAY*IN*THE*WORLD.'

"*'YOU*SHALL*LEAVE*IT*IN*THE*HANDS*OF*THE*POLICE!'*I*CRIED*HALF-MAD*WITH*GRIEF*AND*RAGE.*'I*SHALL*HAVE*THIS*MATTER*PROBED*TO*THE*BOTTOM.'

"*'YOU*SHALL*LEARN*NOTHING*FROM*ME,'*SAID*HE*WITH*A*PASSION*SUCH*AS*I*SHOULD*NOT*HAVE*THOUGHT*WAS*IN*HIS*NATURE.*'IF*YOU*CHOOSE*TO*CALL*THE*POLICE,*LET*THE*POLICE*FIND*WHAT*THEY*CAN.'

"BY*THIS*TIME*THE*WHOLE*HOUSE*WAS*ASTIR,*FOR*I*HAD*RAISED*MY*VOICE*IN*MY*ANGER.*MARY*WAS*THE*FIRST*TO*RUSH*INTO*MY*ROOM,*AND,*AT*THE*SIGHT*OF*THE*CORONET*AND*OF*ARTHUR'S*FACE,*SHE*READ*THE*WHOLE*STORY*AND,*WITH*A*SCREAM,*FELL*DOWN*SENSELESS*ON*THE*GROUND.*I*SENT*THE*HOUSE-MAID*FOR*THE*POLICE*AND*PUT*THE*INVESTIGATION*INTO*THEIR*HANDS*AT*ONCE.*WHEN*THE*INSPECTOR*AND*A*CONSTABLE*ENTERED*THE*HOUSE,*ARTHUR,*WHO*HAD*STOOD*SULLENLY*WITH*HIS*ARMS*FOLDED,*ASKED*ME*WHETHER*IT*WAS*MY*INTENTION*TO*CHARGE*HIM*WITH*THEFT.*I*ANSWERED*THAT*IT*HAD*CEASED*TO*BE*A*PRIVATE*MATTER,*BUT*HAD*BECOME*A*PUBLIC*ONE,*SINCE*THE*RUINED*CORONET*WAS*NATIONAL*PROPERTY.*I*WAS*DETERMINED*THAT*THE*LAW*SHOULD*HAVE*ITS*WAY*IN*EVERYTHING.

"*'AT*LEAST,'*SAID*HE,*'YOU*WILL*NOT*HAVE*ME*ARRESTED*AT*ONCE.*IT*WOULD*BE*TO*YOUR*ADVANTAGE*AS*WELL*AS*MINE*IF*I*MIGHT*LEAVE*THE*HOUSE*FOR*FIVE*MINUTES.'

"*'THAT*YOU*MAY*GET*AWAY,*OR*PERHAPS*THAT*YOU*MAY*CONCEAL*WHAT*YOU*HAVE*STOLEN,'*SAID*I.*AND*THEN,*REALISING*THE*DREADFUL*POSITION*IN*WHICH*I*WAS*PLACED,*I*IMPLORED*HIM*TO*REMEMBER*THAT*NOT*ONLY*MY*HONOUR*BUT*THAT*OF*ONE*WHO*WAS*FAR*GREATER*THAN*I*WAS*AT*STAKE;*AND*THAT*HE*THREATENED*TO*RAISE*A*SCANDAL*WHICH*WOULD*CONVULSE*THE*NATION.*HE*MIGHT*AVERT*IT*ALL*IF*HE*WOULD*BUT*TELL*ME*WHAT*HE*HAD*DONE*WITH*THE*THREE*MISSING*STONES.

"*'YOU*MAY*AS*WELL*FACE*THE*MATTER,'*SAID*I;*'YOU*HAVE*BEEN*CAUGHT*IN*THE*ACT,*AND*NO*CONFESSION*COULD*MAKE*YOUR*GUILT*MORE*HEINOUS.*IF*YOU*BUT*MAKE*SUCH*REPARATION*AS*IS*IN*YOUR*POWER,*BY*TELLING*US*WHERE*THE*BERYLS*ARE,*ALL*SHALL*BE*FORGIVEN*AND*FORGOTTEN.'

"*'KEEP*YOUR*FORGIVENESS*FOR*THOSE*WHO*ASK*FOR*IT,'*HE*ANSWERED,*TURNING*AWAY*FROM*ME*WITH*A*SNEER.*I*SAW*THAT*HE*WAS*TOO*HARDENED*FOR*ANY*WORDS*OF*MINE*TO*INFLUENCE*HIM.*THERE*WAS*BUT*ONE*WAY*FOR*IT.*I*CALLED*IN*THE*INSPECTOR*AND*GAVE*HIM*INTO*CUSTODY.*A*SEARCH*WAS*MADE*AT*ONCE*NOT*ONLY*OF*HIS*PERSON*BUT*OF*HIS*ROOM*AND*OF*EVERY*PORTION*OF*THE*HOUSE*WHERE*HE*COULD*POSSIBLY*HAVE*CONCEALED*THE*GEMS;*BUT*NO*TRACE*OF*THEM*COULD*BE*FOUND,*NOR*WOULD*THE*WRETCHED*BOY*OPEN*HIS*MOUTH*FOR*ALL*OUR*PERSUASIONS*AND*OUR*THREATS.*THIS*MORNING*HE*WAS*REMOVED*TO*A*CELL,*AND*I,*AFTER*GOING*THROUGH*ALL*THE*POLICE*FORMALITIES,*HAVE*HURRIED*ROUND*TO*YOU*TO*IMPLORE*YOU*TO*USE*YOUR*SKILL*IN*UNRAVELLING*THE*MATTER.*THE*POLICE*HAVE*OPENLY*CONFESSED*THAT*THEY*CAN*AT*PRESENT*MAKE*NOTHING*OF*IT.*YOU*MAY*GO*TO*ANY*EXPENSE*WHICH*YOU*THINK*NECESSARY.*I*HAVE*ALREADY*OFFERED*A*REWARD*OF*$1000.*MY*GOD,*WHAT*SHALL*I*DO!*I*HAVE*LOST*MY*HONOUR,*MY*GEMS,*AND*MY*SON*IN*ONE*NIGHT.*OH,*WHAT*SHALL*I*DO!"

HE*PUT*A*HAND*ON*EITHER*SIDE*OF*HIS*HEAD*AND*ROCKED*HIMSELF*TO*AND*FRO,*DRONING*TO*HIMSELF*LIKE*A*CHILD*WHOSE*GRIEF*HAS*GOT*BEYOND*WORDS.

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*SAT*SILENT*FOR*SOME*FEW*MINUTES,*WITH*HIS*BROWS*KNITTED*AND*HIS*EYES*FIXED*UPON*THE*FIRE.

"DO*YOU*RECEIVE*MUCH*COMPANY?"*HE*ASKED.

"NONE*SAVE*MY*PARTNER*WITH*HIS*FAMILY*AND*AN*OCCASIONAL*FRIEND*OF*ARTHUR'S.*SIR*GEORGE*BURNWELL*HAS*BEEN*SEVERAL*TIMES*LATELY.*NO*ONE*ELSE,*I*THINK."

"DO*YOU*GO*OUT*MUCH*IN*SOCIETY?"

"ARTHUR*DOES.*MARY*AND*I*STAY*AT*HOME.*WE*NEITHER*OF*US*CARE*FOR*IT."

"THAT*IS*UNUSUAL*IN*A*YOUNG*GIRL."

"SHE*IS*OF*A*QUIET*NATURE.*BESIDES,*SHE*IS*NOT*SO*VERY*YOUNG.*SHE*IS*FOUR-AND-TWENTY."

"THIS*MATTER,*FROM*WHAT*YOU*SAY,*SEEMS*TO*HAVE*BEEN*A*SHOCK*TO*HER*ALSO."

"TERRIBLE!*SHE*IS*EVEN*MORE*AFFECTED*THAN*I."

"YOU*HAVE*NEITHER*OF*YOU*ANY*DOUBT*AS*TO*YOUR*SON'S*GUILT?"

"HOW*CAN*WE*HAVE*WHEN*I*SAW*HIM*WITH*MY*OWN*EYES*WITH*THE*CORONET*IN*HIS*HANDS."

"I*HARDLY*CONSIDER*THAT*A*CONCLUSIVE*PROOF.*WAS*THE*REMAINDER*OF*THE*CORONET*AT*ALL*INJURED?"

"YES,*IT*WAS*TWISTED."

"DO*YOU*NOT*THINK,*THEN,*THAT*HE*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*TRYING*TO*STRAIGHTEN*IT?"

"GOD*BLESS*YOU!*YOU*ARE*DOING*WHAT*YOU*CAN*FOR*HIM*AND*FOR*ME.*BUT*IT*IS*TOO*HEAVY*A*TASK.*WHAT*WAS*HE*DOING*THERE*AT*ALL?*IF*HIS*PURPOSE*WERE*INNOCENT,*WHY*DID*HE*NOT*SAY*SO?"

"PRECISELY.*AND*IF*IT*WERE*GUILTY,*WHY*DID*HE*NOT*INVENT*A*LIE?*HIS*SILENCE*APPEARS*TO*ME*TO*CUT*BOTH*WAYS.*THERE*ARE*SEVERAL*SINGULAR*POINTS*ABOUT*THE*CASE.*WHAT*DID*THE*POLICE*THINK*OF*THE*NOISE*WHICH*AWOKE*YOU*FROM*YOUR*SLEEP?"

"THEY*CONSIDERED*THAT*IT*MIGHT*BE*CAUSED*BY*ARTHUR'S*CLOSING*HIS*BEDROOM*DOOR."

"A*LIKELY*STORY!*AS*IF*A*MAN*BENT*ON*FELONY*WOULD*SLAM*HIS*DOOR*SO*AS*TO*WAKE*A*HOUSEHOLD.*WHAT*DID*THEY*SAY,*THEN,*OF*THE*DISAPPEARANCE*OF*THESE*GEMS?"

"THEY*ARE*STILL*SOUNDING*THE*PLANKING*AND*PROBING*THE*FURNITURE*IN*THE*HOPE*OF*FINDING*THEM."

"HAVE*THEY*THOUGHT*OF*LOOKING*OUTSIDE*THE*HOUSE?"

"YES,*THEY*HAVE*SHOWN*EXTRAORDINARY*ENERGY.*THE*WHOLE*GARDEN*HAS*ALREADY*BEEN*MINUTELY*EXAMINED."

"NOW,*MY*DEAR*SIR,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"IS*IT*NOT*OBVIOUS*TO*YOU*NOW*THAT*THIS*MATTER*REALLY*STRIKES*VERY*MUCH*DEEPER*THAN*EITHER*YOU*OR*THE*POLICE*WERE*AT*FIRST*INCLINED*TO*THINK?*IT*APPEARED*TO*YOU*TO*BE*A*SIMPLE*CASE;*TO*ME*IT*SEEMS*EXCEEDINGLY*COMPLEX.*CONSIDER*WHAT*IS*INVOLVED*BY*YOUR*THEORY.*YOU*SUPPOSE*THAT*YOUR*SON*CAME*DOWN*FROM*HIS*BED,*WENT,*AT*GREAT*RISK,*TO*YOUR*DRESSING-ROOM,*OPENED*YOUR*BUREAU,*TOOK*OUT*YOUR*CORONET,*BROKE*OFF*BY*MAIN*FORCE*A*SMALL*PORTION*OF*IT,*WENT*OFF*TO*SOME*OTHER*PLACE,*CONCEALED*THREE*GEMS*OUT*OF*THE*THIRTY-NINE,*WITH*SUCH*SKILL*THAT*NOBODY*CAN*FIND*THEM,*AND*THEN*RETURNED*WITH*THE*OTHER*THIRTY-SIX*INTO*THE*ROOM*IN*WHICH*HE*EXPOSED*HIMSELF*TO*THE*GREATEST*DANGER*OF*BEING*DISCOVERED.*I*ASK*YOU*NOW,*IS*SUCH*A*THEORY*TENABLE?"

"BUT*WHAT*OTHER*IS*THERE?"*CRIED*THE*BANKER*WITH*A*GESTURE*OF*DESPAIR.*"IF*HIS*MOTIVES*WERE*INNOCENT,*WHY*DOES*HE*NOT*EXPLAIN*THEM?"

"IT*IS*OUR*TASK*TO*FIND*THAT*OUT,"*REPLIED*HOLMES;*"SO*NOW,*IF*YOU*PLEASE,*MR.*HOLDER,*WE*WILL*SET*OFF*FOR*STREATHAM*TOGETHER,*AND*DEVOTE*AN*HOUR*TO*GLANCING*A*LITTLE*MORE*CLOSELY*INTO*DETAILS."

MY*FRIEND*INSISTED*UPON*MY*ACCOMPANYING*THEM*IN*THEIR*EXPEDITION,*WHICH*I*WAS*EAGER*ENOUGH*TO*DO,*FOR*MY*CURIOSITY*AND*SYMPATHY*WERE*DEEPLY*STIRRED*BY*THE*STORY*TO*WHICH*WE*HAD*LISTENED.*I*CONFESS*THAT*THE*GUILT*OF*THE*BANKER'S*SON*APPEARED*TO*ME*TO*BE*AS*OBVIOUS*AS*IT*DID*TO*HIS*UNHAPPY*FATHER,*BUT*STILL*I*HAD*SUCH*FAITH*IN*HOLMES'*JUDGMENT*THAT*I*FELT*THAT*THERE*MUST*BE*SOME*GROUNDS*FOR*HOPE*AS*LONG*AS*HE*WAS*DISSATISFIED*WITH*THE*ACCEPTED*EXPLANATION.*HE*HARDLY*SPOKE*A*WORD*THE*WHOLE*WAY*OUT*TO*THE*SOUTHERN*SUBURB,*BUT*SAT*WITH*HIS*CHIN*UPON*HIS*BREAST*AND*HIS*HAT*DRAWN*OVER*HIS*EYES,*SUNK*IN*THE*DEEPEST*THOUGHT.*OUR*CLIENT*APPEARED*TO*HAVE*TAKEN*FRESH*HEART*AT*THE*LITTLE*GLIMPSE*OF*HOPE*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*PRESENTED*TO*HIM,*AND*HE*EVEN*BROKE*INTO*A*DESULTORY*CHAT*WITH*ME*OVER*HIS*BUSINESS*AFFAIRS.*A*SHORT*RAILWAY*JOURNEY*AND*A*SHORTER*WALK*BROUGHT*US*TO*FAIRBANK,*THE*MODEST*RESIDENCE*OF*THE*GREAT*FINANCIER.


"YOU*HAVE*GIVEN*ORDERS*THAT*ARTHUR*SHOULD*BE*LIBERATED,*HAVE*YOU*NOT,*DAD?"*SHE*ASKED.

"NO,*NO,*MY*GIRL,*THE*MATTER*MUST*BE*PROBED*TO*THE*BOTTOM."

"BUT*I*AM*SO*SURE*THAT*HE*IS*INNOCENT.*YOU*KNOW*WHAT*WOMAN'S*INSTINCTS*ARE.*I*KNOW*THAT*HE*HAS*DONE*NO*HARM*AND*THAT*YOU*WILL*BE*SORRY*FOR*HAVING*ACTED*SO*HARSHLY."

"WHY*IS*HE*SILENT,*THEN,*IF*HE*IS*INNOCENT?"

"WHO*KNOWS?*PERHAPS*BECAUSE*HE*WAS*SO*ANGRY*THAT*YOU*SHOULD*SUSPECT*HIM."

"HOW*COULD*I*HELP*SUSPECTING*HIM,*WHEN*I*ACTUALLY*SAW*HIM*WITH*THE*CORONET*IN*HIS*HAND?"

"OH,*BUT*HE*HAD*ONLY*PICKED*IT*UP*TO*LOOK*AT*IT.*OH,*DO,*DO*TAKE*MY*WORD*FOR*IT*THAT*HE*IS*INNOCENT.*LET*THE*MATTER*DROP*AND*SAY*NO*MORE.*IT*IS*SO*DREADFUL*TO*THINK*OF*OUR*DEAR*ARTHUR*IN*PRISON!"

"I*SHALL*NEVER*LET*IT*DROP*UNTIL*THE*GEMS*ARE*FOUND--NEVER,*MARY!*YOUR*AFFECTION*FOR*ARTHUR*BLINDS*YOU*AS*TO*THE*AWFUL*CONSEQUENCES*TO*ME.*FAR*FROM*HUSHING*THE*THING*UP,*I*HAVE*BROUGHT*A*GENTLEMAN*DOWN*FROM*LONDON*TO*INQUIRE*MORE*DEEPLY*INTO*IT."

"THIS*GENTLEMAN?"*SHE*ASKED,*FACING*ROUND*TO*ME.

"NO,*HIS*FRIEND.*HE*WISHED*US*TO*LEAVE*HIM*ALONE.*HE*IS*ROUND*IN*THE*STABLE*LANE*NOW."

"THE*STABLE*LANE?"*SHE*RAISED*HER*DARK*EYEBROWS.*"WHAT*CAN*HE*HOPE*TO*FIND*THERE?*AH!*THIS,*I*SUPPOSE,*IS*HE.*I*TRUST,*SIR,*THAT*YOU*WILL*SUCCEED*IN*PROVING,*WHAT*I*FEEL*SURE*IS*THE*TRUTH,*THAT*MY*COUSIN*ARTHUR*IS*INNOCENT*OF*THIS*CRIME."

"I*FULLY*SHARE*YOUR*OPINION,*AND*I*TRUST,*WITH*YOU,*THAT*WE*MAY*PROVE*IT,"*RETURNED*HOLMES,*GOING*BACK*TO*THE*MAT*TO*KNOCK*THE*SNOW*FROM*HIS*SHOES.*"I*BELIEVE*I*HAVE*THE*HONOUR*OF*ADDRESSING*MISS*MARY*HOLDER.*MIGHT*I*ASK*YOU*A*QUESTION*OR*TWO?"

"PRAY*DO,*SIR,*IF*IT*MAY*HELP*TO*CLEAR*THIS*HORRIBLE*AFFAIR*UP."

"YOU*HEARD*NOTHING*YOURSELF*LAST*NIGHT?"

"NOTHING,*UNTIL*MY*UNCLE*HERE*BEGAN*TO*SPEAK*LOUDLY.*I*HEARD*THAT,*AND*I*CAME*DOWN."

"YOU*SHUT*UP*THE*WINDOWS*AND*DOORS*THE*NIGHT*BEFORE.*DID*YOU*FASTEN*ALL*THE*WINDOWS?"

"YES."

"WERE*THEY*ALL*FASTENED*THIS*MORNING?"

"YES."

"YOU*HAVE*A*MAID*WHO*HAS*A*SWEETHEART?*I*THINK*THAT*YOU*REMARKED*TO*YOUR*UNCLE*LAST*NIGHT*THAT*SHE*HAD*BEEN*OUT*TO*SEE*HIM?"

"YES,*AND*SHE*WAS*THE*GIRL*WHO*WAITED*IN*THE*DRAWING-ROOM,*AND*WHO*MAY*HAVE*HEARD*UNCLE'S*REMARKS*ABOUT*THE*CORONET."

"I*SEE.*YOU*INFER*THAT*SHE*MAY*HAVE*GONE*OUT*TO*TELL*HER*SWEETHEART,*AND*THAT*THE*TWO*MAY*HAVE*PLANNED*THE*ROBBERY."

"BUT*WHAT*IS*THE*GOOD*OF*ALL*THESE*VAGUE*THEORIES,"*CRIED*THE*BANKER*IMPATIENTLY,*"WHEN*I*HAVE*TOLD*YOU*THAT*I*SAW*ARTHUR*WITH*THE*CORONET*IN*HIS*HANDS?"

"WAIT*A*LITTLE,*MR.*HOLDER.*WE*MUST*COME*BACK*TO*THAT.*ABOUT*THIS*GIRL,*MISS*HOLDER.*YOU*SAW*HER*RETURN*BY*THE*KITCHEN*DOOR,*I*PRESUME?"

"YES;*WHEN*I*WENT*TO*SEE*IF*THE*DOOR*WAS*FASTENED*FOR*THE*NIGHT*I*MET*HER*SLIPPING*IN.*I*SAW*THE*MAN,*TOO,*IN*THE*GLOOM."

"DO*YOU*KNOW*HIM?"

"OH,*YES!*HE*IS*THE*GREEN-GROCER*WHO*BRINGS*OUR*VEGETABLES*ROUND.*HIS*NAME*IS*FRANCIS*PROSPER."

"HE*STOOD,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"TO*THE*LEFT*OF*THE*DOOR--THAT*IS*TO*SAY,*FARTHER*UP*THE*PATH*THAN*IS*NECESSARY*TO*REACH*THE*DOOR?"

"YES,*HE*DID."

"AND*HE*IS*A*MAN*WITH*A*WOODEN*LEG?"

SOMETHING*LIKE*FEAR*SPRANG*UP*IN*THE*YOUNG*LADY'S*EXPRESSIVE*BLACK*EYES.*"WHY,*YOU*ARE*LIKE*A*MAGICIAN,"*SAID*SHE.*"HOW*DO*YOU*KNOW*THAT?"*SHE*SMILED,*BUT*THERE*WAS*NO*ANSWERING*SMILE*IN*HOLMES'*THIN,*EAGER*FACE.

"I*SHOULD*BE*VERY*GLAD*NOW*TO*GO*UPSTAIRS,"*SAID*HE.*"I*SHALL*PROBABLY*WISH*TO*GO*OVER*THE*OUTSIDE*OF*THE*HOUSE*AGAIN.*PERHAPS*I*HAD*BETTER*TAKE*A*LOOK*AT*THE*LOWER*WINDOWS*BEFORE*I*GO*UP."

HE*WALKED*SWIFTLY*ROUND*FROM*ONE*TO*THE*OTHER,*PAUSING*ONLY*AT*THE*LARGE*ONE*WHICH*LOOKED*FROM*THE*HALL*ONTO*THE*STABLE*LANE.*THIS*HE*OPENED*AND*MADE*A*VERY*CAREFUL*EXAMINATION*OF*THE*SILL*WITH*HIS*POWERFUL*MAGNIFYING*LENS.*"NOW*WE*SHALL*GO*UPSTAIRS,"*SAID*HE*AT*LAST.

THE*BANKER'S*DRESSING-ROOM*WAS*A*PLAINLY*FURNISHED*LITTLE*CHAMBER,*WITH*A*GREY*CARPET,*A*LARGE*BUREAU,*AND*A*LONG*MIRROR.*HOLMES*WENT*TO*THE*BUREAU*FIRST*AND*LOOKED*HARD*AT*THE*LOCK.

"WHICH*KEY*WAS*USED*TO*OPEN*IT?"*HE*ASKED.

"THAT*WHICH*MY*SON*HIMSELF*INDICATED--THAT*OF*THE*CUPBOARD*OF*THE*LUMBER-ROOM."

"HAVE*YOU*IT*HERE?"

"THAT*IS*IT*ON*THE*DRESSING-TABLE."

SHERLOCK*HOLMES*TOOK*IT*UP*AND*OPENED*THE*BUREAU.

"IT*IS*A*NOISELESS*LOCK,"*SAID*HE.*"IT*IS*NO*WONDER*THAT*IT*DID*NOT*WAKE*YOU.*THIS*CASE,*I*PRESUME,*CONTAINS*THE*CORONET.*WE*MUST*HAVE*A*LOOK*AT*IT."*HE*OPENED*THE*CASE,*AND*TAKING*OUT*THE*DIADEM*HE*LAID*IT*UPON*THE*TABLE.*IT*WAS*A*MAGNIFICENT*SPECIMEN*OF*THE*JEWELLER'S*ART,*AND*THE*THIRTY-SIX*STONES*WERE*THE*FINEST*THAT*I*HAVE*EVER*SEEN.*AT*ONE*SIDE*OF*THE*CORONET*WAS*A*CRACKED*EDGE,*WHERE*A*CORNER*HOLDING*THREE*GEMS*HAD*BEEN*TORN*AWAY.

"NOW,*MR.*HOLDER,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"HERE*IS*THE*CORNER*WHICH*CORRESPONDS*TO*THAT*WHICH*HAS*BEEN*SO*UNFORTUNATELY*LOST.*MIGHT*I*BEG*THAT*YOU*WILL*BREAK*IT*OFF."

THE*BANKER*RECOILED*IN*HORROR.*"I*SHOULD*NOT*DREAM*OF*TRYING,"*SAID*HE.

"THEN*I*WILL."*HOLMES*SUDDENLY*BENT*HIS*STRENGTH*UPON*IT,*BUT*WITHOUT*RESULT.*"I*FEEL*IT*GIVE*A*LITTLE,"*SAID*HE;*"BUT,*THOUGH*I*AM*EXCEPTIONALLY*STRONG*IN*THE*FINGERS,*IT*WOULD*TAKE*ME*ALL*MY*TIME*TO*BREAK*IT.*AN*ORDINARY*MAN*COULD*NOT*DO*IT.*NOW,*WHAT*DO*YOU*THINK*WOULD*HAPPEN*IF*I*DID*BREAK*IT,*MR.*HOLDER?*THERE*WOULD*BE*A*NOISE*LIKE*A*PISTOL*SHOT.*DO*YOU*TELL*ME*THAT*ALL*THIS*HAPPENED*WITHIN*A*FEW*YARDS*OF*YOUR*BED*AND*THAT*YOU*HEARD*NOTHING*OF*IT?"

"I*DO*NOT*KNOW*WHAT*TO*THINK.*IT*IS*ALL*DARK*TO*ME."

"BUT*PERHAPS*IT*MAY*GROW*LIGHTER*AS*WE*GO.*WHAT*DO*YOU*THINK,*MISS*HOLDER?"

"I*CONFESS*THAT*I*STILL*SHARE*MY*UNCLE'S*PERPLEXITY."

"YOUR*SON*HAD*NO*SHOES*OR*SLIPPERS*ON*WHEN*YOU*SAW*HIM?"

"HE*HAD*NOTHING*ON*SAVE*ONLY*HIS*TROUSERS*AND*SHIRT."

"THANK*YOU.*WE*HAVE*CERTAINLY*BEEN*FAVOURED*WITH*EXTRAORDINARY*LUCK*DURING*THIS*INQUIRY,*AND*IT*WILL*BE*ENTIRELY*OUR*OWN*FAULT*IF*WE*DO*NOT*SUCCEED*IN*CLEARING*THE*MATTER*UP.*WITH*YOUR*PERMISSION,*MR.*HOLDER,*I*SHALL*NOW*CONTINUE*MY*INVESTIGATIONS*OUTSIDE."

HE*WENT*ALONE,*AT*HIS*OWN*REQUEST,*FOR*HE*EXPLAINED*THAT*ANY*UNNECESSARY*FOOTMARKS*MIGHT*MAKE*HIS*TASK*MORE*DIFFICULT.*FOR*AN*HOUR*OR*MORE*HE*WAS*AT*WORK,*RETURNING*AT*LAST*WITH*HIS*FEET*HEAVY*WITH*SNOW*AND*HIS*FEATURES*AS*INSCRUTABLE*AS*EVER.

"I*THINK*THAT*I*HAVE*SEEN*NOW*ALL*THAT*THERE*IS*TO*SEE,*MR.*HOLDER,"*SAID*HE;*"I*CAN*SERVE*YOU*BEST*BY*RETURNING*TO*MY*ROOMS."

"BUT*THE*GEMS,*MR.*HOLMES.*WHERE*ARE*THEY?"

"I*CANNOT*TELL."

THE*BANKER*WRUNG*HIS*HANDS.*"I*SHALL*NEVER*SEE*THEM*AGAIN!"*HE*CRIED.*"AND*MY*SON?*YOU*GIVE*ME*HOPES?"

"MY*OPINION*IS*IN*NO*WAY*ALTERED."

"THEN,*FOR*GOD'S*SAKE,*WHAT*WAS*THIS*DARK*BUSINESS*WHICH*WAS*ACTED*IN*MY*HOUSE*LAST*NIGHT?"

"IF*YOU*CAN*CALL*UPON*ME*AT*MY*BAKER*STREET*ROOMS*TO-MORROW*MORNING*BETWEEN*NINE*AND*TEN*I*SHALL*BE*HAPPY*TO*DO*WHAT*I*CAN*TO*MAKE*IT*CLEARER.*I*UNDERSTAND*THAT*YOU*GIVE*ME*CARTE*BLANCHE*TO*ACT*FOR*YOU,*PROVIDED*ONLY*THAT*I*GET*BACK*THE*GEMS,*AND*THAT*YOU*PLACE*NO*LIMIT*ON*THE*SUM*I*MAY*DRAW."

"I*WOULD*GIVE*MY*FORTUNE*TO*HAVE*THEM*BACK."

"VERY*GOOD.*I*SHALL*LOOK*INTO*THE*MATTER*BETWEEN*THIS*AND*THEN.*GOOD-BYE;*IT*IS*JUST*POSSIBLE*THAT*I*MAY*HAVE*TO*COME*OVER*HERE*AGAIN*BEFORE*EVENING."

IT*WAS*OBVIOUS*TO*ME*THAT*MY*COMPANION'S*MIND*WAS*NOW*MADE*UP*ABOUT*THE*CASE,*ALTHOUGH*WHAT*HIS*CONCLUSIONS*WERE*WAS*MORE*THAN*I*COULD*EVEN*DIMLY*IMAGINE.*SEVERAL*TIMES*DURING*OUR*HOMEWARD*JOURNEY*I*ENDEAVOURED*TO*SOUND*HIM*UPON*THE*POINT,*BUT*HE*ALWAYS*GLIDED*AWAY*TO*SOME*OTHER*TOPIC,*UNTIL*AT*LAST*I*GAVE*IT*OVER*IN*DESPAIR.*IT*WAS*NOT*YET*THREE*WHEN*WE*FOUND*OURSELVES*IN*OUR*ROOMS*ONCE*MORE.*HE*HURRIED*TO*HIS*CHAMBER*AND*WAS*DOWN*AGAIN*IN*A*FEW*MINUTES*DRESSED*AS*A*COMMON*LOAFER.*WITH*HIS*COLLAR*TURNED*UP,*HIS*SHINY,*SEEDY*COAT,*HIS*RED*CRAVAT,*AND*HIS*WORN*BOOTS,*HE*WAS*A*PERFECT*SAMPLE*OF*THE*CLASS.

"I*THINK*THAT*THIS*SHOULD*DO,"*SAID*HE,*GLANCING*INTO*THE*GLASS*ABOVE*THE*FIREPLACE.*"I*ONLY*WISH*THAT*YOU*COULD*COME*WITH*ME,*WATSON,*BUT*I*FEAR*THAT*IT*WON'T*DO.*I*MAY*BE*ON*THE*TRAIL*IN*THIS*MATTER,*OR*I*MAY*BE*FOLLOWING*A*WILL-O'-THE-WISP,*BUT*I*SHALL*SOON*KNOW*WHICH*IT*IS.*I*HOPE*THAT*I*MAY*BE*BACK*IN*A*FEW*HOURS."*HE*CUT*A*SLICE*OF*BEEF*FROM*THE*JOINT*UPON*THE*SIDEBOARD,*SANDWICHED*IT*BETWEEN*TWO*ROUNDS*OF*BREAD,*AND*THRUSTING*THIS*RUDE*MEAL*INTO*HIS*POCKET*HE*STARTED*OFF*UPON*HIS*EXPEDITION.

I*HAD*JUST*FINISHED*MY*TEA*WHEN*HE*RETURNED,*EVIDENTLY*IN*EXCELLENT*SPIRITS,*SWINGING*AN*OLD*ELASTIC-SIDED*BOOT*IN*HIS*HAND.*HE*CHUCKED*IT*DOWN*INTO*A*CORNER*AND*HELPED*HIMSELF*TO*A*CUP*OF*TEA.

"I*ONLY*LOOKED*IN*AS*I*PASSED,"*SAID*HE.*"I*AM*GOING*RIGHT*ON."

"WHERE*TO?"

"OH,*TO*THE*OTHER*SIDE*OF*THE*WEST*END.*IT*MAY*BE*SOME*TIME*BEFORE*I*GET*BACK.*DON'T*WAIT*UP*FOR*ME*IN*CASE*I*SHOULD*BE*LATE."

"HOW*ARE*YOU*GETTING*ON?"

"OH,*SO*SO.*NOTHING*TO*COMPLAIN*OF.*I*HAVE*BEEN*OUT*TO*STREATHAM*SINCE*I*SAW*YOU*LAST,*BUT*I*DID*NOT*CALL*AT*THE*HOUSE.*IT*IS*A*VERY*SWEET*LITTLE*PROBLEM,*AND*I*WOULD*NOT*HAVE*MISSED*IT*FOR*A*GOOD*DEAL.*HOWEVER,*I*MUST*NOT*SIT*GOSSIPING*HERE,*BUT*MUST*GET*THESE*DISREPUTABLE*CLOTHES*OFF*AND*RETURN*TO*MY*HIGHLY*RESPECTABLE*SELF."

I*COULD*SEE*BY*HIS*MANNER*THAT*HE*HAD*STRONGER*REASONS*FOR*SATISFACTION*THAN*HIS*WORDS*ALONE*WOULD*IMPLY.*HIS*EYES*TWINKLED,*AND*THERE*WAS*EVEN*A*TOUCH*OF*COLOUR*UPON*HIS*SALLOW*CHEEKS.*HE*HASTENED*UPSTAIRS,*AND*A*FEW*MINUTES*LATER*I*HEARD*THE*SLAM*OF*THE*HALL*DOOR,*WHICH*TOLD*ME*THAT*HE*WAS*OFF*ONCE*MORE*UPON*HIS*CONGENIAL*HUNT.

I*WAITED*UNTIL*MIDNIGHT,*BUT*THERE*WAS*NO*SIGN*OF*HIS*RETURN,*SO*I*RETIRED*TO*MY*ROOM.*IT*WAS*NO*UNCOMMON*THING*FOR*HIM*TO*BE*AWAY*FOR*DAYS*AND*NIGHTS*ON*END*WHEN*HE*WAS*HOT*UPON*A*SCENT,*SO*THAT*HIS*LATENESS*CAUSED*ME*NO*SURPRISE.*I*DO*NOT*KNOW*AT*WHAT*HOUR*HE*CAME*IN,*BUT*WHEN*I*CAME*DOWN*TO*BREAKFAST*IN*THE*MORNING*THERE*HE*WAS*WITH*A*CUP*OF*COFFEE*IN*ONE*HAND*AND*THE*PAPER*IN*THE*OTHER,*AS*FRESH*AND*TRIM*AS*POSSIBLE.

"YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*MY*BEGINNING*WITHOUT*YOU,*WATSON,"*SAID*HE,*"BUT*YOU*REMEMBER*THAT*OUR*CLIENT*HAS*RATHER*AN*EARLY*APPOINTMENT*THIS*MORNING."

"WHY,*IT*IS*AFTER*NINE*NOW,"*I*ANSWERED.*"I*SHOULD*NOT*BE*SURPRISED*IF*THAT*WERE*HE.*I*THOUGHT*I*HEARD*A*RING."

IT*WAS,*INDEED,*OUR*FRIEND*THE*FINANCIER.*I*WAS*SHOCKED*BY*THE*CHANGE*WHICH*HAD*COME*OVER*HIM,*FOR*HIS*FACE*WHICH*WAS*NATURALLY*OF*A*BROAD*AND*MASSIVE*MOULD,*WAS*NOW*PINCHED*AND*FALLEN*IN,*WHILE*HIS*HAIR*SEEMED*TO*ME*AT*LEAST*A*SHADE*WHITER.*HE*ENTERED*WITH*A*WEARINESS*AND*LETHARGY*WHICH*WAS*EVEN*MORE*PAINFUL*THAN*HIS*VIOLENCE*OF*THE*MORNING*BEFORE,*AND*HE*DROPPED*HEAVILY*INTO*THE*ARMCHAIR*WHICH*I*PUSHED*FORWARD*FOR*HIM.

"I*DO*NOT*KNOW*WHAT*I*HAVE*DONE*TO*BE*SO*SEVERELY*TRIED,"*SAID*HE.*"ONLY*TWO*DAYS*AGO*I*WAS*A*HAPPY*AND*PROSPEROUS*MAN,*WITHOUT*A*CARE*IN*THE*WORLD.*NOW*I*AM*LEFT*TO*A*LONELY*AND*DISHONOURED*AGE.*ONE*SORROW*COMES*CLOSE*UPON*THE*HEELS*OF*ANOTHER.*MY*NIECE,*MARY,*HAS*DESERTED*ME."

"DESERTED*YOU?"

"YES.*HER*BED*THIS*MORNING*HAD*NOT*BEEN*SLEPT*IN,*HER*ROOM*WAS*EMPTY,*AND*A*NOTE*FOR*ME*LAY*UPON*THE*HALL*TABLE.*I*HAD*SAID*TO*HER*LAST*NIGHT,*IN*SORROW*AND*NOT*IN*ANGER,*THAT*IF*SHE*HAD*MARRIED*MY*BOY*ALL*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*WELL*WITH*HIM.*PERHAPS*IT*WAS*THOUGHTLESS*OF*ME*TO*SAY*SO.*IT*IS*TO*THAT*REMARK*THAT*SHE*REFERS*IN*THIS*NOTE:

"*'MY*DEAREST*UNCLE:--I*FEEL*THAT*I*HAVE*BROUGHT*TROUBLE*UPON*YOU,*AND*THAT*IF*I*HAD*ACTED*DIFFERENTLY*THIS*TERRIBLE*MISFORTUNE*MIGHT*NEVER*HAVE*OCCURRED.*I*CANNOT,*WITH*THIS*THOUGHT*IN*MY*MIND,*EVER*AGAIN*BE*HAPPY*UNDER*YOUR*ROOF,*AND*I*FEEL*THAT*I*MUST*LEAVE*YOU*FOREVER.*DO*NOT*WORRY*ABOUT*MY*FUTURE,*FOR*THAT*IS*PROVIDED*FOR;*AND,*ABOVE*ALL,*DO*NOT*SEARCH*FOR*ME,*FOR*IT*WILL*BE*FRUITLESS*LABOUR*AND*AN*ILL-SERVICE*TO*ME.*IN*LIFE*OR*IN*DEATH,*I*AM*EVER*YOUR*LOVING


"*'MARY.'

"WHAT*COULD*SHE*MEAN*BY*THAT*NOTE,*MR.*HOLMES?*DO*YOU*THINK*IT*POINTS*TO*SUICIDE?"

"NO,*NO,*NOTHING*OF*THE*KIND.*IT*IS*PERHAPS*THE*BEST*POSSIBLE*SOLUTION.*I*TRUST,*MR.*HOLDER,*THAT*YOU*ARE*NEARING*THE*END*OF*YOUR*TROUBLES."

"HA!*YOU*SAY*SO!*YOU*HAVE*HEARD*SOMETHING,*MR.*HOLMES;*YOU*HAVE*LEARNED*SOMETHING!*WHERE*ARE*THE*GEMS?"

"YOU*WOULD*NOT*THINK*$1000*APIECE*AN*EXCESSIVE*SUM*FOR*THEM?"

"I*WOULD*PAY*TEN."

"THAT*WOULD*BE*UNNECESSARY.*THREE*THOUSAND*WILL*COVER*THE*MATTER.*AND*THERE*IS*A*LITTLE*REWARD,*I*FANCY.*HAVE*YOU*YOUR*CHECK-BOOK?*HERE*IS*A*PEN.*BETTER*MAKE*IT*OUT*FOR*$4000."

WITH*A*DAZED*FACE*THE*BANKER*MADE*OUT*THE*REQUIRED*CHECK.*HOLMES*WALKED*OVER*TO*HIS*DESK,*TOOK*OUT*A*LITTLE*TRIANGULAR*PIECE*OF*GOLD*WITH*THREE*GEMS*IN*IT,*AND*THREW*IT*DOWN*UPON*THE*TABLE.

WITH*A*SHRIEK*OF*JOY*OUR*CLIENT*CLUTCHED*IT*UP.

"YOU*HAVE*IT!"*HE*GASPED.*"I*AM*SAVED!*I*AM*SAVED!"

THE*REACTION*OF*JOY*WAS*AS*PASSIONATE*AS*HIS*GRIEF*HAD*BEEN,*AND*HE*HUGGED*HIS*RECOVERED*GEMS*TO*HIS*BOSOM.

"THERE*IS*ONE*OTHER*THING*YOU*OWE,*MR.*HOLDER,"*SAID*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*RATHER*STERNLY.

"OWE!"*HE*CAUGHT*UP*A*PEN.*"NAME*THE*SUM,*AND*I*WILL*PAY*IT."

"NO,*THE*DEBT*IS*NOT*TO*ME.*YOU*OWE*A*VERY*HUMBLE*APOLOGY*TO*THAT*NOBLE*LAD,*YOUR*SON,*WHO*HAS*CARRIED*HIMSELF*IN*THIS*MATTER*AS*I*SHOULD*BE*PROUD*TO*SEE*MY*OWN*SON*DO,*SHOULD*I*EVER*CHANCE*TO*HAVE*ONE."

"THEN*IT*WAS*NOT*ARTHUR*WHO*TOOK*THEM?"

"I*TOLD*YOU*YESTERDAY,*AND*I*REPEAT*TO-DAY,*THAT*IT*WAS*NOT."

"YOU*ARE*SURE*OF*IT!*THEN*LET*US*HURRY*TO*HIM*AT*ONCE*TO*LET*HIM*KNOW*THAT*THE*TRUTH*IS*KNOWN."

"HE*KNOWS*IT*ALREADY.*WHEN*I*HAD*CLEARED*IT*ALL*UP*I*HAD*AN*INTERVIEW*WITH*HIM,*AND*FINDING*THAT*HE*WOULD*NOT*TELL*ME*THE*STORY,*I*TOLD*IT*TO*HIM,*ON*WHICH*HE*HAD*TO*CONFESS*THAT*I*WAS*RIGHT*AND*TO*ADD*THE*VERY*FEW*DETAILS*WHICH*WERE*NOT*YET*QUITE*CLEAR*TO*ME.*YOUR*NEWS*OF*THIS*MORNING,*HOWEVER,*MAY*OPEN*HIS*LIPS."

"FOR*HEAVEN'S*SAKE,*TELL*ME,*THEN,*WHAT*IS*THIS*EXTRAORDINARY*MYSTERY!"

"I*WILL*DO*SO,*AND*I*WILL*SHOW*YOU*THE*STEPS*BY*WHICH*I*REACHED*IT.*AND*LET*ME*SAY*TO*YOU,*FIRST,*THAT*WHICH*IT*IS*HARDEST*FOR*ME*TO*SAY*AND*FOR*YOU*TO*HEAR:*THERE*HAS*BEEN*AN*UNDERSTANDING*BETWEEN*SIR*GEORGE*BURNWELL*AND*YOUR*NIECE*MARY.*THEY*HAVE*NOW*FLED*TOGETHER."

"MY*MARY?*IMPOSSIBLE!"

"IT*IS*UNFORTUNATELY*MORE*THAN*POSSIBLE;*IT*IS*CERTAIN.*NEITHER*YOU*NOR*YOUR*SON*KNEW*THE*TRUE*CHARACTER*OF*THIS*MAN*WHEN*YOU*ADMITTED*HIM*INTO*YOUR*FAMILY*CIRCLE.*HE*IS*ONE*OF*THE*MOST*DANGEROUS*MEN*IN*ENGLAND--A*RUINED*GAMBLER,*AN*ABSOLUTELY*DESPERATE*VILLAIN,*A*MAN*WITHOUT*HEART*OR*CONSCIENCE.*YOUR*NIECE*KNEW*NOTHING*OF*SUCH*MEN.*WHEN*HE*BREATHED*HIS*VOWS*TO*HER,*AS*HE*HAD*DONE*TO*A*HUNDRED*BEFORE*HER,*SHE*FLATTERED*HERSELF*THAT*SHE*ALONE*HAD*TOUCHED*HIS*HEART.*THE*DEVIL*KNOWS*BEST*WHAT*HE*SAID,*BUT*AT*LEAST*SHE*BECAME*HIS*TOOL*AND*WAS*IN*THE*HABIT*OF*SEEING*HIM*NEARLY*EVERY*EVENING."

"I*CANNOT,*AND*I*WILL*NOT,*BELIEVE*IT!"*CRIED*THE*BANKER*WITH*AN*ASHEN*FACE.

"I*WILL*TELL*YOU,*THEN,*WHAT*OCCURRED*IN*YOUR*HOUSE*LAST*NIGHT.*YOUR*NIECE,*WHEN*YOU*HAD,*AS*SHE*THOUGHT,*GONE*TO*YOUR*ROOM,*SLIPPED*DOWN*AND*TALKED*TO*HER*LOVER*THROUGH*THE*WINDOW*WHICH*LEADS*INTO*THE*STABLE*LANE.*HIS*FOOTMARKS*HAD*PRESSED*RIGHT*THROUGH*THE*SNOW,*SO*LONG*HAD*HE*STOOD*THERE.*SHE*TOLD*HIM*OF*THE*CORONET.*HIS*WICKED*LUST*FOR*GOLD*KINDLED*AT*THE*NEWS,*AND*HE*BENT*HER*TO*HIS*WILL.*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*SHE*LOVED*YOU,*BUT*THERE*ARE*WOMEN*IN*WHOM*THE*LOVE*OF*A*LOVER*EXTINGUISHES*ALL*OTHER*LOVES,*AND*I*THINK*THAT*SHE*MUST*HAVE*BEEN*ONE.*SHE*HAD*HARDLY*LISTENED*TO*HIS*INSTRUCTIONS*WHEN*SHE*SAW*YOU*COMING*DOWNSTAIRS,*ON*WHICH*SHE*CLOSED*THE*WINDOW*RAPIDLY*AND*TOLD*YOU*ABOUT*ONE*OF*THE*SERVANTS'*ESCAPADE*WITH*HER*WOODEN-LEGGED*LOVER,*WHICH*WAS*ALL*PERFECTLY*TRUE.

"YOUR*BOY,*ARTHUR,*WENT*TO*BED*AFTER*HIS*INTERVIEW*WITH*YOU*BUT*HE*SLEPT*BADLY*ON*ACCOUNT*OF*HIS*UNEASINESS*ABOUT*HIS*CLUB*DEBTS.*IN*THE*MIDDLE*OF*THE*NIGHT*HE*HEARD*A*SOFT*TREAD*PASS*HIS*DOOR,*SO*HE*ROSE*AND,*LOOKING*OUT,*WAS*SURPRISED*TO*SEE*HIS*COUSIN*WALKING*VERY*STEALTHILY*ALONG*THE*PASSAGE*UNTIL*SHE*DISAPPEARED*INTO*YOUR*DRESSING-ROOM.*PETRIFIED*WITH*ASTONISHMENT,*THE*LAD*SLIPPED*ON*SOME*CLOTHES*AND*WAITED*THERE*IN*THE*DARK*TO*SEE*WHAT*WOULD*COME*OF*THIS*STRANGE*AFFAIR.*PRESENTLY*SHE*EMERGED*FROM*THE*ROOM*AGAIN,*AND*IN*THE*LIGHT*OF*THE*PASSAGE-LAMP*YOUR*SON*SAW*THAT*SHE*CARRIED*THE*PRECIOUS*CORONET*IN*HER*HANDS.*SHE*PASSED*DOWN*THE*STAIRS,*AND*HE,*THRILLING*WITH*HORROR,*RAN*ALONG*AND*SLIPPED*BEHIND*THE*CURTAIN*NEAR*YOUR*DOOR,*WHENCE*HE*COULD*SEE*WHAT*PASSED*IN*THE*HALL*BENEATH.*HE*SAW*HER*STEALTHILY*OPEN*THE*WINDOW,*HAND*OUT*THE*CORONET*TO*SOMEONE*IN*THE*GLOOM,*AND*THEN*CLOSING*IT*ONCE*MORE*HURRY*BACK*TO*HER*ROOM,*PASSING*QUITE*CLOSE*TO*WHERE*HE*STOOD*HID*BEHIND*THE*CURTAIN.

"AS*LONG*AS*SHE*WAS*ON*THE*SCENE*HE*COULD*NOT*TAKE*ANY*ACTION*WITHOUT*A*HORRIBLE*EXPOSURE*OF*THE*WOMAN*WHOM*HE*LOVED.*BUT*THE*INSTANT*THAT*SHE*WAS*GONE*HE*REALISED*HOW*CRUSHING*A*MISFORTUNE*THIS*WOULD*BE*FOR*YOU,*AND*HOW*ALL-IMPORTANT*IT*WAS*TO*SET*IT*RIGHT.*HE*RUSHED*DOWN,*JUST*AS*HE*WAS,*IN*HIS*BARE*FEET,*OPENED*THE*WINDOW,*SPRANG*OUT*INTO*THE*SNOW,*AND*RAN*DOWN*THE*LANE,*WHERE*HE*COULD*SEE*A*DARK*FIGURE*IN*THE*MOONLIGHT.*SIR*GEORGE*BURNWELL*TRIED*TO*GET*AWAY,*BUT*ARTHUR*CAUGHT*HIM,*AND*THERE*WAS*A*STRUGGLE*BETWEEN*THEM,*YOUR*LAD*TUGGING*AT*ONE*SIDE*OF*THE*CORONET,*AND*HIS*OPPONENT*AT*THE*OTHER.*IN*THE*SCUFFLE,*YOUR*SON*STRUCK*SIR*GEORGE*AND*CUT*HIM*OVER*THE*EYE.*THEN*SOMETHING*SUDDENLY*SNAPPED,*AND*YOUR*SON,*FINDING*THAT*HE*HAD*THE*CORONET*IN*HIS*HANDS,*RUSHED*BACK,*CLOSED*THE*WINDOW,*ASCENDED*TO*YOUR*ROOM,*AND*HAD*JUST*OBSERVED*THAT*THE*CORONET*HAD*BEEN*TWISTED*IN*THE*STRUGGLE*AND*WAS*ENDEAVOURING*TO*STRAIGHTEN*IT*WHEN*YOU*APPEARED*UPON*THE*SCENE."

"IS*IT*POSSIBLE?"*GASPED*THE*BANKER.

"YOU*THEN*ROUSED*HIS*ANGER*BY*CALLING*HIM*NAMES*AT*A*MOMENT*WHEN*HE*FELT*THAT*HE*HAD*DESERVED*YOUR*WARMEST*THANKS.*HE*COULD*NOT*EXPLAIN*THE*TRUE*STATE*OF*AFFAIRS*WITHOUT*BETRAYING*ONE*WHO*CERTAINLY*DESERVED*LITTLE*ENOUGH*CONSIDERATION*AT*HIS*HANDS.*HE*TOOK*THE*MORE*CHIVALROUS*VIEW,*HOWEVER,*AND*PRESERVED*HER*SECRET."

"AND*THAT*WAS*WHY*SHE*SHRIEKED*AND*FAINTED*WHEN*SHE*SAW*THE*CORONET,"*CRIED*MR.*HOLDER.*"OH,*MY*GOD!*WHAT*A*BLIND*FOOL*I*HAVE*BEEN!*AND*HIS*ASKING*TO*BE*ALLOWED*TO*GO*OUT*FOR*FIVE*MINUTES!*THE*DEAR*FELLOW*WANTED*TO*SEE*IF*THE*MISSING*PIECE*WERE*AT*THE*SCENE*OF*THE*STRUGGLE.*HOW*CRUELLY*I*HAVE*MISJUDGED*HIM!"


"THERE*WAS*A*DOUBLE*LINE*OF*TRACKS*OF*A*BOOTED*MAN,*AND*A*SECOND*DOUBLE*LINE*WHICH*I*SAW*WITH*DELIGHT*BELONGED*TO*A*MAN*WITH*NAKED*FEET.*I*WAS*AT*ONCE*CONVINCED*FROM*WHAT*YOU*HAD*TOLD*ME*THAT*THE*LATTER*WAS*YOUR*SON.*THE*FIRST*HAD*WALKED*BOTH*WAYS,*BUT*THE*OTHER*HAD*RUN*SWIFTLY,*AND*AS*HIS*TREAD*WAS*MARKED*IN*PLACES*OVER*THE*DEPRESSION*OF*THE*BOOT,*IT*WAS*OBVIOUS*THAT*HE*HAD*PASSED*AFTER*THE*OTHER.*I*FOLLOWED*THEM*UP*AND*FOUND*THEY*LED*TO*THE*HALL*WINDOW,*WHERE*BOOTS*HAD*WORN*ALL*THE*SNOW*AWAY*WHILE*WAITING.*THEN*I*WALKED*TO*THE*OTHER*END,*WHICH*WAS*A*HUNDRED*YARDS*OR*MORE*DOWN*THE*LANE.*I*SAW*WHERE*BOOTS*HAD*FACED*ROUND,*WHERE*THE*SNOW*WAS*CUT*UP*AS*THOUGH*THERE*HAD*BEEN*A*STRUGGLE,*AND,*FINALLY,*WHERE*A*FEW*DROPS*OF*BLOOD*HAD*FALLEN,*TO*SHOW*ME*THAT*I*WAS*NOT*MISTAKEN.*BOOTS*HAD*THEN*RUN*DOWN*THE*LANE,*AND*ANOTHER*LITTLE*SMUDGE*OF*BLOOD*SHOWED*THAT*IT*WAS*HE*WHO*HAD*BEEN*HURT.*WHEN*HE*CAME*TO*THE*HIGHROAD*AT*THE*OTHER*END,*I*FOUND*THAT*THE*PAVEMENT*HAD*BEEN*CLEARED,*SO*THERE*WAS*AN*END*TO*THAT*CLUE.

"ON*ENTERING*THE*HOUSE,*HOWEVER,*I*EXAMINED,*AS*YOU*REMEMBER,*THE*SILL*AND*FRAMEWORK*OF*THE*HALL*WINDOW*WITH*MY*LENS,*AND*I*COULD*AT*ONCE*SEE*THAT*SOMEONE*HAD*PASSED*OUT.*I*COULD*DISTINGUISH*THE*OUTLINE*OF*AN*INSTEP*WHERE*THE*WET*FOOT*HAD*BEEN*PLACED*IN*COMING*IN.*I*WAS*THEN*BEGINNING*TO*BE*ABLE*TO*FORM*AN*OPINION*AS*TO*WHAT*HAD*OCCURRED.*A*MAN*HAD*WAITED*OUTSIDE*THE*WINDOW;*SOMEONE*HAD*BROUGHT*THE*GEMS;*THE*DEED*HAD*BEEN*OVERSEEN*BY*YOUR*SON;*HE*HAD*PURSUED*THE*THIEF;*HAD*STRUGGLED*WITH*HIM;*THEY*HAD*EACH*TUGGED*AT*THE*CORONET,*THEIR*UNITED*STRENGTH*CAUSING*INJURIES*WHICH*NEITHER*ALONE*COULD*HAVE*EFFECTED.*HE*HAD*RETURNED*WITH*THE*PRIZE,*BUT*HAD*LEFT*A*FRAGMENT*IN*THE*GRASP*OF*HIS*OPPONENT.*SO*FAR*I*WAS*CLEAR.*THE*QUESTION*NOW*WAS,*WHO*WAS*THE*MAN*AND*WHO*WAS*IT*BROUGHT*HIM*THE*CORONET?

"IT*IS*AN*OLD*MAXIM*OF*MINE*THAT*WHEN*YOU*HAVE*EXCLUDED*THE*IMPOSSIBLE,*WHATEVER*REMAINS,*HOWEVER*IMPROBABLE,*MUST*BE*THE*TRUTH.*NOW,*I*KNEW*THAT*IT*WAS*NOT*YOU*WHO*HAD*BROUGHT*IT*DOWN,*SO*THERE*ONLY*REMAINED*YOUR*NIECE*AND*THE*MAIDS.*BUT*IF*IT*WERE*THE*MAIDS,*WHY*SHOULD*YOUR*SON*ALLOW*HIMSELF*TO*BE*ACCUSED*IN*THEIR*PLACE?*THERE*COULD*BE*NO*POSSIBLE*REASON.*AS*HE*LOVED*HIS*COUSIN,*HOWEVER,*THERE*WAS*AN*EXCELLENT*EXPLANATION*WHY*HE*SHOULD*RETAIN*HER*SECRET--THE*MORE*SO*AS*THE*SECRET*WAS*A*DISGRACEFUL*ONE.*WHEN*I*REMEMBERED*THAT*YOU*HAD*SEEN*HER*AT*THAT*WINDOW,*AND*HOW*SHE*HAD*FAINTED*ON*SEEING*THE*CORONET*AGAIN,*MY*CONJECTURE*BECAME*A*CERTAINTY.

"AND*WHO*COULD*IT*BE*WHO*WAS*HER*CONFEDERATE?*A*LOVER*EVIDENTLY,*FOR*WHO*ELSE*COULD*OUTWEIGH*THE*LOVE*AND*GRATITUDE*WHICH*SHE*MUST*FEEL*TO*YOU?*I*KNEW*THAT*YOU*WENT*OUT*LITTLE,*AND*THAT*YOUR*CIRCLE*OF*FRIENDS*WAS*A*VERY*LIMITED*ONE.*BUT*AMONG*THEM*WAS*SIR*GEORGE*BURNWELL.*I*HAD*HEARD*OF*HIM*BEFORE*AS*BEING*A*MAN*OF*EVIL*REPUTATION*AMONG*WOMEN.*IT*MUST*HAVE*BEEN*HE*WHO*WORE*THOSE*BOOTS*AND*RETAINED*THE*MISSING*GEMS.*EVEN*THOUGH*HE*KNEW*THAT*ARTHUR*HAD*DISCOVERED*HIM,*HE*MIGHT*STILL*FLATTER*HIMSELF*THAT*HE*WAS*SAFE,*FOR*THE*LAD*COULD*NOT*SAY*A*WORD*WITHOUT*COMPROMISING*HIS*OWN*FAMILY.

"WELL,*YOUR*OWN*GOOD*SENSE*WILL*SUGGEST*WHAT*MEASURES*I*TOOK*NEXT.*I*WENT*IN*THE*SHAPE*OF*A*LOAFER*TO*SIR*GEORGE'S*HOUSE,*MANAGED*TO*PICK*UP*AN*ACQUAINTANCE*WITH*HIS*VALET,*LEARNED*THAT*HIS*MASTER*HAD*CUT*HIS*HEAD*THE*NIGHT*BEFORE,*AND,*FINALLY,*AT*THE*EXPENSE*OF*SIX*SHILLINGS,*MADE*ALL*SURE*BY*BUYING*A*PAIR*OF*HIS*CAST-OFF*SHOES.*WITH*THESE*I*JOURNEYED*DOWN*TO*STREATHAM*AND*SAW*THAT*THEY*EXACTLY*FITTED*THE*TRACKS."

"I*SAW*AN*ILL-DRESSED*VAGABOND*IN*THE*LANE*YESTERDAY*EVENING,"*SAID*MR.*HOLDER.


"A*DAY*WHICH*HAS*SAVED*ENGLAND*FROM*A*GREAT*PUBLIC*SCANDAL,"*SAID*THE*BANKER,*RISING.*"SIR,*I*CANNOT*FIND*WORDS*TO*THANK*YOU,*BUT*YOU*SHALL*NOT*FIND*ME*UNGRATEFUL*FOR*WHAT*YOU*HAVE*DONE.*YOUR*SKILL*HAS*INDEED*EXCEEDED*ALL*THAT*I*HAVE*HEARD*OF*IT.*AND*NOW*I*MUST*FLY*TO*MY*DEAR*BOY*TO*APOLOGISE*TO*HIM*FOR*THE*WRONG*WHICH*I*HAVE*DONE*HIM.*AS*TO*WHAT*YOU*TELL*ME*OF*POOR*MARY,*IT*GOES*TO*MY*VERY*HEART.*NOT*EVEN*YOUR*SKILL*CAN*INFORM*ME*WHERE*SHE*IS*NOW."

"I*THINK*THAT*WE*MAY*SAFELY*SAY,"*RETURNED*HOLMES,*"THAT*SHE*IS*WHEREVER*SIR*GEORGE*BURNWELL*IS.*IT*IS*EQUALLY*CERTAIN,*TOO,*THAT*WHATEVER*HER*SINS*ARE,*THEY*WILL*SOON*RECEIVE*A*MORE*THAN*SUFFICIENT*PUNISHMENT."

XII.**THE*ADVENTURE*OF*THE*COPPER*BEECHES


"TO*THE*MAN*WHO*LOVES*ART*FOR*ITS*OWN*SAKE,"*REMARKED*SHERLOCK*HOLMES,*TOSSING*ASIDE*THE*ADVERTISEMENT*SHEET*OF*THE*DAILY*TELEGRAPH,*"IT*IS*FREQUENTLY*IN*ITS*LEAST*IMPORTANT*AND*LOWLIEST*MANIFESTATIONS*THAT*THE*KEENEST*PLEASURE*IS*TO*BE*DERIVED.*IT*IS*PLEASANT*TO*ME*TO*OBSERVE,*WATSON,*THAT*YOU*HAVE*SO*FAR*GRASPED*THIS*TRUTH*THAT*IN*THESE*LITTLE*RECORDS*OF*OUR*CASES*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*GOOD*ENOUGH*TO*DRAW*UP,*AND,*I*AM*BOUND*TO*SAY,*OCCASIONALLY*TO*EMBELLISH,*YOU*HAVE*GIVEN*PROMINENCE*NOT*SO*MUCH*TO*THE*MANY*CAUSES*CELEBRES*AND*SENSATIONAL*TRIALS*IN*WHICH*I*HAVE*FIGURED*BUT*RATHER*TO*THOSE*INCIDENTS*WHICH*MAY*HAVE*BEEN*TRIVIAL*IN*THEMSELVES,*BUT*WHICH*HAVE*GIVEN*ROOM*FOR*THOSE*FACULTIES*OF*DEDUCTION*AND*OF*LOGICAL*SYNTHESIS*WHICH*I*HAVE*MADE*MY*SPECIAL*PROVINCE."

"AND*YET,"*SAID*I,*SMILING,*"I*CANNOT*QUITE*HOLD*MYSELF*ABSOLVED*FROM*THE*CHARGE*OF*SENSATIONALISM*WHICH*HAS*BEEN*URGED*AGAINST*MY*RECORDS."

"YOU*HAVE*ERRED,*PERHAPS,"*HE*OBSERVED,*TAKING*UP*A*GLOWING*CINDER*WITH*THE*TONGS*AND*LIGHTING*WITH*IT*THE*LONG*CHERRY-WOOD*PIPE*WHICH*WAS*WONT*TO*REPLACE*HIS*CLAY*WHEN*HE*WAS*IN*A*DISPUTATIOUS*RATHER*THAN*A*MEDITATIVE*MOOD--"YOU*HAVE*ERRED*PERHAPS*IN*ATTEMPTING*TO*PUT*COLOUR*AND*LIFE*INTO*EACH*OF*YOUR*STATEMENTS*INSTEAD*OF*CONFINING*YOURSELF*TO*THE*TASK*OF*PLACING*UPON*RECORD*THAT*SEVERE*REASONING*FROM*CAUSE*TO*EFFECT*WHICH*IS*REALLY*THE*ONLY*NOTABLE*FEATURE*ABOUT*THE*THING."

"IT*SEEMS*TO*ME*THAT*I*HAVE*DONE*YOU*FULL*JUSTICE*IN*THE*MATTER,"*I*REMARKED*WITH*SOME*COLDNESS,*FOR*I*WAS*REPELLED*BY*THE*EGOTISM*WHICH*I*HAD*MORE*THAN*ONCE*OBSERVED*TO*BE*A*STRONG*FACTOR*IN*MY*FRIEND'S*SINGULAR*CHARACTER.

"NO,*IT*IS*NOT*SELFISHNESS*OR*CONCEIT,"*SAID*HE,*ANSWERING,*AS*WAS*HIS*WONT,*MY*THOUGHTS*RATHER*THAN*MY*WORDS.*"IF*I*CLAIM*FULL*JUSTICE*FOR*MY*ART,*IT*IS*BECAUSE*IT*IS*AN*IMPERSONAL*THING--A*THING*BEYOND*MYSELF.*CRIME*IS*COMMON.*LOGIC*IS*RARE.*THEREFORE*IT*IS*UPON*THE*LOGIC*RATHER*THAN*UPON*THE*CRIME*THAT*YOU*SHOULD*DWELL.*YOU*HAVE*DEGRADED*WHAT*SHOULD*HAVE*BEEN*A*COURSE*OF*LECTURES*INTO*A*SERIES*OF*TALES."

IT*WAS*A*COLD*MORNING*OF*THE*EARLY*SPRING,*AND*WE*SAT*AFTER*BREAKFAST*ON*EITHER*SIDE*OF*A*CHEERY*FIRE*IN*THE*OLD*ROOM*AT*BAKER*STREET.*A*THICK*FOG*ROLLED*DOWN*BETWEEN*THE*LINES*OF*DUN-COLOURED*HOUSES,*AND*THE*OPPOSING*WINDOWS*LOOMED*LIKE*DARK,*SHAPELESS*BLURS*THROUGH*THE*HEAVY*YELLOW*WREATHS.*OUR*GAS*WAS*LIT*AND*SHONE*ON*THE*WHITE*CLOTH*AND*GLIMMER*OF*CHINA*AND*METAL,*FOR*THE*TABLE*HAD*NOT*BEEN*CLEARED*YET.*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*HAD*BEEN*SILENT*ALL*THE*MORNING,*DIPPING*CONTINUOUSLY*INTO*THE*ADVERTISEMENT*COLUMNS*OF*A*SUCCESSION*OF*PAPERS*UNTIL*AT*LAST,*HAVING*APPARENTLY*GIVEN*UP*HIS*SEARCH,*HE*HAD*EMERGED*IN*NO*VERY*SWEET*TEMPER*TO*LECTURE*ME*UPON*MY*LITERARY*SHORTCOMINGS.

"AT*THE*SAME*TIME,"*HE*REMARKED*AFTER*A*PAUSE,*DURING*WHICH*HE*HAD*SAT*PUFFING*AT*HIS*LONG*PIPE*AND*GAZING*DOWN*INTO*THE*FIRE,*"YOU*CAN*HARDLY*BE*OPEN*TO*A*CHARGE*OF*SENSATIONALISM,*FOR*OUT*OF*THESE*CASES*WHICH*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*SO*KIND*AS*TO*INTEREST*YOURSELF*IN,*A*FAIR*PROPORTION*DO*NOT*TREAT*OF*CRIME,*IN*ITS*LEGAL*SENSE,*AT*ALL.*THE*SMALL*MATTER*IN*WHICH*I*ENDEAVOURED*TO*HELP*THE*KING*OF*BOHEMIA,*THE*SINGULAR*EXPERIENCE*OF*MISS*MARY*SUTHERLAND,*THE*PROBLEM*CONNECTED*WITH*THE*MAN*WITH*THE*TWISTED*LIP,*AND*THE*INCIDENT*OF*THE*NOBLE*BACHELOR,*WERE*ALL*MATTERS*WHICH*ARE*OUTSIDE*THE*PALE*OF*THE*LAW.*BUT*IN*AVOIDING*THE*SENSATIONAL,*I*FEAR*THAT*YOU*MAY*HAVE*BORDERED*ON*THE*TRIVIAL."

"THE*END*MAY*HAVE*BEEN*SO,"*I*ANSWERED,*"BUT*THE*METHODS*I*HOLD*TO*HAVE*BEEN*NOVEL*AND*OF*INTEREST."

"PSHAW,*MY*DEAR*FELLOW,*WHAT*DO*THE*PUBLIC,*THE*GREAT*UNOBSERVANT*PUBLIC,*WHO*COULD*HARDLY*TELL*A*WEAVER*BY*HIS*TOOTH*OR*A*COMPOSITOR*BY*HIS*LEFT*THUMB,*CARE*ABOUT*THE*FINER*SHADES*OF*ANALYSIS*AND*DEDUCTION!*BUT,*INDEED,*IF*YOU*ARE*TRIVIAL.*I*CANNOT*BLAME*YOU,*FOR*THE*DAYS*OF*THE*GREAT*CASES*ARE*PAST.*MAN,*OR*AT*LEAST*CRIMINAL*MAN,*HAS*LOST*ALL*ENTERPRISE*AND*ORIGINALITY.*AS*TO*MY*OWN*LITTLE*PRACTICE,*IT*SEEMS*TO*BE*DEGENERATING*INTO*AN*AGENCY*FOR*RECOVERING*LOST*LEAD*PENCILS*AND*GIVING*ADVICE*TO*YOUNG*LADIES*FROM*BOARDING-SCHOOLS.*I*THINK*THAT*I*HAVE*TOUCHED*BOTTOM*AT*LAST,*HOWEVER.*THIS*NOTE*I*HAD*THIS*MORNING*MARKS*MY*ZERO-POINT,*I*FANCY.*READ*IT!"*HE*TOSSED*A*CRUMPLED*LETTER*ACROSS*TO*ME.

IT*WAS*DATED*FROM*MONTAGUE*PLACE*UPON*THE*PRECEDING*EVENING,*AND*RAN*THUS:

"DEAR*MR.*HOLMES:--I*AM*VERY*ANXIOUS*TO*CONSULT*YOU*AS*TO*WHETHER*I*SHOULD*OR*SHOULD*NOT*ACCEPT*A*SITUATION*WHICH*HAS*BEEN*OFFERED*TO*ME*AS*GOVERNESS.*I*SHALL*CALL*AT*HALF-PAST*TEN*TO-MORROW*IF*I*DO*NOT*INCONVENIENCE*YOU.*YOURS*FAITHFULLY,


"VIOLET*HUNTER."

"DO*YOU*KNOW*THE*YOUNG*LADY?"*I*ASKED.

"NOT*I."

"IT*IS*HALF-PAST*TEN*NOW."

"YES,*AND*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*THAT*IS*HER*RING."

"IT*MAY*TURN*OUT*TO*BE*OF*MORE*INTEREST*THAN*YOU*THINK.*YOU*REMEMBER*THAT*THE*AFFAIR*OF*THE*BLUE*CARBUNCLE,*WHICH*APPEARED*TO*BE*A*MERE*WHIM*AT*FIRST,*DEVELOPED*INTO*A*SERIOUS*INVESTIGATION.*IT*MAY*BE*SO*IN*THIS*CASE,*ALSO."

"WELL,*LET*US*HOPE*SO.*BUT*OUR*DOUBTS*WILL*VERY*SOON*BE*SOLVED,*FOR*HERE,*UNLESS*I*AM*MUCH*MISTAKEN,*IS*THE*PERSON*IN*QUESTION."

AS*HE*SPOKE*THE*DOOR*OPENED*AND*A*YOUNG*LADY*ENTERED*THE*ROOM.*SHE*WAS*PLAINLY*BUT*NEATLY*DRESSED,*WITH*A*BRIGHT,*QUICK*FACE,*FRECKLED*LIKE*A*PLOVER'S*EGG,*AND*WITH*THE*BRISK*MANNER*OF*A*WOMAN*WHO*HAS*HAD*HER*OWN*WAY*TO*MAKE*IN*THE*WORLD.

"YOU*WILL*EXCUSE*MY*TROUBLING*YOU,*I*AM*SURE,"*SAID*SHE,*AS*MY*COMPANION*ROSE*TO*GREET*HER,*"BUT*I*HAVE*HAD*A*VERY*STRANGE*EXPERIENCE,*AND*AS*I*HAVE*NO*PARENTS*OR*RELATIONS*OF*ANY*SORT*FROM*WHOM*I*COULD*ASK*ADVICE,*I*THOUGHT*THAT*PERHAPS*YOU*WOULD*BE*KIND*ENOUGH*TO*TELL*ME*WHAT*I*SHOULD*DO."

"PRAY*TAKE*A*SEAT,*MISS*HUNTER.*I*SHALL*BE*HAPPY*TO*DO*ANYTHING*THAT*I*CAN*TO*SERVE*YOU."

I*COULD*SEE*THAT*HOLMES*WAS*FAVOURABLY*IMPRESSED*BY*THE*MANNER*AND*SPEECH*OF*HIS*NEW*CLIENT.*HE*LOOKED*HER*OVER*IN*HIS*SEARCHING*FASHION,*AND*THEN*COMPOSED*HIMSELF,*WITH*HIS*LIDS*DROOPING*AND*HIS*FINGER-TIPS*TOGETHER,*TO*LISTEN*TO*HER*STORY.

"I*HAVE*BEEN*A*GOVERNESS*FOR*FIVE*YEARS,"*SAID*SHE,*"IN*THE*FAMILY*OF*COLONEL*SPENCE*MUNRO,*BUT*TWO*MONTHS*AGO*THE*COLONEL*RECEIVED*AN*APPOINTMENT*AT*HALIFAX,*IN*NOVA*SCOTIA,*AND*TOOK*HIS*CHILDREN*OVER*TO*AMERICA*WITH*HIM,*SO*THAT*I*FOUND*MYSELF*WITHOUT*A*SITUATION.*I*ADVERTISED,*AND*I*ANSWERED*ADVERTISEMENTS,*BUT*WITHOUT*SUCCESS.*AT*LAST*THE*LITTLE*MONEY*WHICH*I*HAD*SAVED*BEGAN*TO*RUN*SHORT,*AND*I*WAS*AT*MY*WIT'S*END*AS*TO*WHAT*I*SHOULD*DO.

"THERE*IS*A*WELL-KNOWN*AGENCY*FOR*GOVERNESSES*IN*THE*WEST*END*CALLED*WESTAWAY'S,*AND*THERE*I*USED*TO*CALL*ABOUT*ONCE*A*WEEK*IN*ORDER*TO*SEE*WHETHER*ANYTHING*HAD*TURNED*UP*WHICH*MIGHT*SUIT*ME.*WESTAWAY*WAS*THE*NAME*OF*THE*FOUNDER*OF*THE*BUSINESS,*BUT*IT*IS*REALLY*MANAGED*BY*MISS*STOPER.*SHE*SITS*IN*HER*OWN*LITTLE*OFFICE,*AND*THE*LADIES*WHO*ARE*SEEKING*EMPLOYMENT*WAIT*IN*AN*ANTEROOM,*AND*ARE*THEN*SHOWN*IN*ONE*BY*ONE,*WHEN*SHE*CONSULTS*HER*LEDGERS*AND*SEES*WHETHER*SHE*HAS*ANYTHING*WHICH*WOULD*SUIT*THEM.

"WELL,*WHEN*I*CALLED*LAST*WEEK*I*WAS*SHOWN*INTO*THE*LITTLE*OFFICE*AS*USUAL,*BUT*I*FOUND*THAT*MISS*STOPER*WAS*NOT*ALONE.*A*PRODIGIOUSLY*STOUT*MAN*WITH*A*VERY*SMILING*FACE*AND*A*GREAT*HEAVY*CHIN*WHICH*ROLLED*DOWN*IN*FOLD*UPON*FOLD*OVER*HIS*THROAT*SAT*AT*HER*ELBOW*WITH*A*PAIR*OF*GLASSES*ON*HIS*NOSE,*LOOKING*VERY*EARNESTLY*AT*THE*LADIES*WHO*ENTERED.*AS*I*CAME*IN*HE*GAVE*QUITE*A*JUMP*IN*HIS*CHAIR*AND*TURNED*QUICKLY*TO*MISS*STOPER.

"*'THAT*WILL*DO,'*SAID*HE;*'I*COULD*NOT*ASK*FOR*ANYTHING*BETTER.*CAPITAL!*CAPITAL!'*HE*SEEMED*QUITE*ENTHUSIASTIC*AND*RUBBED*HIS*HANDS*TOGETHER*IN*THE*MOST*GENIAL*FASHION.*HE*WAS*SUCH*A*COMFORTABLE-LOOKING*MAN*THAT*IT*WAS*QUITE*A*PLEASURE*TO*LOOK*AT*HIM.

"*'YOU*ARE*LOOKING*FOR*A*SITUATION,*MISS?'*HE*ASKED.

"*'YES,*SIR.'

"*'AS*GOVERNESS?'

"*'YES,*SIR.'

"*'AND*WHAT*SALARY*DO*YOU*ASK?'

"*'I*HAD*$4*A*MONTH*IN*MY*LAST*PLACE*WITH*COLONEL*SPENCE*MUNRO.'

"*'OH,*TUT,*TUT!*SWEATING--RANK*SWEATING!'*HE*CRIED,*THROWING*HIS*FAT*HANDS*OUT*INTO*THE*AIR*LIKE*A*MAN*WHO*IS*IN*A*BOILING*PASSION.*'HOW*COULD*ANYONE*OFFER*SO*PITIFUL*A*SUM*TO*A*LADY*WITH*SUCH*ATTRACTIONS*AND*ACCOMPLISHMENTS?'

"*'MY*ACCOMPLISHMENTS,*SIR,*MAY*BE*LESS*THAN*YOU*IMAGINE,'*SAID*I.*'A*LITTLE*FRENCH,*A*LITTLE*GERMAN,*MUSIC,*AND*DRAWING--'

"*'TUT,*TUT!'*HE*CRIED.*'THIS*IS*ALL*QUITE*BESIDE*THE*QUESTION.*THE*POINT*IS,*HAVE*YOU*OR*HAVE*YOU*NOT*THE*BEARING*AND*DEPORTMENT*OF*A*LADY?*THERE*IT*IS*IN*A*NUTSHELL.*IF*YOU*HAVE*NOT,*YOU*ARE*NOT*FITTED*FOR*THE*REARING*OF*A*CHILD*WHO*MAY*SOME*DAY*PLAY*A*CONSIDERABLE*PART*IN*THE*HISTORY*OF*THE*COUNTRY.*BUT*IF*YOU*HAVE*WHY,*THEN,*HOW*COULD*ANY*GENTLEMAN*ASK*YOU*TO*CONDESCEND*TO*ACCEPT*ANYTHING*UNDER*THE*THREE*FIGURES?*YOUR*SALARY*WITH*ME,*MADAM,*WOULD*COMMENCE*AT*$100*A*YEAR.'

"YOU*MAY*IMAGINE,*MR.*HOLMES,*THAT*TO*ME,*DESTITUTE*AS*I*WAS,*SUCH*AN*OFFER*SEEMED*ALMOST*TOO*GOOD*TO*BE*TRUE.*THE*GENTLEMAN,*HOWEVER,*SEEING*PERHAPS*THE*LOOK*OF*INCREDULITY*UPON*MY*FACE,*OPENED*A*POCKET-BOOK*AND*TOOK*OUT*A*NOTE.

"*'IT*IS*ALSO*MY*CUSTOM,'*SAID*HE,*SMILING*IN*THE*MOST*PLEASANT*FASHION*UNTIL*HIS*EYES*WERE*JUST*TWO*LITTLE*SHINING*SLITS*AMID*THE*WHITE*CREASES*OF*HIS*FACE,*'TO*ADVANCE*TO*MY*YOUNG*LADIES*HALF*THEIR*SALARY*BEFOREHAND,*SO*THAT*THEY*MAY*MEET*ANY*LITTLE*EXPENSES*OF*THEIR*JOURNEY*AND*THEIR*WARDROBE.'

"IT*SEEMED*TO*ME*THAT*I*HAD*NEVER*MET*SO*FASCINATING*AND*SO*THOUGHTFUL*A*MAN.*AS*I*WAS*ALREADY*IN*DEBT*TO*MY*TRADESMEN,*THE*ADVANCE*WAS*A*GREAT*CONVENIENCE,*AND*YET*THERE*WAS*SOMETHING*UNNATURAL*ABOUT*THE*WHOLE*TRANSACTION*WHICH*MADE*ME*WISH*TO*KNOW*A*LITTLE*MORE*BEFORE*I*QUITE*COMMITTED*MYSELF.

"*'MAY*I*ASK*WHERE*YOU*LIVE,*SIR?'*SAID*I.

"*'HAMPSHIRE.*CHARMING*RURAL*PLACE.*THE*COPPER*BEECHES,*FIVE*MILES*ON*THE*FAR*SIDE*OF*WINCHESTER.*IT*IS*THE*MOST*LOVELY*COUNTRY,*MY*DEAR*YOUNG*LADY,*AND*THE*DEAREST*OLD*COUNTRY-HOUSE.'

"*'AND*MY*DUTIES,*SIR?*I*SHOULD*BE*GLAD*TO*KNOW*WHAT*THEY*WOULD*BE.'

"*'ONE*CHILD--ONE*DEAR*LITTLE*ROMPER*JUST*SIX*YEARS*OLD.*OH,*IF*YOU*COULD*SEE*HIM*KILLING*COCKROACHES*WITH*A*SLIPPER!*SMACK!*SMACK!*SMACK!*THREE*GONE*BEFORE*YOU*COULD*WINK!'*HE*LEANED*BACK*IN*HIS*CHAIR*AND*LAUGHED*HIS*EYES*INTO*HIS*HEAD*AGAIN.

"I*WAS*A*LITTLE*STARTLED*AT*THE*NATURE*OF*THE*CHILD'S*AMUSEMENT,*BUT*THE*FATHER'S*LAUGHTER*MADE*ME*THINK*THAT*PERHAPS*HE*WAS*JOKING.

"*'MY*SOLE*DUTIES,*THEN,'*I*ASKED,*'ARE*TO*TAKE*CHARGE*OF*A*SINGLE*CHILD?'

"*'NO,*NO,*NOT*THE*SOLE,*NOT*THE*SOLE,*MY*DEAR*YOUNG*LADY,'*HE*CRIED.*'YOUR*DUTY*WOULD*BE,*AS*I*AM*SURE*YOUR*GOOD*SENSE*WOULD*SUGGEST,*TO*OBEY*ANY*LITTLE*COMMANDS*MY*WIFE*MIGHT*GIVE,*PROVIDED*ALWAYS*THAT*THEY*WERE*SUCH*COMMANDS*AS*A*LADY*MIGHT*WITH*PROPRIETY*OBEY.*YOU*SEE*NO*DIFFICULTY,*HEH?'

"*'I*SHOULD*BE*HAPPY*TO*MAKE*MYSELF*USEFUL.'

"*'QUITE*SO.*IN*DRESS*NOW,*FOR*EXAMPLE.*WE*ARE*FADDY*PEOPLE,*YOU*KNOW--FADDY*BUT*KIND-HEARTED.*IF*YOU*WERE*ASKED*TO*WEAR*ANY*DRESS*WHICH*WE*MIGHT*GIVE*YOU,*YOU*WOULD*NOT*OBJECT*TO*OUR*LITTLE*WHIM.*HEH?'

"*'NO,'*SAID*I,*CONSIDERABLY*ASTONISHED*AT*HIS*WORDS.

"*'OR*TO*SIT*HERE,*OR*SIT*THERE,*THAT*WOULD*NOT*BE*OFFENSIVE*TO*YOU?'

"*'OH,*NO.'

"*'OR*TO*CUT*YOUR*HAIR*QUITE*SHORT*BEFORE*YOU*COME*TO*US?'

"I*COULD*HARDLY*BELIEVE*MY*EARS.*AS*YOU*MAY*OBSERVE,*MR.*HOLMES,*MY*HAIR*IS*SOMEWHAT*LUXURIANT,*AND*OF*A*RATHER*PECULIAR*TINT*OF*CHESTNUT.*IT*HAS*BEEN*CONSIDERED*ARTISTIC.*I*COULD*NOT*DREAM*OF*SACRIFICING*IT*IN*THIS*OFFHAND*FASHION.

"*'I*AM*AFRAID*THAT*THAT*IS*QUITE*IMPOSSIBLE,'*SAID*I.*HE*HAD*BEEN*WATCHING*ME*EAGERLY*OUT*OF*HIS*SMALL*EYES,*AND*I*COULD*SEE*A*SHADOW*PASS*OVER*HIS*FACE*AS*I*SPOKE.

"*'I*AM*AFRAID*THAT*IT*IS*QUITE*ESSENTIAL,'*SAID*HE.*'IT*IS*A*LITTLE*FANCY*OF*MY*WIFE'S,*AND*LADIES'*FANCIES,*YOU*KNOW,*MADAM,*LADIES'*FANCIES*MUST*BE*CONSULTED.*AND*SO*YOU*WON'T*CUT*YOUR*HAIR?'

"*'NO,*SIR,*I*REALLY*COULD*NOT,'*I*ANSWERED*FIRMLY.

"*'AH,*VERY*WELL;*THEN*THAT*QUITE*SETTLES*THE*MATTER.*IT*IS*A*PITY,*BECAUSE*IN*OTHER*RESPECTS*YOU*WOULD*REALLY*HAVE*DONE*VERY*NICELY.*IN*THAT*CASE,*MISS*STOPER,*I*HAD*BEST*INSPECT*A*FEW*MORE*OF*YOUR*YOUNG*LADIES.'

"THE*MANAGERESS*HAD*SAT*ALL*THIS*WHILE*BUSY*WITH*HER*PAPERS*WITHOUT*A*WORD*TO*EITHER*OF*US,*BUT*SHE*GLANCED*AT*ME*NOW*WITH*SO*MUCH*ANNOYANCE*UPON*HER*FACE*THAT*I*COULD*NOT*HELP*SUSPECTING*THAT*SHE*HAD*LOST*A*HANDSOME*COMMISSION*THROUGH*MY*REFUSAL.

"*'DO*YOU*DESIRE*YOUR*NAME*TO*BE*KEPT*UPON*THE*BOOKS?'*SHE*ASKED.

"*'IF*YOU*PLEASE,*MISS*STOPER.'

"*'WELL,*REALLY,*IT*SEEMS*RATHER*USELESS,*SINCE*YOU*REFUSE*THE*MOST*EXCELLENT*OFFERS*IN*THIS*FASHION,'*SAID*SHE*SHARPLY.*'YOU*CAN*HARDLY*EXPECT*US*TO*EXERT*OURSELVES*TO*FIND*ANOTHER*SUCH*OPENING*FOR*YOU.*GOOD-DAY*TO*YOU,*MISS*HUNTER.'*SHE*STRUCK*A*GONG*UPON*THE*TABLE,*AND*I*WAS*SHOWN*OUT*BY*THE*PAGE.

"WELL,*MR.*HOLMES,*WHEN*I*GOT*BACK*TO*MY*LODGINGS*AND*FOUND*LITTLE*ENOUGH*IN*THE*CUPBOARD,*AND*TWO*OR*THREE*BILLS*UPON*THE*TABLE.*I*BEGAN*TO*ASK*MYSELF*WHETHER*I*HAD*NOT*DONE*A*VERY*FOOLISH*THING.*AFTER*ALL,*IF*THESE*PEOPLE*HAD*STRANGE*FADS*AND*EXPECTED*OBEDIENCE*ON*THE*MOST*EXTRAORDINARY*MATTERS,*THEY*WERE*AT*LEAST*READY*TO*PAY*FOR*THEIR*ECCENTRICITY.*VERY*FEW*GOVERNESSES*IN*ENGLAND*ARE*GETTING*$100*A*YEAR.*BESIDES,*WHAT*USE*WAS*MY*HAIR*TO*ME?*MANY*PEOPLE*ARE*IMPROVED*BY*WEARING*IT*SHORT*AND*PERHAPS*I*SHOULD*BE*AMONG*THE*NUMBER.*NEXT*DAY*I*WAS*INCLINED*TO*THINK*THAT*I*HAD*MADE*A*MISTAKE,*AND*BY*THE*DAY*AFTER*I*WAS*SURE*OF*IT.*I*HAD*ALMOST*OVERCOME*MY*PRIDE*SO*FAR*AS*TO*GO*BACK*TO*THE*AGENCY*AND*INQUIRE*WHETHER*THE*PLACE*WAS*STILL*OPEN*WHEN*I*RECEIVED*THIS*LETTER*FROM*THE*GENTLEMAN*HIMSELF.*I*HAVE*IT*HERE*AND*I*WILL*READ*IT*TO*YOU:


"*'THE*COPPER*BEECHES,*NEAR*WINCHESTER.



"*'JEPHRO*RUCASTLE.'

"THAT*IS*THE*LETTER*WHICH*I*HAVE*JUST*RECEIVED,*MR.*HOLMES,*AND*MY*MIND*IS*MADE*UP*THAT*I*WILL*ACCEPT*IT.*I*THOUGHT,*HOWEVER,*THAT*BEFORE*TAKING*THE*FINAL*STEP*I*SHOULD*LIKE*TO*SUBMIT*THE*WHOLE*MATTER*TO*YOUR*CONSIDERATION."

"WELL,*MISS*HUNTER,*IF*YOUR*MIND*IS*MADE*UP,*THAT*SETTLES*THE*QUESTION,"*SAID*HOLMES,*SMILING.

"BUT*YOU*WOULD*NOT*ADVISE*ME*TO*REFUSE?"

"I*CONFESS*THAT*IT*IS*NOT*THE*SITUATION*WHICH*I*SHOULD*LIKE*TO*SEE*A*SISTER*OF*MINE*APPLY*FOR."

"WHAT*IS*THE*MEANING*OF*IT*ALL,*MR.*HOLMES?"

"AH,*I*HAVE*NO*DATA.*I*CANNOT*TELL.*PERHAPS*YOU*HAVE*YOURSELF*FORMED*SOME*OPINION?"

"WELL,*THERE*SEEMS*TO*ME*TO*BE*ONLY*ONE*POSSIBLE*SOLUTION.*MR.*RUCASTLE*SEEMED*TO*BE*A*VERY*KIND,*GOOD-NATURED*MAN.*IS*IT*NOT*POSSIBLE*THAT*HIS*WIFE*IS*A*LUNATIC,*THAT*HE*DESIRES*TO*KEEP*THE*MATTER*QUIET*FOR*FEAR*SHE*SHOULD*BE*TAKEN*TO*AN*ASYLUM,*AND*THAT*HE*HUMOURS*HER*FANCIES*IN*EVERY*WAY*IN*ORDER*TO*PREVENT*AN*OUTBREAK?"

"THAT*IS*A*POSSIBLE*SOLUTION--IN*FACT,*AS*MATTERS*STAND,*IT*IS*THE*MOST*PROBABLE*ONE.*BUT*IN*ANY*CASE*IT*DOES*NOT*SEEM*TO*BE*A*NICE*HOUSEHOLD*FOR*A*YOUNG*LADY."

"BUT*THE*MONEY,*MR.*HOLMES,*THE*MONEY!"

"WELL,*YES,*OF*COURSE*THE*PAY*IS*GOOD--TOO*GOOD.*THAT*IS*WHAT*MAKES*ME*UNEASY.*WHY*SHOULD*THEY*GIVE*YOU*$120*A*YEAR,*WHEN*THEY*COULD*HAVE*THEIR*PICK*FOR*$40?*THERE*MUST*BE*SOME*STRONG*REASON*BEHIND."

"I*THOUGHT*THAT*IF*I*TOLD*YOU*THE*CIRCUMSTANCES*YOU*WOULD*UNDERSTAND*AFTERWARDS*IF*I*WANTED*YOUR*HELP.*I*SHOULD*FEEL*SO*MUCH*STRONGER*IF*I*FELT*THAT*YOU*WERE*AT*THE*BACK*OF*ME."

"OH,*YOU*MAY*CARRY*THAT*FEELING*AWAY*WITH*YOU.*I*ASSURE*YOU*THAT*YOUR*LITTLE*PROBLEM*PROMISES*TO*BE*THE*MOST*INTERESTING*WHICH*HAS*COME*MY*WAY*FOR*SOME*MONTHS.*THERE*IS*SOMETHING*DISTINCTLY*NOVEL*ABOUT*SOME*OF*THE*FEATURES.*IF*YOU*SHOULD*FIND*YOURSELF*IN*DOUBT*OR*IN*DANGER--"

"DANGER!*WHAT*DANGER*DO*YOU*FORESEE?"

HOLMES*SHOOK*HIS*HEAD*GRAVELY.*"IT*WOULD*CEASE*TO*BE*A*DANGER*IF*WE*COULD*DEFINE*IT,"*SAID*HE.*"BUT*AT*ANY*TIME,*DAY*OR*NIGHT,*A*TELEGRAM*WOULD*BRING*ME*DOWN*TO*YOUR*HELP."

"THAT*IS*ENOUGH."*SHE*ROSE*BRISKLY*FROM*HER*CHAIR*WITH*THE*ANXIETY*ALL*SWEPT*FROM*HER*FACE.*"I*SHALL*GO*DOWN*TO*HAMPSHIRE*QUITE*EASY*IN*MY*MIND*NOW.*I*SHALL*WRITE*TO*MR.*RUCASTLE*AT*ONCE,*SACRIFICE*MY*POOR*HAIR*TO-NIGHT,*AND*START*FOR*WINCHESTER*TO-MORROW."*WITH*A*FEW*GRATEFUL*WORDS*TO*HOLMES*SHE*BADE*US*BOTH*GOOD-NIGHT*AND*BUSTLED*OFF*UPON*HER*WAY.

"AT*LEAST,"*SAID*I*AS*WE*HEARD*HER*QUICK,*FIRM*STEPS*DESCENDING*THE*STAIRS,*"SHE*SEEMS*TO*BE*A*YOUNG*LADY*WHO*IS*VERY*WELL*ABLE*TO*TAKE*CARE*OF*HERSELF."

"AND*SHE*WOULD*NEED*TO*BE,"*SAID*HOLMES*GRAVELY.*"I*AM*MUCH*MISTAKEN*IF*WE*DO*NOT*HEAR*FROM*HER*BEFORE*MANY*DAYS*ARE*PAST."

IT*WAS*NOT*VERY*LONG*BEFORE*MY*FRIEND'S*PREDICTION*WAS*FULFILLED.*A*FORTNIGHT*WENT*BY,*DURING*WHICH*I*FREQUENTLY*FOUND*MY*THOUGHTS*TURNING*IN*HER*DIRECTION*AND*WONDERING*WHAT*STRANGE*SIDE-ALLEY*OF*HUMAN*EXPERIENCE*THIS*LONELY*WOMAN*HAD*STRAYED*INTO.*THE*UNUSUAL*SALARY,*THE*CURIOUS*CONDITIONS,*THE*LIGHT*DUTIES,*ALL*POINTED*TO*SOMETHING*ABNORMAL,*THOUGH*WHETHER*A*FAD*OR*A*PLOT,*OR*WHETHER*THE*MAN*WERE*A*PHILANTHROPIST*OR*A*VILLAIN,*IT*WAS*QUITE*BEYOND*MY*POWERS*TO*DETERMINE.*AS*TO*HOLMES,*I*OBSERVED*THAT*HE*SAT*FREQUENTLY*FOR*HALF*AN*HOUR*ON*END,*WITH*KNITTED*BROWS*AND*AN*ABSTRACTED*AIR,*BUT*HE*SWEPT*THE*MATTER*AWAY*WITH*A*WAVE*OF*HIS*HAND*WHEN*I*MENTIONED*IT.*"DATA!*DATA!*DATA!"*HE*CRIED*IMPATIENTLY.*"I*CAN'T*MAKE*BRICKS*WITHOUT*CLAY."*AND*YET*HE*WOULD*ALWAYS*WIND*UP*BY*MUTTERING*THAT*NO*SISTER*OF*HIS*SHOULD*EVER*HAVE*ACCEPTED*SUCH*A*SITUATION.

THE*TELEGRAM*WHICH*WE*EVENTUALLY*RECEIVED*CAME*LATE*ONE*NIGHT*JUST*AS*I*WAS*THINKING*OF*TURNING*IN*AND*HOLMES*WAS*SETTLING*DOWN*TO*ONE*OF*THOSE*ALL-NIGHT*CHEMICAL*RESEARCHES*WHICH*HE*FREQUENTLY*INDULGED*IN,*WHEN*I*WOULD*LEAVE*HIM*STOOPING*OVER*A*RETORT*AND*A*TEST-TUBE*AT*NIGHT*AND*FIND*HIM*IN*THE*SAME*POSITION*WHEN*I*CAME*DOWN*TO*BREAKFAST*IN*THE*MORNING.*HE*OPENED*THE*YELLOW*ENVELOPE,*AND*THEN,*GLANCING*AT*THE*MESSAGE,*THREW*IT*ACROSS*TO*ME.

"JUST*LOOK*UP*THE*TRAINS*IN*BRADSHAW,"*SAID*HE,*AND*TURNED*BACK*TO*HIS*CHEMICAL*STUDIES.

THE*SUMMONS*WAS*A*BRIEF*AND*URGENT*ONE.

"PLEASE*BE*AT*THE*BLACK*SWAN*HOTEL*AT*WINCHESTER*AT*MIDDAY*TO-MORROW,"*IT*SAID.*"DO*COME!*I*AM*AT*MY*WIT'S*END.


"HUNTER."

"WILL*YOU*COME*WITH*ME?"*ASKED*HOLMES,*GLANCING*UP.

"I*SHOULD*WISH*TO."

"JUST*LOOK*IT*UP,*THEN."

"THERE*IS*A*TRAIN*AT*HALF-PAST*NINE,"*SAID*I,*GLANCING*OVER*MY*BRADSHAW.*"IT*IS*DUE*AT*WINCHESTER*AT*11:30."

"THAT*WILL*DO*VERY*NICELY.*THEN*PERHAPS*I*HAD*BETTER*POSTPONE*MY*ANALYSIS*OF*THE*ACETONES,*AS*WE*MAY*NEED*TO*BE*AT*OUR*BEST*IN*THE*MORNING."

BY*ELEVEN*O'CLOCK*THE*NEXT*DAY*WE*WERE*WELL*UPON*OUR*WAY*TO*THE*OLD*ENGLISH*CAPITAL.*HOLMES*HAD*BEEN*BURIED*IN*THE*MORNING*PAPERS*ALL*THE*WAY*DOWN,*BUT*AFTER*WE*HAD*PASSED*THE*HAMPSHIRE*BORDER*HE*THREW*THEM*DOWN*AND*BEGAN*TO*ADMIRE*THE*SCENERY.*IT*WAS*AN*IDEAL*SPRING*DAY,*A*LIGHT*BLUE*SKY,*FLECKED*WITH*LITTLE*FLEECY*WHITE*CLOUDS*DRIFTING*ACROSS*FROM*WEST*TO*EAST.*THE*SUN*WAS*SHINING*VERY*BRIGHTLY,*AND*YET*THERE*WAS*AN*EXHILARATING*NIP*IN*THE*AIR,*WHICH*SET*AN*EDGE*TO*A*MAN'S*ENERGY.*ALL*OVER*THE*COUNTRYSIDE,*AWAY*TO*THE*ROLLING*HILLS*AROUND*ALDERSHOT,*THE*LITTLE*RED*AND*GREY*ROOFS*OF*THE*FARM-STEADINGS*PEEPED*OUT*FROM*AMID*THE*LIGHT*GREEN*OF*THE*NEW*FOLIAGE.

"ARE*THEY*NOT*FRESH*AND*BEAUTIFUL?"*I*CRIED*WITH*ALL*THE*ENTHUSIASM*OF*A*MAN*FRESH*FROM*THE*FOGS*OF*BAKER*STREET.

BUT*HOLMES*SHOOK*HIS*HEAD*GRAVELY.

"DO*YOU*KNOW,*WATSON,"*SAID*HE,*"THAT*IT*IS*ONE*OF*THE*CURSES*OF*A*MIND*WITH*A*TURN*LIKE*MINE*THAT*I*MUST*LOOK*AT*EVERYTHING*WITH*REFERENCE*TO*MY*OWN*SPECIAL*SUBJECT.*YOU*LOOK*AT*THESE*SCATTERED*HOUSES,*AND*YOU*ARE*IMPRESSED*BY*THEIR*BEAUTY.*I*LOOK*AT*THEM,*AND*THE*ONLY*THOUGHT*WHICH*COMES*TO*ME*IS*A*FEELING*OF*THEIR*ISOLATION*AND*OF*THE*IMPUNITY*WITH*WHICH*CRIME*MAY*BE*COMMITTED*THERE."

"GOOD*HEAVENS!"*I*CRIED.*"WHO*WOULD*ASSOCIATE*CRIME*WITH*THESE*DEAR*OLD*HOMESTEADS?"

"THEY*ALWAYS*FILL*ME*WITH*A*CERTAIN*HORROR.*IT*IS*MY*BELIEF,*WATSON,*FOUNDED*UPON*MY*EXPERIENCE,*THAT*THE*LOWEST*AND*VILEST*ALLEYS*IN*LONDON*DO*NOT*PRESENT*A*MORE*DREADFUL*RECORD*OF*SIN*THAN*DOES*THE*SMILING*AND*BEAUTIFUL*COUNTRYSIDE."

"YOU*HORRIFY*ME!"

"BUT*THE*REASON*IS*VERY*OBVIOUS.*THE*PRESSURE*OF*PUBLIC*OPINION*CAN*DO*IN*THE*TOWN*WHAT*THE*LAW*CANNOT*ACCOMPLISH.*THERE*IS*NO*LANE*SO*VILE*THAT*THE*SCREAM*OF*A*TORTURED*CHILD,*OR*THE*THUD*OF*A*DRUNKARD'S*BLOW,*DOES*NOT*BEGET*SYMPATHY*AND*INDIGNATION*AMONG*THE*NEIGHBOURS,*AND*THEN*THE*WHOLE*MACHINERY*OF*JUSTICE*IS*EVER*SO*CLOSE*THAT*A*WORD*OF*COMPLAINT*CAN*SET*IT*GOING,*AND*THERE*IS*BUT*A*STEP*BETWEEN*THE*CRIME*AND*THE*DOCK.*BUT*LOOK*AT*THESE*LONELY*HOUSES,*EACH*IN*ITS*OWN*FIELDS,*FILLED*FOR*THE*MOST*PART*WITH*POOR*IGNORANT*FOLK*WHO*KNOW*LITTLE*OF*THE*LAW.*THINK*OF*THE*DEEDS*OF*HELLISH*CRUELTY,*THE*HIDDEN*WICKEDNESS*WHICH*MAY*GO*ON,*YEAR*IN,*YEAR*OUT,*IN*SUCH*PLACES,*AND*NONE*THE*WISER.*HAD*THIS*LADY*WHO*APPEALS*TO*US*FOR*HELP*GONE*TO*LIVE*IN*WINCHESTER,*I*SHOULD*NEVER*HAVE*HAD*A*FEAR*FOR*HER.*IT*IS*THE*FIVE*MILES*OF*COUNTRY*WHICH*MAKES*THE*DANGER.*STILL,*IT*IS*CLEAR*THAT*SHE*IS*NOT*PERSONALLY*THREATENED."

"NO.*IF*SHE*CAN*COME*TO*WINCHESTER*TO*MEET*US*SHE*CAN*GET*AWAY."

"QUITE*SO.*SHE*HAS*HER*FREEDOM."

"WHAT*CAN*BE*THE*MATTER,*THEN?*CAN*YOU*SUGGEST*NO*EXPLANATION?"

"I*HAVE*DEVISED*SEVEN*SEPARATE*EXPLANATIONS,*EACH*OF*WHICH*WOULD*COVER*THE*FACTS*AS*FAR*AS*WE*KNOW*THEM.*BUT*WHICH*OF*THESE*IS*CORRECT*CAN*ONLY*BE*DETERMINED*BY*THE*FRESH*INFORMATION*WHICH*WE*SHALL*NO*DOUBT*FIND*WAITING*FOR*US.*WELL,*THERE*IS*THE*TOWER*OF*THE*CATHEDRAL,*AND*WE*SHALL*SOON*LEARN*ALL*THAT*MISS*HUNTER*HAS*TO*TELL."

THE*BLACK*SWAN*IS*AN*INN*OF*REPUTE*IN*THE*HIGH*STREET,*AT*NO*DISTANCE*FROM*THE*STATION,*AND*THERE*WE*FOUND*THE*YOUNG*LADY*WAITING*FOR*US.*SHE*HAD*ENGAGED*A*SITTING-ROOM,*AND*OUR*LUNCH*AWAITED*US*UPON*THE*TABLE.

"I*AM*SO*DELIGHTED*THAT*YOU*HAVE*COME,"*SHE*SAID*EARNESTLY.*"IT*IS*SO*VERY*KIND*OF*YOU*BOTH;*BUT*INDEED*I*DO*NOT*KNOW*WHAT*I*SHOULD*DO.*YOUR*ADVICE*WILL*BE*ALTOGETHER*INVALUABLE*TO*ME."

"PRAY*TELL*US*WHAT*HAS*HAPPENED*TO*YOU."

"I*WILL*DO*SO,*AND*I*MUST*BE*QUICK,*FOR*I*HAVE*PROMISED*MR.*RUCASTLE*TO*BE*BACK*BEFORE*THREE.*I*GOT*HIS*LEAVE*TO*COME*INTO*TOWN*THIS*MORNING,*THOUGH*HE*LITTLE*KNEW*FOR*WHAT*PURPOSE."

"LET*US*HAVE*EVERYTHING*IN*ITS*DUE*ORDER."*HOLMES*THRUST*HIS*LONG*THIN*LEGS*OUT*TOWARDS*THE*FIRE*AND*COMPOSED*HIMSELF*TO*LISTEN.

"IN*THE*FIRST*PLACE,*I*MAY*SAY*THAT*I*HAVE*MET,*ON*THE*WHOLE,*WITH*NO*ACTUAL*ILL-TREATMENT*FROM*MR.*AND*MRS.*RUCASTLE.*IT*IS*ONLY*FAIR*TO*THEM*TO*SAY*THAT.*BUT*I*CANNOT*UNDERSTAND*THEM,*AND*I*AM*NOT*EASY*IN*MY*MIND*ABOUT*THEM."

"WHAT*CAN*YOU*NOT*UNDERSTAND?"

"THEIR*REASONS*FOR*THEIR*CONDUCT.*BUT*YOU*SHALL*HAVE*IT*ALL*JUST*AS*IT*OCCURRED.*WHEN*I*CAME*DOWN,*MR.*RUCASTLE*MET*ME*HERE*AND*DROVE*ME*IN*HIS*DOG-CART*TO*THE*COPPER*BEECHES.*IT*IS,*AS*HE*SAID,*BEAUTIFULLY*SITUATED,*BUT*IT*IS*NOT*BEAUTIFUL*IN*ITSELF,*FOR*IT*IS*A*LARGE*SQUARE*BLOCK*OF*A*HOUSE,*WHITEWASHED,*BUT*ALL*STAINED*AND*STREAKED*WITH*DAMP*AND*BAD*WEATHER.*THERE*ARE*GROUNDS*ROUND*IT,*WOODS*ON*THREE*SIDES,*AND*ON*THE*FOURTH*A*FIELD*WHICH*SLOPES*DOWN*TO*THE*SOUTHAMPTON*HIGHROAD,*WHICH*CURVES*PAST*ABOUT*A*HUNDRED*YARDS*FROM*THE*FRONT*DOOR.*THIS*GROUND*IN*FRONT*BELONGS*TO*THE*HOUSE,*BUT*THE*WOODS*ALL*ROUND*ARE*PART*OF*LORD*SOUTHERTON'S*PRESERVES.*A*CLUMP*OF*COPPER*BEECHES*IMMEDIATELY*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*HALL*DOOR*HAS*GIVEN*ITS*NAME*TO*THE*PLACE.

"I*WAS*DRIVEN*OVER*BY*MY*EMPLOYER,*WHO*WAS*AS*AMIABLE*AS*EVER,*AND*WAS*INTRODUCED*BY*HIM*THAT*EVENING*TO*HIS*WIFE*AND*THE*CHILD.*THERE*WAS*NO*TRUTH,*MR.*HOLMES,*IN*THE*CONJECTURE*WHICH*SEEMED*TO*US*TO*BE*PROBABLE*IN*YOUR*ROOMS*AT*BAKER*STREET.*MRS.*RUCASTLE*IS*NOT*MAD.*I*FOUND*HER*TO*BE*A*SILENT,*PALE-FACED*WOMAN,*MUCH*YOUNGER*THAN*HER*HUSBAND,*NOT*MORE*THAN*THIRTY,*I*SHOULD*THINK,*WHILE*HE*CAN*HARDLY*BE*LESS*THAN*FORTY-FIVE.*FROM*THEIR*CONVERSATION*I*HAVE*GATHERED*THAT*THEY*HAVE*BEEN*MARRIED*ABOUT*SEVEN*YEARS,*THAT*HE*WAS*A*WIDOWER,*AND*THAT*HIS*ONLY*CHILD*BY*THE*FIRST*WIFE*WAS*THE*DAUGHTER*WHO*HAS*GONE*TO*PHILADELPHIA.*MR.*RUCASTLE*TOLD*ME*IN*PRIVATE*THAT*THE*REASON*WHY*SHE*HAD*LEFT*THEM*WAS*THAT*SHE*HAD*AN*UNREASONING*AVERSION*TO*HER*STEPMOTHER.*AS*THE*DAUGHTER*COULD*NOT*HAVE*BEEN*LESS*THAN*TWENTY,*I*CAN*QUITE*IMAGINE*THAT*HER*POSITION*MUST*HAVE*BEEN*UNCOMFORTABLE*WITH*HER*FATHER'S*YOUNG*WIFE.


"I*AM*GLAD*OF*ALL*DETAILS,"*REMARKED*MY*FRIEND,*"WHETHER*THEY*SEEM*TO*YOU*TO*BE*RELEVANT*OR*NOT."

"I*SHALL*TRY*NOT*TO*MISS*ANYTHING*OF*IMPORTANCE.*THE*ONE*UNPLEASANT*THING*ABOUT*THE*HOUSE,*WHICH*STRUCK*ME*AT*ONCE,*WAS*THE*APPEARANCE*AND*CONDUCT*OF*THE*SERVANTS.*THERE*ARE*ONLY*TWO,*A*MAN*AND*HIS*WIFE.*TOLLER,*FOR*THAT*IS*HIS*NAME,*IS*A*ROUGH,*UNCOUTH*MAN,*WITH*GRIZZLED*HAIR*AND*WHISKERS,*AND*A*PERPETUAL*SMELL*OF*DRINK.*TWICE*SINCE*I*HAVE*BEEN*WITH*THEM*HE*HAS*BEEN*QUITE*DRUNK,*AND*YET*MR.*RUCASTLE*SEEMED*TO*TAKE*NO*NOTICE*OF*IT.*HIS*WIFE*IS*A*VERY*TALL*AND*STRONG*WOMAN*WITH*A*SOUR*FACE,*AS*SILENT*AS*MRS.*RUCASTLE*AND*MUCH*LESS*AMIABLE.*THEY*ARE*A*MOST*UNPLEASANT*COUPLE,*BUT*FORTUNATELY*I*SPEND*MOST*OF*MY*TIME*IN*THE*NURSERY*AND*MY*OWN*ROOM,*WHICH*ARE*NEXT*TO*EACH*OTHER*IN*ONE*CORNER*OF*THE*BUILDING.

"FOR*TWO*DAYS*AFTER*MY*ARRIVAL*AT*THE*COPPER*BEECHES*MY*LIFE*WAS*VERY*QUIET;*ON*THE*THIRD,*MRS.*RUCASTLE*CAME*DOWN*JUST*AFTER*BREAKFAST*AND*WHISPERED*SOMETHING*TO*HER*HUSBAND.

"*'OH,*YES,'*SAID*HE,*TURNING*TO*ME,*'WE*ARE*VERY*MUCH*OBLIGED*TO*YOU,*MISS*HUNTER,*FOR*FALLING*IN*WITH*OUR*WHIMS*SO*FAR*AS*TO*CUT*YOUR*HAIR.*I*ASSURE*YOU*THAT*IT*HAS*NOT*DETRACTED*IN*THE*TINIEST*IOTA*FROM*YOUR*APPEARANCE.*WE*SHALL*NOW*SEE*HOW*THE*ELECTRIC-BLUE*DRESS*WILL*BECOME*YOU.*YOU*WILL*FIND*IT*LAID*OUT*UPON*THE*BED*IN*YOUR*ROOM,*AND*IF*YOU*WOULD*BE*SO*GOOD*AS*TO*PUT*IT*ON*WE*SHOULD*BOTH*BE*EXTREMELY*OBLIGED.'


"TWO*DAYS*LATER*THIS*SAME*PERFORMANCE*WAS*GONE*THROUGH*UNDER*EXACTLY*SIMILAR*CIRCUMSTANCES.*AGAIN*I*CHANGED*MY*DRESS,*AGAIN*I*SAT*IN*THE*WINDOW,*AND*AGAIN*I*LAUGHED*VERY*HEARTILY*AT*THE*FUNNY*STORIES*OF*WHICH*MY*EMPLOYER*HAD*AN*IMMENSE*REPERTOIRE,*AND*WHICH*HE*TOLD*INIMITABLY.*THEN*HE*HANDED*ME*A*YELLOW-BACKED*NOVEL,*AND*MOVING*MY*CHAIR*A*LITTLE*SIDEWAYS,*THAT*MY*OWN*SHADOW*MIGHT*NOT*FALL*UPON*THE*PAGE,*HE*BEGGED*ME*TO*READ*ALOUD*TO*HIM.*I*READ*FOR*ABOUT*TEN*MINUTES,*BEGINNING*IN*THE*HEART*OF*A*CHAPTER,*AND*THEN*SUDDENLY,*IN*THE*MIDDLE*OF*A*SENTENCE,*HE*ORDERED*ME*TO*CEASE*AND*TO*CHANGE*MY*DRESS.


"*'JEPHRO,'*SAID*SHE,*'THERE*IS*AN*IMPERTINENT*FELLOW*UPON*THE*ROAD*THERE*WHO*STARES*UP*AT*MISS*HUNTER.'

"*'NO*FRIEND*OF*YOURS,*MISS*HUNTER?'*HE*ASKED.

"*'NO,*I*KNOW*NO*ONE*IN*THESE*PARTS.'

"*'DEAR*ME!*HOW*VERY*IMPERTINENT!*KINDLY*TURN*ROUND*AND*MOTION*TO*HIM*TO*GO*AWAY.'

"*'SURELY*IT*WOULD*BE*BETTER*TO*TAKE*NO*NOTICE.'

"*'NO,*NO,*WE*SHOULD*HAVE*HIM*LOITERING*HERE*ALWAYS.*KINDLY*TURN*ROUND*AND*WAVE*HIM*AWAY*LIKE*THAT.'

"I*DID*AS*I*WAS*TOLD,*AND*AT*THE*SAME*INSTANT*MRS.*RUCASTLE*DREW*DOWN*THE*BLIND.*THAT*WAS*A*WEEK*AGO,*AND*FROM*THAT*TIME*I*HAVE*NOT*SAT*AGAIN*IN*THE*WINDOW,*NOR*HAVE*I*WORN*THE*BLUE*DRESS,*NOR*SEEN*THE*MAN*IN*THE*ROAD."

"PRAY*CONTINUE,"*SAID*HOLMES.*"YOUR*NARRATIVE*PROMISES*TO*BE*A*MOST*INTERESTING*ONE."

"YOU*WILL*FIND*IT*RATHER*DISCONNECTED,*I*FEAR,*AND*THERE*MAY*PROVE*TO*BE*LITTLE*RELATION*BETWEEN*THE*DIFFERENT*INCIDENTS*OF*WHICH*I*SPEAK.*ON*THE*VERY*FIRST*DAY*THAT*I*WAS*AT*THE*COPPER*BEECHES,*MR.*RUCASTLE*TOOK*ME*TO*A*SMALL*OUTHOUSE*WHICH*STANDS*NEAR*THE*KITCHEN*DOOR.*AS*WE*APPROACHED*IT*I*HEARD*THE*SHARP*RATTLING*OF*A*CHAIN,*AND*THE*SOUND*AS*OF*A*LARGE*ANIMAL*MOVING*ABOUT.

"*'LOOK*IN*HERE!'*SAID*MR.*RUCASTLE,*SHOWING*ME*A*SLIT*BETWEEN*TWO*PLANKS.*'IS*HE*NOT*A*BEAUTY?'

"I*LOOKED*THROUGH*AND*WAS*CONSCIOUS*OF*TWO*GLOWING*EYES,*AND*OF*A*VAGUE*FIGURE*HUDDLED*UP*IN*THE*DARKNESS.

"*'DON'T*BE*FRIGHTENED,'*SAID*MY*EMPLOYER,*LAUGHING*AT*THE*START*WHICH*I*HAD*GIVEN.*'IT'S*ONLY*CARLO,*MY*MASTIFF.*I*CALL*HIM*MINE,*BUT*REALLY*OLD*TOLLER,*MY*GROOM,*IS*THE*ONLY*MAN*WHO*CAN*DO*ANYTHING*WITH*HIM.*WE*FEED*HIM*ONCE*A*DAY,*AND*NOT*TOO*MUCH*THEN,*SO*THAT*HE*IS*ALWAYS*AS*KEEN*AS*MUSTARD.*TOLLER*LETS*HIM*LOOSE*EVERY*NIGHT,*AND*GOD*HELP*THE*TRESPASSER*WHOM*HE*LAYS*HIS*FANGS*UPON.*FOR*GOODNESS'*SAKE*DON'T*YOU*EVER*ON*ANY*PRETEXT*SET*YOUR*FOOT*OVER*THE*THRESHOLD*AT*NIGHT,*FOR*IT'S*AS*MUCH*AS*YOUR*LIFE*IS*WORTH.'

"THE*WARNING*WAS*NO*IDLE*ONE,*FOR*TWO*NIGHTS*LATER*I*HAPPENED*TO*LOOK*OUT*OF*MY*BEDROOM*WINDOW*ABOUT*TWO*O'CLOCK*IN*THE*MORNING.*IT*WAS*A*BEAUTIFUL*MOONLIGHT*NIGHT,*AND*THE*LAWN*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*HOUSE*WAS*SILVERED*OVER*AND*ALMOST*AS*BRIGHT*AS*DAY.*I*WAS*STANDING,*RAPT*IN*THE*PEACEFUL*BEAUTY*OF*THE*SCENE,*WHEN*I*WAS*AWARE*THAT*SOMETHING*WAS*MOVING*UNDER*THE*SHADOW*OF*THE*COPPER*BEECHES.*AS*IT*EMERGED*INTO*THE*MOONSHINE*I*SAW*WHAT*IT*WAS.*IT*WAS*A*GIANT*DOG,*AS*LARGE*AS*A*CALF,*TAWNY*TINTED,*WITH*HANGING*JOWL,*BLACK*MUZZLE,*AND*HUGE*PROJECTING*BONES.*IT*WALKED*SLOWLY*ACROSS*THE*LAWN*AND*VANISHED*INTO*THE*SHADOW*UPON*THE*OTHER*SIDE.*THAT*DREADFUL*SENTINEL*SENT*A*CHILL*TO*MY*HEART*WHICH*I*DO*NOT*THINK*THAT*ANY*BURGLAR*COULD*HAVE*DONE.

"AND*NOW*I*HAVE*A*VERY*STRANGE*EXPERIENCE*TO*TELL*YOU.*I*HAD,*AS*YOU*KNOW,*CUT*OFF*MY*HAIR*IN*LONDON,*AND*I*HAD*PLACED*IT*IN*A*GREAT*COIL*AT*THE*BOTTOM*OF*MY*TRUNK.*ONE*EVENING,*AFTER*THE*CHILD*WAS*IN*BED,*I*BEGAN*TO*AMUSE*MYSELF*BY*EXAMINING*THE*FURNITURE*OF*MY*ROOM*AND*BY*REARRANGING*MY*OWN*LITTLE*THINGS.*THERE*WAS*AN*OLD*CHEST*OF*DRAWERS*IN*THE*ROOM,*THE*TWO*UPPER*ONES*EMPTY*AND*OPEN,*THE*LOWER*ONE*LOCKED.*I*HAD*FILLED*THE*FIRST*TWO*WITH*MY*LINEN,*AND*AS*I*HAD*STILL*MUCH*TO*PACK*AWAY*I*WAS*NATURALLY*ANNOYED*AT*NOT*HAVING*THE*USE*OF*THE*THIRD*DRAWER.*IT*STRUCK*ME*THAT*IT*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*FASTENED*BY*A*MERE*OVERSIGHT,*SO*I*TOOK*OUT*MY*BUNCH*OF*KEYS*AND*TRIED*TO*OPEN*IT.*THE*VERY*FIRST*KEY*FITTED*TO*PERFECTION,*AND*I*DREW*THE*DRAWER*OPEN.*THERE*WAS*ONLY*ONE*THING*IN*IT,*BUT*I*AM*SURE*THAT*YOU*WOULD*NEVER*GUESS*WHAT*IT*WAS.*IT*WAS*MY*COIL*OF*HAIR.

"I*TOOK*IT*UP*AND*EXAMINED*IT.*IT*WAS*OF*THE*SAME*PECULIAR*TINT,*AND*THE*SAME*THICKNESS.*BUT*THEN*THE*IMPOSSIBILITY*OF*THE*THING*OBTRUDED*ITSELF*UPON*ME.*HOW*COULD*MY*HAIR*HAVE*BEEN*LOCKED*IN*THE*DRAWER?*WITH*TREMBLING*HANDS*I*UNDID*MY*TRUNK,*TURNED*OUT*THE*CONTENTS,*AND*DREW*FROM*THE*BOTTOM*MY*OWN*HAIR.*I*LAID*THE*TWO*TRESSES*TOGETHER,*AND*I*ASSURE*YOU*THAT*THEY*WERE*IDENTICAL.*WAS*IT*NOT*EXTRAORDINARY?*PUZZLE*AS*I*WOULD,*I*COULD*MAKE*NOTHING*AT*ALL*OF*WHAT*IT*MEANT.*I*RETURNED*THE*STRANGE*HAIR*TO*THE*DRAWER,*AND*I*SAID*NOTHING*OF*THE*MATTER*TO*THE*RUCASTLES*AS*I*FELT*THAT*I*HAD*PUT*MYSELF*IN*THE*WRONG*BY*OPENING*A*DRAWER*WHICH*THEY*HAD*LOCKED.

"I*AM*NATURALLY*OBSERVANT,*AS*YOU*MAY*HAVE*REMARKED,*MR.*HOLMES,*AND*I*SOON*HAD*A*PRETTY*GOOD*PLAN*OF*THE*WHOLE*HOUSE*IN*MY*HEAD.*THERE*WAS*ONE*WING,*HOWEVER,*WHICH*APPEARED*NOT*TO*BE*INHABITED*AT*ALL.*A*DOOR*WHICH*FACED*THAT*WHICH*LED*INTO*THE*QUARTERS*OF*THE*TOLLERS*OPENED*INTO*THIS*SUITE,*BUT*IT*WAS*INVARIABLY*LOCKED.*ONE*DAY,*HOWEVER,*AS*I*ASCENDED*THE*STAIR,*I*MET*MR.*RUCASTLE*COMING*OUT*THROUGH*THIS*DOOR,*HIS*KEYS*IN*HIS*HAND,*AND*A*LOOK*ON*HIS*FACE*WHICH*MADE*HIM*A*VERY*DIFFERENT*PERSON*TO*THE*ROUND,*JOVIAL*MAN*TO*WHOM*I*WAS*ACCUSTOMED.*HIS*CHEEKS*WERE*RED,*HIS*BROW*WAS*ALL*CRINKLED*WITH*ANGER,*AND*THE*VEINS*STOOD*OUT*AT*HIS*TEMPLES*WITH*PASSION.*HE*LOCKED*THE*DOOR*AND*HURRIED*PAST*ME*WITHOUT*A*WORD*OR*A*LOOK.

"THIS*AROUSED*MY*CURIOSITY,*SO*WHEN*I*WENT*OUT*FOR*A*WALK*IN*THE*GROUNDS*WITH*MY*CHARGE,*I*STROLLED*ROUND*TO*THE*SIDE*FROM*WHICH*I*COULD*SEE*THE*WINDOWS*OF*THIS*PART*OF*THE*HOUSE.*THERE*WERE*FOUR*OF*THEM*IN*A*ROW,*THREE*OF*WHICH*WERE*SIMPLY*DIRTY,*WHILE*THE*FOURTH*WAS*SHUTTERED*UP.*THEY*WERE*EVIDENTLY*ALL*DESERTED.*AS*I*STROLLED*UP*AND*DOWN,*GLANCING*AT*THEM*OCCASIONALLY,*MR.*RUCASTLE*CAME*OUT*TO*ME,*LOOKING*AS*MERRY*AND*JOVIAL*AS*EVER.

"*'AH!'*SAID*HE,*'YOU*MUST*NOT*THINK*ME*RUDE*IF*I*PASSED*YOU*WITHOUT*A*WORD,*MY*DEAR*YOUNG*LADY.*I*WAS*PREOCCUPIED*WITH*BUSINESS*MATTERS.'

"I*ASSURED*HIM*THAT*I*WAS*NOT*OFFENDED.*'BY*THE*WAY,'*SAID*I,*'YOU*SEEM*TO*HAVE*QUITE*A*SUITE*OF*SPARE*ROOMS*UP*THERE,*AND*ONE*OF*THEM*HAS*THE*SHUTTERS*UP.'

"HE*LOOKED*SURPRISED*AND,*AS*IT*SEEMED*TO*ME,*A*LITTLE*STARTLED*AT*MY*REMARK.

"*'PHOTOGRAPHY*IS*ONE*OF*MY*HOBBIES,'*SAID*HE.*'I*HAVE*MADE*MY*DARK*ROOM*UP*THERE.*BUT,*DEAR*ME!*WHAT*AN*OBSERVANT*YOUNG*LADY*WE*HAVE*COME*UPON.*WHO*WOULD*HAVE*BELIEVED*IT?*WHO*WOULD*HAVE*EVER*BELIEVED*IT?'*HE*SPOKE*IN*A*JESTING*TONE,*BUT*THERE*WAS*NO*JEST*IN*HIS*EYES*AS*HE*LOOKED*AT*ME.*I*READ*SUSPICION*THERE*AND*ANNOYANCE,*BUT*NO*JEST.

"WELL,*MR.*HOLMES,*FROM*THE*MOMENT*THAT*I*UNDERSTOOD*THAT*THERE*WAS*SOMETHING*ABOUT*THAT*SUITE*OF*ROOMS*WHICH*I*WAS*NOT*TO*KNOW,*I*WAS*ALL*ON*FIRE*TO*GO*OVER*THEM.*IT*WAS*NOT*MERE*CURIOSITY,*THOUGH*I*HAVE*MY*SHARE*OF*THAT.*IT*WAS*MORE*A*FEELING*OF*DUTY--A*FEELING*THAT*SOME*GOOD*MIGHT*COME*FROM*MY*PENETRATING*TO*THIS*PLACE.*THEY*TALK*OF*WOMAN'S*INSTINCT;*PERHAPS*IT*WAS*WOMAN'S*INSTINCT*WHICH*GAVE*ME*THAT*FEELING.*AT*ANY*RATE,*IT*WAS*THERE,*AND*I*WAS*KEENLY*ON*THE*LOOKOUT*FOR*ANY*CHANCE*TO*PASS*THE*FORBIDDEN*DOOR.

"IT*WAS*ONLY*YESTERDAY*THAT*THE*CHANCE*CAME.*I*MAY*TELL*YOU*THAT,*BESIDES*MR.*RUCASTLE,*BOTH*TOLLER*AND*HIS*WIFE*FIND*SOMETHING*TO*DO*IN*THESE*DESERTED*ROOMS,*AND*I*ONCE*SAW*HIM*CARRYING*A*LARGE*BLACK*LINEN*BAG*WITH*HIM*THROUGH*THE*DOOR.*RECENTLY*HE*HAS*BEEN*DRINKING*HARD,*AND*YESTERDAY*EVENING*HE*WAS*VERY*DRUNK;*AND*WHEN*I*CAME*UPSTAIRS*THERE*WAS*THE*KEY*IN*THE*DOOR.*I*HAVE*NO*DOUBT*AT*ALL*THAT*HE*HAD*LEFT*IT*THERE.*MR.*AND*MRS.*RUCASTLE*WERE*BOTH*DOWNSTAIRS,*AND*THE*CHILD*WAS*WITH*THEM,*SO*THAT*I*HAD*AN*ADMIRABLE*OPPORTUNITY.*I*TURNED*THE*KEY*GENTLY*IN*THE*LOCK,*OPENED*THE*DOOR,*AND*SLIPPED*THROUGH.


"*'SO,'*SAID*HE,*SMILING,*'IT*WAS*YOU,*THEN.*I*THOUGHT*THAT*IT*MUST*BE*WHEN*I*SAW*THE*DOOR*OPEN.'

"*'OH,*I*AM*SO*FRIGHTENED!'*I*PANTED.

"*'MY*DEAR*YOUNG*LADY!*MY*DEAR*YOUNG*LADY!'--YOU*CANNOT*THINK*HOW*CARESSING*AND*SOOTHING*HIS*MANNER*WAS--'AND*WHAT*HAS*FRIGHTENED*YOU,*MY*DEAR*YOUNG*LADY?'

"BUT*HIS*VOICE*WAS*JUST*A*LITTLE*TOO*COAXING.*HE*OVERDID*IT.*I*WAS*KEENLY*ON*MY*GUARD*AGAINST*HIM.

"*'I*WAS*FOOLISH*ENOUGH*TO*GO*INTO*THE*EMPTY*WING,'*I*ANSWERED.*'BUT*IT*IS*SO*LONELY*AND*EERIE*IN*THIS*DIM*LIGHT*THAT*I*WAS*FRIGHTENED*AND*RAN*OUT*AGAIN.*OH,*IT*IS*SO*DREADFULLY*STILL*IN*THERE!'

"*'ONLY*THAT?'*SAID*HE,*LOOKING*AT*ME*KEENLY.

"*'WHY,*WHAT*DID*YOU*THINK?'*I*ASKED.

"*'WHY*DO*YOU*THINK*THAT*I*LOCK*THIS*DOOR?'

"*'I*AM*SURE*THAT*I*DO*NOT*KNOW.'

"*'IT*IS*TO*KEEP*PEOPLE*OUT*WHO*HAVE*NO*BUSINESS*THERE.*DO*YOU*SEE?'*HE*WAS*STILL*SMILING*IN*THE*MOST*AMIABLE*MANNER.

"*'I*AM*SURE*IF*I*HAD*KNOWN--'

"*'WELL,*THEN,*YOU*KNOW*NOW.*AND*IF*YOU*EVER*PUT*YOUR*FOOT*OVER*THAT*THRESHOLD*AGAIN'--HERE*IN*AN*INSTANT*THE*SMILE*HARDENED*INTO*A*GRIN*OF*RAGE,*AND*HE*GLARED*DOWN*AT*ME*WITH*THE*FACE*OF*A*DEMON--'I'LL*THROW*YOU*TO*THE*MASTIFF.'


HOLMES*AND*I*HAD*LISTENED*SPELLBOUND*TO*THIS*EXTRAORDINARY*STORY.*MY*FRIEND*ROSE*NOW*AND*PACED*UP*AND*DOWN*THE*ROOM,*HIS*HANDS*IN*HIS*POCKETS,*AND*AN*EXPRESSION*OF*THE*MOST*PROFOUND*GRAVITY*UPON*HIS*FACE.

"IS*TOLLER*STILL*DRUNK?"*HE*ASKED.

"YES.*I*HEARD*HIS*WIFE*TELL*MRS.*RUCASTLE*THAT*SHE*COULD*DO*NOTHING*WITH*HIM."

"THAT*IS*WELL.*AND*THE*RUCASTLES*GO*OUT*TO-NIGHT?"

"YES."

"IS*THERE*A*CELLAR*WITH*A*GOOD*STRONG*LOCK?"

"YES,*THE*WINE-CELLAR."

"YOU*SEEM*TO*ME*TO*HAVE*ACTED*ALL*THROUGH*THIS*MATTER*LIKE*A*VERY*BRAVE*AND*SENSIBLE*GIRL,*MISS*HUNTER.*DO*YOU*THINK*THAT*YOU*COULD*PERFORM*ONE*MORE*FEAT?*I*SHOULD*NOT*ASK*IT*OF*YOU*IF*I*DID*NOT*THINK*YOU*A*QUITE*EXCEPTIONAL*WOMAN."

"I*WILL*TRY.*WHAT*IS*IT?"

"WE*SHALL*BE*AT*THE*COPPER*BEECHES*BY*SEVEN*O'CLOCK,*MY*FRIEND*AND*I.*THE*RUCASTLES*WILL*BE*GONE*BY*THAT*TIME,*AND*TOLLER*WILL,*WE*HOPE,*BE*INCAPABLE.*THERE*ONLY*REMAINS*MRS.*TOLLER,*WHO*MIGHT*GIVE*THE*ALARM.*IF*YOU*COULD*SEND*HER*INTO*THE*CELLAR*ON*SOME*ERRAND,*AND*THEN*TURN*THE*KEY*UPON*HER,*YOU*WOULD*FACILITATE*MATTERS*IMMENSELY."

"I*WILL*DO*IT."


"WHAT*ON*EARTH*HAS*THAT*TO*DO*WITH*IT?"*I*EJACULATED.

"MY*DEAR*WATSON,*YOU*AS*A*MEDICAL*MAN*ARE*CONTINUALLY*GAINING*LIGHT*AS*TO*THE*TENDENCIES*OF*A*CHILD*BY*THE*STUDY*OF*THE*PARENTS.*DON'T*YOU*SEE*THAT*THE*CONVERSE*IS*EQUALLY*VALID.*I*HAVE*FREQUENTLY*GAINED*MY*FIRST*REAL*INSIGHT*INTO*THE*CHARACTER*OF*PARENTS*BY*STUDYING*THEIR*CHILDREN.*THIS*CHILD'S*DISPOSITION*IS*ABNORMALLY*CRUEL,*MERELY*FOR*CRUELTY'S*SAKE,*AND*WHETHER*HE*DERIVES*THIS*FROM*HIS*SMILING*FATHER,*AS*I*SHOULD*SUSPECT,*OR*FROM*HIS*MOTHER,*IT*BODES*EVIL*FOR*THE*POOR*GIRL*WHO*IS*IN*THEIR*POWER."

"I*AM*SURE*THAT*YOU*ARE*RIGHT,*MR.*HOLMES,"*CRIED*OUR*CLIENT.*"A*THOUSAND*THINGS*COME*BACK*TO*ME*WHICH*MAKE*ME*CERTAIN*THAT*YOU*HAVE*HIT*IT.*OH,*LET*US*LOSE*NOT*AN*INSTANT*IN*BRINGING*HELP*TO*THIS*POOR*CREATURE."

"WE*MUST*BE*CIRCUMSPECT,*FOR*WE*ARE*DEALING*WITH*A*VERY*CUNNING*MAN.*WE*CAN*DO*NOTHING*UNTIL*SEVEN*O'CLOCK.*AT*THAT*HOUR*WE*SHALL*BE*WITH*YOU,*AND*IT*WILL*NOT*BE*LONG*BEFORE*WE*SOLVE*THE*MYSTERY."

WE*WERE*AS*GOOD*AS*OUR*WORD,*FOR*IT*WAS*JUST*SEVEN*WHEN*WE*REACHED*THE*COPPER*BEECHES,*HAVING*PUT*UP*OUR*TRAP*AT*A*WAYSIDE*PUBLIC-HOUSE.*THE*GROUP*OF*TREES,*WITH*THEIR*DARK*LEAVES*SHINING*LIKE*BURNISHED*METAL*IN*THE*LIGHT*OF*THE*SETTING*SUN,*WERE*SUFFICIENT*TO*MARK*THE*HOUSE*EVEN*HAD*MISS*HUNTER*NOT*BEEN*STANDING*SMILING*ON*THE*DOOR-STEP.

"HAVE*YOU*MANAGED*IT?"*ASKED*HOLMES.

A*LOUD*THUDDING*NOISE*CAME*FROM*SOMEWHERE*DOWNSTAIRS.*"THAT*IS*MRS.*TOLLER*IN*THE*CELLAR,"*SAID*SHE.*"HER*HUSBAND*LIES*SNORING*ON*THE*KITCHEN*RUG.*HERE*ARE*HIS*KEYS,*WHICH*ARE*THE*DUPLICATES*OF*MR.*RUCASTLE'S."

"YOU*HAVE*DONE*WELL*INDEED!"*CRIED*HOLMES*WITH*ENTHUSIASM.*"NOW*LEAD*THE*WAY,*AND*WE*SHALL*SOON*SEE*THE*END*OF*THIS*BLACK*BUSINESS."

WE*PASSED*UP*THE*STAIR,*UNLOCKED*THE*DOOR,*FOLLOWED*ON*DOWN*A*PASSAGE,*AND*FOUND*OURSELVES*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*BARRICADE*WHICH*MISS*HUNTER*HAD*DESCRIBED.*HOLMES*CUT*THE*CORD*AND*REMOVED*THE*TRANSVERSE*BAR.*THEN*HE*TRIED*THE*VARIOUS*KEYS*IN*THE*LOCK,*BUT*WITHOUT*SUCCESS.*NO*SOUND*CAME*FROM*WITHIN,*AND*AT*THE*SILENCE*HOLMES'*FACE*CLOUDED*OVER.

"I*TRUST*THAT*WE*ARE*NOT*TOO*LATE,"*SAID*HE.*"I*THINK,*MISS*HUNTER,*THAT*WE*HAD*BETTER*GO*IN*WITHOUT*YOU.*NOW,*WATSON,*PUT*YOUR*SHOULDER*TO*IT,*AND*WE*SHALL*SEE*WHETHER*WE*CANNOT*MAKE*OUR*WAY*IN."

IT*WAS*AN*OLD*RICKETY*DOOR*AND*GAVE*AT*ONCE*BEFORE*OUR*UNITED*STRENGTH.*TOGETHER*WE*RUSHED*INTO*THE*ROOM.*IT*WAS*EMPTY.*THERE*WAS*NO*FURNITURE*SAVE*A*LITTLE*PALLET*BED,*A*SMALL*TABLE,*AND*A*BASKETFUL*OF*LINEN.*THE*SKYLIGHT*ABOVE*WAS*OPEN,*AND*THE*PRISONER*GONE.

"THERE*HAS*BEEN*SOME*VILLAINY*HERE,"*SAID*HOLMES;*"THIS*BEAUTY*HAS*GUESSED*MISS*HUNTER'S*INTENTIONS*AND*HAS*CARRIED*HIS*VICTIM*OFF."

"BUT*HOW?"

"THROUGH*THE*SKYLIGHT.*WE*SHALL*SOON*SEE*HOW*HE*MANAGED*IT."*HE*SWUNG*HIMSELF*UP*ONTO*THE*ROOF.*"AH,*YES,"*HE*CRIED,*"HERE'S*THE*END*OF*A*LONG*LIGHT*LADDER*AGAINST*THE*EAVES.*THAT*IS*HOW*HE*DID*IT."

"BUT*IT*IS*IMPOSSIBLE,"*SAID*MISS*HUNTER;*"THE*LADDER*WAS*NOT*THERE*WHEN*THE*RUCASTLES*WENT*AWAY."

"HE*HAS*COME*BACK*AND*DONE*IT.*I*TELL*YOU*THAT*HE*IS*A*CLEVER*AND*DANGEROUS*MAN.*I*SHOULD*NOT*BE*VERY*MUCH*SURPRISED*IF*THIS*WERE*HE*WHOSE*STEP*I*HEAR*NOW*UPON*THE*STAIR.*I*THINK,*WATSON,*THAT*IT*WOULD*BE*AS*WELL*FOR*YOU*TO*HAVE*YOUR*PISTOL*READY."

THE*WORDS*WERE*HARDLY*OUT*OF*HIS*MOUTH*BEFORE*A*MAN*APPEARED*AT*THE*DOOR*OF*THE*ROOM,*A*VERY*FAT*AND*BURLY*MAN,*WITH*A*HEAVY*STICK*IN*HIS*HAND.*MISS*HUNTER*SCREAMED*AND*SHRUNK*AGAINST*THE*WALL*AT*THE*SIGHT*OF*HIM,*BUT*SHERLOCK*HOLMES*SPRANG*FORWARD*AND*CONFRONTED*HIM.

"YOU*VILLAIN!"*SAID*HE,*"WHERE'S*YOUR*DAUGHTER?"

THE*FAT*MAN*CAST*HIS*EYES*ROUND,*AND*THEN*UP*AT*THE*OPEN*SKYLIGHT.

"IT*IS*FOR*ME*TO*ASK*YOU*THAT,"*HE*SHRIEKED,*"YOU*THIEVES!*SPIES*AND*THIEVES!*I*HAVE*CAUGHT*YOU,*HAVE*I?*YOU*ARE*IN*MY*POWER.*I'LL*SERVE*YOU!"*HE*TURNED*AND*CLATTERED*DOWN*THE*STAIRS*AS*HARD*AS*HE*COULD*GO.

"HE'S*GONE*FOR*THE*DOG!"*CRIED*MISS*HUNTER.

"I*HAVE*MY*REVOLVER,"*SAID*I.

"BETTER*CLOSE*THE*FRONT*DOOR,"*CRIED*HOLMES,*AND*WE*ALL*RUSHED*DOWN*THE*STAIRS*TOGETHER.*WE*HAD*HARDLY*REACHED*THE*HALL*WHEN*WE*HEARD*THE*BAYING*OF*A*HOUND,*AND*THEN*A*SCREAM*OF*AGONY,*WITH*A*HORRIBLE*WORRYING*SOUND*WHICH*IT*WAS*DREADFUL*TO*LISTEN*TO.*AN*ELDERLY*MAN*WITH*A*RED*FACE*AND*SHAKING*LIMBS*CAME*STAGGERING*OUT*AT*A*SIDE*DOOR.

"MY*GOD!"*HE*CRIED.*"SOMEONE*HAS*LOOSED*THE*DOG.*IT'S*NOT*BEEN*FED*FOR*TWO*DAYS.*QUICK,*QUICK,*OR*IT'LL*BE*TOO*LATE!"

HOLMES*AND*I*RUSHED*OUT*AND*ROUND*THE*ANGLE*OF*THE*HOUSE,*WITH*TOLLER*HURRYING*BEHIND*US.*THERE*WAS*THE*HUGE*FAMISHED*BRUTE,*ITS*BLACK*MUZZLE*BURIED*IN*RUCASTLE'S*THROAT,*WHILE*HE*WRITHED*AND*SCREAMED*UPON*THE*GROUND.*RUNNING*UP,*I*BLEW*ITS*BRAINS*OUT,*AND*IT*FELL*OVER*WITH*ITS*KEEN*WHITE*TEETH*STILL*MEETING*IN*THE*GREAT*CREASES*OF*HIS*NECK.*WITH*MUCH*LABOUR*WE*SEPARATED*THEM*AND*CARRIED*HIM,*LIVING*BUT*HORRIBLY*MANGLED,*INTO*THE*HOUSE.*WE*LAID*HIM*UPON*THE*DRAWING-ROOM*SOFA,*AND*HAVING*DISPATCHED*THE*SOBERED*TOLLER*TO*BEAR*THE*NEWS*TO*HIS*WIFE,*I*DID*WHAT*I*COULD*TO*RELIEVE*HIS*PAIN.*WE*WERE*ALL*ASSEMBLED*ROUND*HIM*WHEN*THE*DOOR*OPENED,*AND*A*TALL,*GAUNT*WOMAN*ENTERED*THE*ROOM.

"MRS.*TOLLER!"*CRIED*MISS*HUNTER.

"YES,*MISS.*MR.*RUCASTLE*LET*ME*OUT*WHEN*HE*CAME*BACK*BEFORE*HE*WENT*UP*TO*YOU.*AH,*MISS,*IT*IS*A*PITY*YOU*DIDN'T*LET*ME*KNOW*WHAT*YOU*WERE*PLANNING,*FOR*I*WOULD*HAVE*TOLD*YOU*THAT*YOUR*PAINS*WERE*WASTED."

"HA!"*SAID*HOLMES,*LOOKING*KEENLY*AT*HER.*"IT*IS*CLEAR*THAT*MRS.*TOLLER*KNOWS*MORE*ABOUT*THIS*MATTER*THAN*ANYONE*ELSE."

"YES,*SIR,*I*DO,*AND*I*AM*READY*ENOUGH*TO*TELL*WHAT*I*KNOW."

"THEN,*PRAY,*SIT*DOWN,*AND*LET*US*HEAR*IT*FOR*THERE*ARE*SEVERAL*POINTS*ON*WHICH*I*MUST*CONFESS*THAT*I*AM*STILL*IN*THE*DARK."

"I*WILL*SOON*MAKE*IT*CLEAR*TO*YOU,"*SAID*SHE;*"AND*I'D*HAVE*DONE*SO*BEFORE*NOW*IF*I*COULD*HA'*GOT*OUT*FROM*THE*CELLAR.*IF*THERE'S*POLICE-COURT*BUSINESS*OVER*THIS,*YOU'LL*REMEMBER*THAT*I*WAS*THE*ONE*THAT*STOOD*YOUR*FRIEND,*AND*THAT*I*WAS*MISS*ALICE'S*FRIEND*TOO.

"SHE*WAS*NEVER*HAPPY*AT*HOME,*MISS*ALICE*WASN'T,*FROM*THE*TIME*THAT*HER*FATHER*MARRIED*AGAIN.*SHE*WAS*SLIGHTED*LIKE*AND*HAD*NO*SAY*IN*ANYTHING,*BUT*IT*NEVER*REALLY*BECAME*BAD*FOR*HER*UNTIL*AFTER*SHE*MET*MR.*FOWLER*AT*A*FRIEND'S*HOUSE.*AS*WELL*AS*I*COULD*LEARN,*MISS*ALICE*HAD*RIGHTS*OF*HER*OWN*BY*WILL,*BUT*SHE*WAS*SO*QUIET*AND*PATIENT,*SHE*WAS,*THAT*SHE*NEVER*SAID*A*WORD*ABOUT*THEM*BUT*JUST*LEFT*EVERYTHING*IN*MR.*RUCASTLE'S*HANDS.*HE*KNEW*HE*WAS*SAFE*WITH*HER;*BUT*WHEN*THERE*WAS*A*CHANCE*OF*A*HUSBAND*COMING*FORWARD,*WHO*WOULD*ASK*FOR*ALL*THAT*THE*LAW*WOULD*GIVE*HIM,*THEN*HER*FATHER*THOUGHT*IT*TIME*TO*PUT*A*STOP*ON*IT.*HE*WANTED*HER*TO*SIGN*A*PAPER,*SO*THAT*WHETHER*SHE*MARRIED*OR*NOT,*HE*COULD*USE*HER*MONEY.*WHEN*SHE*WOULDN'T*DO*IT,*HE*KEPT*ON*WORRYING*HER*UNTIL*SHE*GOT*BRAIN-FEVER,*AND*FOR*SIX*WEEKS*WAS*AT*DEATH'S*DOOR.*THEN*SHE*GOT*BETTER*AT*LAST,*ALL*WORN*TO*A*SHADOW,*AND*WITH*HER*BEAUTIFUL*HAIR*CUT*OFF;*BUT*THAT*DIDN'T*MAKE*NO*CHANGE*IN*HER*YOUNG*MAN,*AND*HE*STUCK*TO*HER*AS*TRUE*AS*MAN*COULD*BE."

"AH,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"I*THINK*THAT*WHAT*YOU*HAVE*BEEN*GOOD*ENOUGH*TO*TELL*US*MAKES*THE*MATTER*FAIRLY*CLEAR,*AND*THAT*I*CAN*DEDUCE*ALL*THAT*REMAINS.*MR.*RUCASTLE*THEN,*I*PRESUME,*TOOK*TO*THIS*SYSTEM*OF*IMPRISONMENT?"

"YES,*SIR."

"AND*BROUGHT*MISS*HUNTER*DOWN*FROM*LONDON*IN*ORDER*TO*GET*RID*OF*THE*DISAGREEABLE*PERSISTENCE*OF*MR.*FOWLER."

"THAT*WAS*IT,*SIR."

"BUT*MR.*FOWLER*BEING*A*PERSEVERING*MAN,*AS*A*GOOD*SEAMAN*SHOULD*BE,*BLOCKADED*THE*HOUSE,*AND*HAVING*MET*YOU*SUCCEEDED*BY*CERTAIN*ARGUMENTS,*METALLIC*OR*OTHERWISE,*IN*CONVINCING*YOU*THAT*YOUR*INTERESTS*WERE*THE*SAME*AS*HIS."

"MR.*FOWLER*WAS*A*VERY*KIND-SPOKEN,*FREE-HANDED*GENTLEMAN,"*SAID*MRS.*TOLLER*SERENELY.

"AND*IN*THIS*WAY*HE*MANAGED*THAT*YOUR*GOOD*MAN*SHOULD*HAVE*NO*WANT*OF*DRINK,*AND*THAT*A*LADDER*SHOULD*BE*READY*AT*THE*MOMENT*WHEN*YOUR*MASTER*HAD*GONE*OUT."

"YOU*HAVE*IT,*SIR,*JUST*AS*IT*HAPPENED."

"I*AM*SURE*WE*OWE*YOU*AN*APOLOGY,*MRS.*TOLLER,"*SAID*HOLMES,*"FOR*YOU*HAVE*CERTAINLY*CLEARED*UP*EVERYTHING*WHICH*PUZZLED*US.*AND*HERE*COMES*THE*COUNTRY*SURGEON*AND*MRS.*RUCASTLE,*SO*I*THINK,*WATSON,*THAT*WE*HAD*BEST*ESCORT*MISS*HUNTER*BACK*TO*WINCHESTER,*AS*IT*SEEMS*TO*ME*THAT*OUR*LOCUS*STANDI*NOW*IS*RATHER*A*QUESTIONABLE*ONE."

AND*THUS*WAS*SOLVED*THE*MYSTERY*OF*THE*SINISTER*HOUSE*WITH*THE*COPPER*BEECHES*IN*FRONT*OF*THE*DOOR.*MR.*RUCASTLE*SURVIVED,*BUT*WAS*ALWAYS*A*BROKEN*MAN,*KEPT*ALIVE*SOLELY*THROUGH*THE*CARE*OF*HIS*DEVOTED*WIFE.*THEY*STILL*LIVE*WITH*THEIR*OLD*SERVANTS,*WHO*PROBABLY*KNOW*SO*MUCH*OF*RUCASTLE'S*PAST*LIFE*THAT*HE*FINDS*IT*DIFFICULT*TO*PART*FROM*THEM.*MR.*FOWLER*AND*MISS*RUCASTLE*WERE*MARRIED,*BY*SPECIAL*LICENSE,*IN*SOUTHAMPTON*THE*DAY*AFTER*THEIR*FLIGHT,*AND*HE*IS*NOW*THE*HOLDER*OF*A*GOVERNMENT*APPOINTMENT*IN*THE*ISLAND*OF*MAURITIUS.*AS*TO*MISS*VIOLET*HUNTER,*MY*FRIEND*HOLMES,*RATHER*TO*MY*DISAPPOINTMENT,*MANIFESTED*NO*FURTHER*INTEREST*IN*HER*WHEN*ONCE*SHE*HAD*CEASED*TO*BE*THE*CENTRE*OF*ONE*OF*HIS*PROBLEMS,*AND*SHE*IS*NOW*THE*HEAD*OF*A*PRIVATE*SCHOOL*AT*WALSALL,*WHERE*I*BELIEVE*THAT*SHE*HAS*MET*WITH*CONSIDERABLE*SUCCESS.

****END*OF*THE*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*EBOOK,*THE*ADVENTURES*OF*SHERLOCK*HOLMES****

THIS*FILE*SHOULD*BE*NAMED*ADVSH12H.HTM*OR*ADVSH12H.ZIP
CORRECTED*EDITIONS*OF*OUR*EBOOKS*GET*A*NEW*NUMBER,*ADVSH13H.TXT
VERSIONS*BASED*ON*SEPARATE*SOURCES*GET*NEW*LETTER,*ADVSH12AH.TXT

PROJECT*GUTENBERG*EBOOKS*ARE*OFTEN*CREATED*FROM*SEVERAL*PRINTED
EDITIONS,*ALL*OF*WHICH*ARE*CONFIRMED*AS*PUBLIC*DOMAIN*IN*THE*US
UNLESS*A*COPYRIGHT*NOTICE*IS*INCLUDED.**THUS,*WE*USUALLY*DO*NOT
KEEP*EBOOKS*IN*COMPLIANCE*WITH*ANY*PARTICULAR*PAPER*EDITION.

WE*ARE*NOW*TRYING*TO*RELEASE*ALL*OUR*EBOOKS*ONE*YEAR*IN*ADVANCE
OF*THE*OFFICIAL*RELEASE*DATES,*LEAVING*TIME*FOR*BETTER*EDITING.
PLEASE*BE*ENCOURAGED*TO*TELL*US*ABOUT*ANY*ERROR*OR*CORRECTIONS,
EVEN*YEARS*AFTER*THE*OFFICIAL*PUBLICATION*DATE.

PLEASE*NOTE*NEITHER*THIS*LISTING*NOR*ITS*CONTENTS*ARE*FINAL*TIL
MIDNIGHT*OF*THE*LAST*DAY*OF*THE*MONTH*OF*ANY*SUCH*ANNOUNCEMENT.
THE*OFFICIAL*RELEASE*DATE*OF*ALL*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*EBOOKS*IS*AT
MIDNIGHT,*CENTRAL*TIME,*OF*THE*LAST*DAY*OF*THE*STATED*MONTH.**A
PRELIMINARY*VERSION*MAY*OFTEN*BE*POSTED*FOR*SUGGESTION,*COMMENT
AND*EDITING*BY*THOSE*WHO*WISH*TO*DO*SO.

MOST*PEOPLE*START*AT*OUR*WEB*SITES*AT:
HTTP://GUTENBERG.NET*OR
HTTP://PROMO.NET/PG

THESE*WEB*SITES*INCLUDE*AWARD-WINNING*INFORMATION*ABOUT*PROJECT
GUTENBERG,*INCLUDING*HOW*TO*DONATE,*HOW*TO*HELP*PRODUCE*OUR*NEW
EBOOKS,*AND*HOW*TO*SUBSCRIBE*TO*OUR*EMAIL*NEWSLETTER*(FREE!).


THOSE*OF*YOU*WHO*WANT*TO*DOWNLOAD*ANY*EBOOK*BEFORE*ANNOUNCEMENT
CAN*GET*TO*THEM*AS*FOLLOWS,*AND*JUST*DOWNLOAD*BY*DATE.**THIS*IS
ALSO*A*GOOD*WAY*TO*GET*THEM*INSTANTLY*UPON*ANNOUNCEMENT,*AS*THE
INDEXES*OUR*CATALOGUERS*PRODUCE*OBVIOUSLY*TAKE*A*WHILE*AFTER*AN
ANNOUNCEMENT*GOES*OUT*IN*THE*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*NEWSLETTER.

HTTP://WWW.IBIBLIO.ORG/GUTENBERG/ETEXT04*OR
FTP://FTP.IBIBLIO.ORG/PUB/DOCS/BOOKS/GUTENBERG/ETEXT03

OR*/ETEXT03,*02,*01,*00,*99,*98,*97,*96,*95,*94,*93,*92,*92,*91*OR*90

JUST*SEARCH*BY*THE*FIRST*FIVE*LETTERS*OF*THE*FILENAME*YOU*WANT,
AS*IT*APPEARS*IN*OUR*NEWSLETTERS.


INFORMATION*ABOUT*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*(ONE*PAGE)

WE*PRODUCE*ABOUT*TWO*MILLION*DOLLARS*FOR*EACH*HOUR*WE*WORK.**THE
TIME*IT*TAKES*US,*A*RATHER*CONSERVATIVE*ESTIMATE,*IS*FIFTY*HOURS
TO*GET*ANY*EBOOK*SELECTED,*ENTERED,*PROOFREAD,*EDITED,*COPYRIGHT
SEARCHED*AND*ANALYZED,*THE*COPYRIGHT*LETTERS*WRITTEN,*ETC.***OUR
PROJECTED*AUDIENCE*IS*ONE*HUNDRED*MILLION*READERS.**IF*THE*VALUE
PER*TEXT*IS*NOMINALLY*ESTIMATED*AT*ONE*DOLLAR*THEN*WE*PRODUCE*$2
MILLION*DOLLARS*PER*HOUR*IN*2002*AS*WE*RELEASE*OVER*100*NEW*TEXT
FILES*PER*MONTH:**1240*MORE*EBOOKS*IN*2001*FOR*A*TOTAL*OF*4000+
WE*ARE*ALREADY*ON*OUR*WAY*TO*TRYING*FOR*2000*MORE*EBOOKS*IN*2002
IF*THEY*REACH*JUST*1-2%*OF*THE*WORLD'S*POPULATION*THEN*THE*TOTAL
WILL*REACH*OVER*HALF*A*TRILLION*EBOOKS*GIVEN*AWAY*BY*YEAR'S*END.

THE*GOAL*OF*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*IS*TO*GIVE*AWAY*1*TRILLION*EBOOKS!
THIS*IS*TEN*THOUSAND*TITLES*EACH*TO*ONE*HUNDRED*MILLION*READERS,
WHICH*IS*ONLY*ABOUT*4%*OF*THE*PRESENT*NUMBER*OF*COMPUTER*USERS.

HERE*IS*THE*BRIEFEST*RECORD*OF*OUR*PROGRESS*(**MEANS*ESTIMATED):

EBOOKS*YEAR*MONTH

****1**1971*JULY
***10**1991*JANUARY
**100**1994*JANUARY
*1000**1997*AUGUST
*1500**1998*OCTOBER
*2000**1999*DECEMBER
*2500**2000*DECEMBER
*3000**2001*NOVEMBER
*4000**2001*OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
*6000**2002*DECEMBER*
*9000**2003*NOVEMBER*
10000**2004*JANUARY*


THE*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*LITERARY*ARCHIVE*FOUNDATION*HAS*BEEN*CREATED
TO*SECURE*A*FUTURE*FOR*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*INTO*THE*NEXT*MILLENNIUM.

WE*NEED*YOUR*DONATIONS*MORE*THAN*EVER!

AS*OF*FEBRUARY,*2002,*CONTRIBUTIONS*ARE*BEING*SOLICITED*FROM*PEOPLE
AND*ORGANIZATIONS*IN:*ALABAMA,*ALASKA,*ARKANSAS,*CONNECTICUT,
DELAWARE,*DISTRICT*OF*COLUMBIA,*FLORIDA,*GEORGIA,*HAWAII,*ILLINOIS,
INDIANA,*IOWA,*KANSAS,*KENTUCKY,*LOUISIANA,*MAINE,*MASSACHUSETTS,
MICHIGAN,*MISSISSIPPI,*MISSOURI,*MONTANA,*NEBRASKA,*NEVADA,*NEW
HAMPSHIRE,*NEW*JERSEY,*NEW*MEXICO,*NEW*YORK,*NORTH*CAROLINA,*OHIO,
OKLAHOMA,*OREGON,*PENNSYLVANIA,*RHODE*ISLAND,*SOUTH*CAROLINA,*SOUTH
DAKOTA,*TENNESSEE,*TEXAS,*UTAH,*VERMONT,*VIRGINIA,*WASHINGTON,*WEST
VIRGINIA,*WISCONSIN,*AND*WYOMING.

WE*HAVE*FILED*IN*ALL*50*STATES*NOW,*BUT*THESE*ARE*THE*ONLY*ONES
THAT*HAVE*RESPONDED.

AS*THE*REQUIREMENTS*FOR*OTHER*STATES*ARE*MET,*ADDITIONS*TO*THIS*LIST
WILL*BE*MADE*AND*FUND*RAISING*WILL*BEGIN*IN*THE*ADDITIONAL*STATES.
PLEASE*FEEL*FREE*TO*ASK*TO*CHECK*THE*STATUS*OF*YOUR*STATE.

IN*ANSWER*TO*VARIOUS*QUESTIONS*WE*HAVE*RECEIVED*ON*THIS:

WE*ARE*CONSTANTLY*WORKING*ON*FINISHING*THE*PAPERWORK*TO*LEGALLY
REQUEST*DONATIONS*IN*ALL*50*STATES.**IF*YOUR*STATE*IS*NOT*LISTED*AND
YOU*WOULD*LIKE*TO*KNOW*IF*WE*HAVE*ADDED*IT*SINCE*THE*LIST*YOU*HAVE,
JUST*ASK.

WHILE*WE*CANNOT*SOLICIT*DONATIONS*FROM*PEOPLE*IN*STATES*WHERE*WE*ARE
NOT*YET*REGISTERED,*WE*KNOW*OF*NO*PROHIBITION*AGAINST*ACCEPTING
DONATIONS*FROM*DONORS*IN*THESE*STATES*WHO*APPROACH*US*WITH*AN*OFFER*TO
DONATE.

INTERNATIONAL*DONATIONS*ARE*ACCEPTED,*BUT*WE*DON'T*KNOW*ANYTHING*ABOUT
HOW*TO*MAKE*THEM*TAX-DEDUCTIBLE,*OR*EVEN*IF*THEY*CAN*BE*MADE
DEDUCTIBLE,*AND*DON'T*HAVE*THE*STAFF*TO*HANDLE*IT*EVEN*IF*THERE*ARE
WAYS.

DONATIONS*BY*CHECK*OR*MONEY*ORDER*MAY*BE*SENT*TO:

PROJECT*GUTENBERG*LITERARY*ARCHIVE*FOUNDATION
PMB*113
1739*UNIVERSITY*AVE.
OXFORD,*MS*38655-4109

CONTACT*US*IF*YOU*WANT*TO*ARRANGE*FOR*A*WIRE*TRANSFER*OR*PAYMENT
METHOD*OTHER*THAN*BY*CHECK*OR*MONEY*ORDER.

THE*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*LITERARY*ARCHIVE*FOUNDATION*HAS*BEEN*APPROVED*BY
THE*US*INTERNAL*REVENUE*SERVICE*AS*A*501(C)(3)*ORGANIZATION*WITH*EIN
[EMPLOYEE*IDENTIFICATION*NUMBER]*64-622154.**DONATIONS*ARE
TAX-DEDUCTIBLE*TO*THE*MAXIMUM*EXTENT*PERMITTED*BY*LAW.**AS*FUND-RAISING
REQUIREMENTS*FOR*OTHER*STATES*ARE*MET,*ADDITIONS*TO*THIS*LIST*WILL*BE
MADE*AND*FUND-RAISING*WILL*BEGIN*IN*THE*ADDITIONAL*STATES.

WE*NEED*YOUR*DONATIONS*MORE*THAN*EVER!

YOU*CAN*GET*UP*TO*DATE*DONATION*INFORMATION*ONLINE*AT:

HTTP://WWW.GUTENBERG.NET/DONATION.HTML


***

IF*YOU*CAN'T*REACH*PROJECT*GUTENBERG,
YOU*CAN*ALWAYS*EMAIL*DIRECTLY*TO:

MICHAEL*S.*HART*<HART@POBOX.COM>

PROF.*HART*WILL*ANSWER*OR*FORWARD*YOUR*MESSAGE.

WE*WOULD*PREFER*TO*SEND*YOU*INFORMATION*BY*EMAIL.


**THE*LEGAL*SMALL*PRINT**


(THREE*PAGES)

***START**THE*SMALL*PRINT!**FOR*PUBLIC*DOMAIN*EBOOKS**START***
WHY*IS*THIS*"SMALL*PRINT!"*STATEMENT*HERE?*YOU*KNOW:*LAWYERS.
THEY*TELL*US*YOU*MIGHT*SUE*US*IF*THERE*IS*SOMETHING*WRONG*WITH
YOUR*COPY*OF*THIS*EBOOK,*EVEN*IF*YOU*GOT*IT*FOR*FREE*FROM
SOMEONE*OTHER*THAN*US,*AND*EVEN*IF*WHAT'S*WRONG*IS*NOT*OUR
FAULT.*SO,*AMONG*OTHER*THINGS,*THIS*"SMALL*PRINT!"*STATEMENT
DISCLAIMS*MOST*OF*OUR*LIABILITY*TO*YOU.*IT*ALSO*TELLS*YOU*HOW
YOU*MAY*DISTRIBUTE*COPIES*OF*THIS*EBOOK*IF*YOU*WANT*TO.

*BEFORE!**YOU*USE*OR*READ*THIS*EBOOK
BY*USING*OR*READING*ANY*PART*OF*THIS*PROJECT*GUTENBERG-TM
EBOOK,*YOU*INDICATE*THAT*YOU*UNDERSTAND,*AGREE*TO*AND*ACCEPT
THIS*"SMALL*PRINT!"*STATEMENT.*IF*YOU*DO*NOT,*YOU*CAN*RECEIVE
A*REFUND*OF*THE*MONEY*(IF*ANY)*YOU*PAID*FOR*THIS*EBOOK*BY
SENDING*A*REQUEST*WITHIN*30*DAYS*OF*RECEIVING*IT*TO*THE*PERSON
YOU*GOT*IT*FROM.*IF*YOU*RECEIVED*THIS*EBOOK*ON*A*PHYSICAL
MEDIUM*(SUCH*AS*A*DISK),*YOU*MUST*RETURN*IT*WITH*YOUR*REQUEST.

ABOUT*PROJECT*GUTENBERG-TM*EBOOKS
THIS*PROJECT*GUTENBERG-TM*EBOOK,*LIKE*MOST*PROJECT*GUTENBERG-TM*EBOOKS,
IS*A*"PUBLIC*DOMAIN"*WORK*DISTRIBUTED*BY*PROFESSOR*MICHAEL*S.*HART
THROUGH*THE*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*ASSOCIATION*(THE*"PROJECT").
AMONG*OTHER*THINGS,*THIS*MEANS*THAT*NO*ONE*OWNS*A*UNITED*STATES*COPYRIGHT
ON*OR*FOR*THIS*WORK,*SO*THE*PROJECT*(AND*YOU!)*CAN*COPY*AND
DISTRIBUTE*IT*IN*THE*UNITED*STATES*WITHOUT*PERMISSION*AND
WITHOUT*PAYING*COPYRIGHT*ROYALTIES.*SPECIAL*RULES,*SET*FORTH
BELOW,*APPLY*IF*YOU*WISH*TO*COPY*AND*DISTRIBUTE*THIS*EBOOK
UNDER*THE*"PROJECT*GUTENBERG"*TRADEMARK.

PLEASE*DO*NOT*USE*THE*"PROJECT*GUTENBERG"*TRADEMARK*TO*MARKET
ANY*COMMERCIAL*PRODUCTS*WITHOUT*PERMISSION.

TO*CREATE*THESE*EBOOKS,*THE*PROJECT*EXPENDS*CONSIDERABLE
EFFORTS*TO*IDENTIFY,*TRANSCRIBE*AND*PROOFREAD*PUBLIC*DOMAIN
WORKS.*DESPITE*THESE*EFFORTS,*THE*PROJECT'S*EBOOKS*AND*ANY
MEDIUM*THEY*MAY*BE*ON*MAY*CONTAIN*"DEFECTS".*AMONG*OTHER
THINGS,*DEFECTS*MAY*TAKE*THE*FORM*OF*INCOMPLETE,*INACCURATE*OR
CORRUPT*DATA,*TRANSCRIPTION*ERRORS,*A*COPYRIGHT*OR*OTHER
INTELLECTUAL*PROPERTY*INFRINGEMENT,*A*DEFECTIVE*OR*DAMAGED
DISK*OR*OTHER*EBOOK*MEDIUM,*A*COMPUTER*VIRUS,*OR*COMPUTER
CODES*THAT*DAMAGE*OR*CANNOT*BE*READ*BY*YOUR*EQUIPMENT.

LIMITED*WARRANTY;*DISCLAIMER*OF*DAMAGES
BUT*FOR*THE*"RIGHT*OF*REPLACEMENT*OR*REFUND"*DESCRIBED*BELOW,
[1]*MICHAEL*HART*AND*THE*FOUNDATION*(AND*ANY*OTHER*PARTY*YOU*MAY
RECEIVE*THIS*EBOOK*FROM*AS*A*PROJECT*GUTENBERG-TM*EBOOK)*DISCLAIMS
ALL*LIABILITY*TO*YOU*FOR*DAMAGES,*COSTS*AND*EXPENSES,*INCLUDING
LEGAL*FEES,*AND*[2]*YOU*HAVE*NO*REMEDIES*FOR*NEGLIGENCE*OR
UNDER*STRICT*LIABILITY,*OR*FOR*BREACH*OF*WARRANTY*OR*CONTRACT,
INCLUDING*BUT*NOT*LIMITED*TO*INDIRECT,*CONSEQUENTIAL,*PUNITIVE
OR*INCIDENTAL*DAMAGES,*EVEN*IF*YOU*GIVE*NOTICE*OF*THE
POSSIBILITY*OF*SUCH*DAMAGES.

IF*YOU*DISCOVER*A*DEFECT*IN*THIS*EBOOK*WITHIN*90*DAYS*OF
RECEIVING*IT,*YOU*CAN*RECEIVE*A*REFUND*OF*THE*MONEY*(IF*ANY)
YOU*PAID*FOR*IT*BY*SENDING*AN*EXPLANATORY*NOTE*WITHIN*THAT
TIME*TO*THE*PERSON*YOU*RECEIVED*IT*FROM.*IF*YOU*RECEIVED*IT
ON*A*PHYSICAL*MEDIUM,*YOU*MUST*RETURN*IT*WITH*YOUR*NOTE,*AND
SUCH*PERSON*MAY*CHOOSE*TO*ALTERNATIVELY*GIVE*YOU*A*REPLACEMENT
COPY.*IF*YOU*RECEIVED*IT*ELECTRONICALLY,*SUCH*PERSON*MAY
CHOOSE*TO*ALTERNATIVELY*GIVE*YOU*A*SECOND*OPPORTUNITY*TO
RECEIVE*IT*ELECTRONICALLY.

THIS*EBOOK*IS*OTHERWISE*PROVIDED*TO*YOU*"AS-IS".*NO*OTHER
WARRANTIES*OF*ANY*KIND,*EXPRESS*OR*IMPLIED,*ARE*MADE*TO*YOU*AS
TO*THE*EBOOK*OR*ANY*MEDIUM*IT*MAY*BE*ON,*INCLUDING*BUT*NOT
LIMITED*TO*WARRANTIES*OF*MERCHANTABILITY*OR*FITNESS*FOR*A
PARTICULAR*PURPOSE.

SOME*STATES*DO*NOT*ALLOW*DISCLAIMERS*OF*IMPLIED*WARRANTIES*OR
THE*EXCLUSION*OR*LIMITATION*OF*CONSEQUENTIAL*DAMAGES,*SO*THE
ABOVE*DISCLAIMERS*AND*EXCLUSIONS*MAY*NOT*APPLY*TO*YOU,*AND*YOU
MAY*HAVE*OTHER*LEGAL*RIGHTS.

INDEMNITY
YOU*WILL*INDEMNIFY*AND*HOLD*MICHAEL*HART,*THE*FOUNDATION,
AND*ITS*TRUSTEES*AND*AGENTS,*AND*ANY*VOLUNTEERS*ASSOCIATED
WITH*THE*PRODUCTION*AND*DISTRIBUTION*OF*PROJECT*GUTENBERG-TM
TEXTS*HARMLESS,*FROM*ALL*LIABILITY,*COST*AND*EXPENSE,*INCLUDING
LEGAL*FEES,*THAT*ARISE*DIRECTLY*OR*INDIRECTLY*FROM*ANY*OF*THE
FOLLOWING*THAT*YOU*DO*OR*CAUSE:**[1]*DISTRIBUTION*OF*THIS*EBOOK,
[2]*ALTERATION,*MODIFICATION,*OR*ADDITION*TO*THE*EBOOK,
OR*[3]*ANY*DEFECT.

DISTRIBUTION*UNDER*"PROJECT*GUTENBERG-TM"
YOU*MAY*DISTRIBUTE*COPIES*OF*THIS*EBOOK*ELECTRONICALLY,*OR*BY
DISK,*BOOK*OR*ANY*OTHER*MEDIUM*IF*YOU*EITHER*DELETE*THIS
"SMALL*PRINT!"*AND*ALL*OTHER*REFERENCES*TO*PROJECT*GUTENBERG,
OR:

[1]**ONLY*GIVE*EXACT*COPIES*OF*IT.**AMONG*OTHER*THINGS,*THIS
*****REQUIRES*THAT*YOU*DO*NOT*REMOVE,*ALTER*OR*MODIFY*THE
*****EBOOK*OR*THIS*"SMALL*PRINT!"*STATEMENT.**YOU*MAY*HOWEVER,
*****IF*YOU*WISH,*DISTRIBUTE*THIS*EBOOK*IN*MACHINE*READABLE
*****BINARY,*COMPRESSED,*MARK-UP,*OR*PROPRIETARY*FORM,
*****INCLUDING*ANY*FORM*RESULTING*FROM*CONVERSION*BY*WORD
*****PROCESSING*OR*HYPERTEXT*SOFTWARE,*BUT*ONLY*SO*LONG*AS
******EITHER*:

*****[*]**THE*EBOOK,*WHEN*DISPLAYED,*IS*CLEARLY*READABLE,*AND
**********DOES**NOT**CONTAIN*CHARACTERS*OTHER*THAN*THOSE
**********INTENDED*BY*THE*AUTHOR*OF*THE*WORK,*ALTHOUGH*TILDE
**********(~),*ASTERISK*(*)*AND*UNDERLINE*(_)*CHARACTERS*MAY
**********BE*USED*TO*CONVEY*PUNCTUATION*INTENDED*BY*THE
**********AUTHOR,*AND*ADDITIONAL*CHARACTERS*MAY*BE*USED*TO
**********INDICATE*HYPERTEXT*LINKS;*OR

*****[*]**THE*EBOOK*MAY*BE*READILY*CONVERTED*BY*THE*READER*AT
**********NO*EXPENSE*INTO*PLAIN*ASCII,*EBCDIC*OR*EQUIVALENT
**********FORM*BY*THE*PROGRAM*THAT*DISPLAYS*THE*EBOOK*(AS*IS
**********THE*CASE,*FOR*INSTANCE,*WITH*MOST*WORD*PROCESSORS);
**********OR

*****[*]**YOU*PROVIDE,*OR*AGREE*TO*ALSO*PROVIDE*ON*REQUEST*AT
**********NO*ADDITIONAL*COST,*FEE*OR*EXPENSE,*A*COPY*OF*THE
**********EBOOK*IN*ITS*ORIGINAL*PLAIN*ASCII*FORM*(OR*IN*EBCDIC
**********OR*OTHER*EQUIVALENT*PROPRIETARY*FORM).

[2]**HONOR*THE*EBOOK*REFUND*AND*REPLACEMENT*PROVISIONS*OF*THIS
*****"SMALL*PRINT!"*STATEMENT.

[3]**PAY*A*TRADEMARK*LICENSE*FEE*TO*THE*FOUNDATION*OF*20%*OF*THE
*****GROSS*PROFITS*YOU*DERIVE*CALCULATED*USING*THE*METHOD*YOU
*****ALREADY*USE*TO*CALCULATE*YOUR*APPLICABLE*TAXES.**IF*YOU
*****DON'T*DERIVE*PROFITS,*NO*ROYALTY*IS*DUE.**ROYALTIES*ARE
*****PAYABLE*TO*"PROJECT*GUTENBERG*LITERARY*ARCHIVE*FOUNDATION"
*****THE*60*DAYS*FOLLOWING*EACH*DATE*YOU*PREPARE*(OR*WERE
*****LEGALLY*REQUIRED*TO*PREPARE)*YOUR*ANNUAL*(OR*EQUIVALENT
*****PERIODIC)*TAX*RETURN.**PLEASE*CONTACT*US*BEFOREHAND*TO
*****LET*US*KNOW*YOUR*PLANS*AND*TO*WORK*OUT*THE*DETAILS.

WHAT*IF*YOU**WANT**TO*SEND*MONEY*EVEN*IF*YOU*DON'T*HAVE*TO?
PROJECT*GUTENBERG*IS*DEDICATED*TO*INCREASING*THE*NUMBER*OF
PUBLIC*DOMAIN*AND*LICENSED*WORKS*THAT*CAN*BE*FREELY*DISTRIBUTED
IN*MACHINE*READABLE*FORM.

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THE*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*EBOOK*OF*HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES
BY*CHARLES*A.*BEARD*AND*MARY*R.*BEARD

THIS*EBOOK*IS*FOR*THE*USE*OF*ANYONE*ANYWHERE*AT*NO*COST*AND*WITH
ALMOST*NO*RESTRICTIONS*WHATSOEVER.**YOU*MAY*COPY*IT,*GIVE*IT*AWAY*OR
RE-USE*IT*UNDER*THE*TERMS*OF*THE*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*LICENSE*INCLUDED
WITH*THIS*EBOOK*OR*ONLINE*AT*WWW.GUTENBERG.NET


TITLE:*HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES

AUTHOR:*CHARLES*A.*BEARD*AND*MARY*R.*BEARD

RELEASE*DATE:*OCTOBER*28,*2005*[EBOOK*#16960]

LANGUAGE:*ENGLISH

CHARACTER*SET*ENCODING:*ISO-8859-1

****START*OF*THIS*PROJECT*GUTENBERG*EBOOK*HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES****




PRODUCED*BY*CURTIS*WEYANT,*M*AND*THE*ONLINE*DISTRIBUTED
PROOFREADING*TEAM*AT*HTTP://WWW.PGDP.NET







HISTORY

OF*THE

UNITED*STATES


BY


CHARLES*A.*BEARD

AND

MARY*R.*BEARD



NEW*YORK

THE*MACMILLAN*COMPANY

1921

_ALL*RIGHTS*RESERVED_

COPYRIGHT,*1921,

BY*THE*MACMILLAN*COMPANY.


SET*UP*AND*ELECTROTYPED.*PUBLISHED*MARCH,*1921.




NORWOOD*PRESS

J.S.*CUSHING*CO.--BERWICK*&*SMITH*CO.

NORWOOD,*MASS.,*U.S.A.




PREFACE


AS*THINGS*NOW*STAND,*THE*COURSE*OF*INSTRUCTION*IN*AMERICAN*HISTORY*IN
OUR*PUBLIC*SCHOOLS*EMBRACES*THREE*DISTINCT*TREATMENTS*OF*THE*SUBJECT.
THREE*SEPARATE*BOOKS*ARE*USED.*FIRST,*THERE*IS*THE*PRIMARY*BOOK,*WHICH
IS*USUALLY*A*VERY*CONDENSED*NARRATIVE*WITH*EMPHASIS*ON*BIOGRAPHIES*AND
ANECDOTES.*SECOND,*THERE*IS*THE*ADVANCED*TEXT*FOR*THE*SEVENTH*OR*EIGHTH
GRADE,*GENERALLY*SPEAKING,*AN*EXPANSION*OF*THE*ELEMENTARY*BOOK*BY*THE
ADDITION*OF*FORTY*OR*FIFTY*THOUSAND*WORDS.*FINALLY,*THERE*IS*THE*HIGH
SCHOOL*MANUAL.*THIS,*TOO,*ORDINARILY*FOLLOWS*THE*BEATEN*PATH,*GIVING
FULLER*ACCOUNTS*OF*THE*SAME*EVENTS*AND*CHARACTERS.*TO*PUT*IT*BLUNTLY,*WE
DO*NOT*ASSUME*THAT*OUR*CHILDREN*OBTAIN*PERMANENT*POSSESSIONS*FROM*THEIR
STUDY*OF*HISTORY*IN*THE*LOWER*GRADES.*IF*MATHEMATICIANS*FOLLOWED*THE
SAME*METHOD,*HIGH*SCHOOL*TEXTS*ON*ALGEBRA*AND*GEOMETRY*WOULD*INCLUDE*THE
MULTIPLICATION*TABLE*AND*FRACTIONS.

THERE*IS,*OF*COURSE,*A*READY*ANSWER*TO*THE*CRITICISM*ADVANCED*ABOVE.*IT
IS*THAT*TEACHERS*HAVE*LEARNED*FROM*BITTER*EXPERIENCE*HOW*LITTLE*HISTORY
THEIR*PUPILS*RETAIN*AS*THEY*PASS*ALONG*THE*REGULAR*ROUTE.*NO*TEACHER*OF
HISTORY*WILL*DENY*THIS.*STILL*IT*IS*A*STANDING*CHALLENGE*TO*EXISTING
METHODS*OF*HISTORICAL*INSTRUCTION.*IF*THE*STUDY*OF*HISTORY*CANNOT*BE
MADE*TRULY*PROGRESSIVE*LIKE*THE*STUDY*OF*MATHEMATICS,*SCIENCE,*AND
LANGUAGES,*THEN*THE*HISTORIANS*ASSUME*A*GRAVE*RESPONSIBILITY*IN*ADDING
THEIR*SUBJECT*TO*THE*ALREADY*OVERLOADED*CURRICULUM.*IF*THE*SUCCESSIVE
HISTORICAL*TEXTS*ARE*ONLY*ENLARGED*EDITIONS*OF*THE*FIRST*TEXT--MORE
FACTS,*MORE*DATES,*MORE*WORDS--THEN*HISTORY*DESERVES*MOST*OF*THE*SHARP
CRITICISM*WHICH*IT*IS*RECEIVING*FROM*TEACHERS*OF*SCIENCE,*CIVICS,*AND
ECONOMICS.

IN*THIS*CONDITION*OF*AFFAIRS*WE*FIND*OUR*JUSTIFICATION*FOR*OFFERING*A
NEW*HIGH*SCHOOL*TEXT*IN*AMERICAN*HISTORY.*OUR*FIRST*CONTRIBUTION*IS*ONE
OF*OMISSION.*THE*TIME-HONORED*STORIES*OF*EXPLORATION*AND*THE
BIOGRAPHIES*OF*HEROES*ARE*LEFT*OUT.*WE*FRANKLY*HOLD*THAT,*IF*PUPILS*KNOW
LITTLE*OR*NOTHING*ABOUT*COLUMBUS,*CORTES,*MAGELLAN,*OR*CAPTAIN*JOHN
SMITH*BY*THE*TIME*THEY*REACH*THE*HIGH*SCHOOL,*IT*IS*USELESS*TO*TELL*THE
SAME*STORIES*FOR*PERHAPS*THE*FOURTH*TIME.*IT*IS*WORSE*THAN*USELESS.*IT
IS*AN*OFFENSE*AGAINST*THE*TEACHERS*OF*THOSE*SUBJECTS*THAT*ARE
DEMONSTRATED*TO*BE*PROGRESSIVE*IN*CHARACTER.

IN*THE*NEXT*PLACE*WE*HAVE*OMITTED*ALL*DESCRIPTIONS*OF*BATTLES.*OUR
REASONS*FOR*THIS*ARE*SIMPLE.*THE*STRATEGY*OF*A*CAMPAIGN*OR*OF*A*SINGLE
BATTLE*IS*A*HIGHLY*TECHNICAL,*AND*USUALLY*A*HIGHLY*CONTROVERSIAL,*MATTER
ABOUT*WHICH*EXPERTS*DIFFER*WIDELY.*IN*THE*FIELD*OF*MILITARY*AND*NAVAL
OPERATIONS*MOST*WRITERS*AND*TEACHERS*OF*HISTORY*ARE*MERE*NOVICES.*TO
DISPOSE*OF*GETTYSBURG*OR*THE*WILDERNESS*IN*TEN*LINES*OR*TEN*PAGES*IS
EQUALLY*ABSURD*TO*THE*SERIOUS*STUDENT*OF*MILITARY*AFFAIRS.*ANY*ONE*WHO
COMPARES*THE*ORDINARY*TEXTBOOK*ACCOUNT*OF*A*SINGLE*CIVIL*WAR*CAMPAIGN
WITH*THE*ACCOUNT*GIVEN*BY*ROPES,*FOR*INSTANCE,*WILL*ASK*FOR*NO*FURTHER
COMMENT.*NO*YOUTH*CALLED*UPON*TO*SERVE*OUR*COUNTRY*IN*ARMS*WOULD*THINK
OF*TURNING*TO*A*HIGH*SCHOOL*MANUAL*FOR*INFORMATION*ABOUT*THE*ART*OF
WARFARE.*THE*DRAMATIC*SCENE*OR*EPISODE,*SO*USEFUL*IN*AROUSING*THE
INTEREST*OF*THE*IMMATURE*PUPIL,*SEEMS*OUT*OF*PLACE*IN*A*BOOK*THAT
DELIBERATELY*APPEALS*TO*BOYS*AND*GIRLS*ON*THE*VERY*THRESHOLD*OF*LIFE'S
SERIOUS*RESPONSIBILITIES.

IT*IS*NOT*UPON*NEGATIVE*FEATURES,*HOWEVER,*THAT*WE*REST*OUR*CASE.*IT*IS
RATHER*UPON*CONSTRUCTIVE*FEATURES.

_FIRST._*WE*HAVE*WRITTEN*A*TOPICAL,*NOT*A*NARRATIVE,*HISTORY.*WE*HAVE
TRIED*TO*SET*FORTH*THE*IMPORTANT*ASPECTS,*PROBLEMS,*AND*MOVEMENTS*OF
EACH*PERIOD,*BRINGING*IN*THE*NARRATIVE*RATHER*BY*WAY*OF*ILLUSTRATION.

_SECOND._*WE*HAVE*EMPHASIZED*THOSE*HISTORICAL*TOPICS*WHICH*HELP*TO
EXPLAIN*HOW*OUR*NATION*HAS*COME*TO*BE*WHAT*IT*IS*TO-DAY.

_THIRD._*WE*HAVE*DWELT*FULLY*UPON*THE*SOCIAL*AND*ECONOMIC*ASPECTS*OF*OUR
HISTORY,*ESPECIALLY*IN*RELATION*TO*THE*POLITICS*OF*EACH*PERIOD.

_FOURTH._*WE*HAVE*TREATED*THE*CAUSES*AND*RESULTS*OF*WARS,*THE*PROBLEMS
OF*FINANCING*AND*SUSTAINING*ARMED*FORCES,*RATHER*THAN*MILITARY*STRATEGY.
THESE*ARE*THE*SUBJECTS*WHICH*BELONG*TO*A*HISTORY*FOR*CIVILIANS.*THESE
ARE*MATTERS*WHICH*CIVILIANS*CAN*UNDERSTAND--MATTERS*WHICH*THEY*MUST
UNDERSTAND,*IF*THEY*ARE*TO*PLAY*WELL*THEIR*PART*IN*WAR*AND*PEACE.

_FIFTH._*BY*OMITTING*THE*PERIOD*OF*EXPLORATION,*WE*HAVE*BEEN*ABLE*TO
ENLARGE*THE*TREATMENT*OF*OUR*OWN*TIME.*WE*HAVE*GIVEN*SPECIAL*ATTENTION
TO*THE*HISTORY*OF*THOSE*CURRENT*QUESTIONS*WHICH*MUST*FORM*THE*SUBJECT
MATTER*OF*SOUND*INSTRUCTION*IN*CITIZENSHIP.

_SIXTH._*WE*HAVE*BORNE*IN*MIND*THAT*AMERICA,*WITH*ALL*HER*UNIQUE
CHARACTERISTICS,*IS*A*PART*OF*A*GENERAL*CIVILIZATION.*ACCORDINGLY*WE
HAVE*GIVEN*DIPLOMACY,*FOREIGN*AFFAIRS,*WORLD*RELATIONS,*AND*THE
RECIPROCAL*INFLUENCES*OF*NATIONS*THEIR*APPROPRIATE*PLACE.

_SEVENTH._*WE*HAVE*DELIBERATELY*AIMED*AT*STANDARDS*OF*MATURITY.*THE
STUDY*OF*A*MERE*NARRATIVE*CALLS*MAINLY*FOR*THE*USE*OF*THE*MEMORY.*WE
HAVE*AIMED*TO*STIMULATE*HABITS*OF*ANALYSIS,*COMPARISON,*ASSOCIATION,
REFLECTION,*AND*GENERALIZATION--HABITS*CALCULATED*TO*ENLARGE*AS*WELL*AS
INFORM*THE*MIND.*WE*HAVE*BEEN*AT*GREAT*PAINS*TO*MAKE*OUR*TEXT*CLEAR,
SIMPLE,*AND*DIRECT;*BUT*WE*HAVE*EARNESTLY*SOUGHT*TO*STRETCH*THE
INTELLECTS*OF*OUR*READERS--TO*PUT*THEM*UPON*THEIR*METTLE.*MOST*OF*THEM
WILL*RECEIVE*THE*LAST*OF*THEIR*FORMAL*INSTRUCTION*IN*THE*HIGH*SCHOOL.
THE*WORLD*WILL*SOON*EXPECT*MATURITY*FROM*THEM.*THEIR*ACHIEVEMENTS*WILL
DEPEND*UPON*THE*POSSESSION*OF*OTHER*POWERS*THAN*MEMORY*ALONE.*THE
EFFECTIVENESS*OF*THEIR*CITIZENSHIP*IN*OUR*REPUBLIC*WILL*BE*MEASURED*BY
THE*EXCELLENCE*OF*THEIR*JUDGMENT*AS*WELL*AS*THE*FULLNESS*OF*THEIR
INFORMATION.

*****C.A.B.
*****M.R.B.

*****NEW*YORK*CITY,
*****FEBRUARY*8,*1921.




=A*SMALL*LIBRARY*IN*AMERICAN*HISTORY=


_=SINGLE*VOLUMES:=_

BASSETT,*J.S.*_A*SHORT*HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_
ELSON,*H.W.*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES*OF*AMERICA_


_=SERIES:=_

"EPOCHS*OF*AMERICAN*HISTORY,"*EDITED*BY*A.B.*HART

HART,*A.B.*_FORMATION*OF*THE*UNION_
THWAITES,*R.G.*_THE*COLONIES_
WILSON,*WOODROW.*_DIVISION*AND*REUNION_

"RIVERSIDE*SERIES,"*EDITED*BY*W.E.*DODD

BECKER,*C.L.*_BEGINNINGS*OF*THE*AMERICAN*PEOPLE_
DODD,*W.E.*_EXPANSION*AND*CONFLICT_
JOHNSON,*A.*_UNION*AND*DEMOCRACY_
PAXSON,*F.L.*_THE*NEW*NATION_




CONTENTS


PART*I.*THE*COLONIAL*PERIOD

CHAPTER***********************************************************PAGE
****I.**THE*GREAT*MIGRATION*TO*AMERICA*******************************1
**********THE*AGENCIES*OF*AMERICAN*COLONIZATION**********************2
**********THE*COLONIAL*PEOPLES***************************************6
**********THE*PROCESS*OF*COLONIZATION*******************************12

***II.**COLONIAL*AGRICULTURE,*INDUSTRY,*AND*COMMERCE****************20
**********THE*LAND*AND*THE*WESTWARD*MOVEMENT************************20
**********INDUSTRIAL*AND*COMMERCIAL*DEVELOPMENT*********************28

**III.**SOCIAL*AND*POLITICAL*PROGRESS*******************************38
**********THE*LEADERSHIP*OF*THE*CHURCHES****************************39
**********SCHOOLS*AND*COLLEGES**************************************43
**********THE*COLONIAL*PRESS****************************************46
**********THE*EVOLUTION*IN*POLITICAL*INSTITUTIONS*******************48

***IV.**THE*DEVELOPMENT*OF*COLONIAL*NATIONALISM*********************56
**********RELATIONS*WITH*THE*INDIANS*AND*THE*FRENCH*****************57
**********THE*EFFECTS*OF*WARFARE*ON*THE*COLONIES********************61
**********COLONIAL*RELATIONS*WITH*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT************64
**********SUMMARY*OF*COLONIAL*PERIOD********************************73


PART*II.*CONFLICT*AND*INDEPENDENCE

****V.**THE*NEW*COURSE*IN*BRITISH*IMPERIAL*POLICY*******************77
**********GEORGE*III*AND*HIS*SYSTEM*********************************77
**********GEORGE*III'S*MINISTERS*AND*THEIR*COLONIAL*POLICIES********79
**********COLONIAL*RESISTANCE*FORCES*REPEAL*************************83
**********RESUMPTION*OF*BRITISH*REVENUE*AND*COMMERCIAL*POLICIES*****87
**********RENEWED*RESISTANCE*IN*AMERICA*****************************90
**********RETALIATION*BY*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT*********************93
**********FROM*REFORM*TO*REVOLUTION*IN*AMERICA**********************95

***VI.**THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION*************************************99
**********RESISTANCE*AND*RETALIATION********************************99
**********AMERICAN*INDEPENDENCE************************************101
**********THE*ESTABLISHMENT*OF*GOVERNMENT*AND*THE*NEW*ALLEGIANCE***108
**********MILITARY*AFFAIRS*****************************************116
**********THE*FINANCES*OF*THE*REVOLUTION***************************125
**********THE*DIPLOMACY*OF*THE*REVOLUTION**************************127
**********PEACE*AT*LAST********************************************132
**********SUMMARY*OF*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*PERIOD**********************135


PART*III.*FOUNDATIONS*OF*THE*UNION*AND*NATIONAL*POLITICS

**VII.**THE*FORMATION*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION**************************139
**********THE*PROMISE*AND*THE*DIFFICULTIES*OF*AMERICA**************139
**********THE*CALLING*OF*A*CONSTITUTIONAL*CONVENTION***************143
**********THE*FRAMING*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION**************************146
**********THE*STRUGGLE*OVER*RATIFICATION***************************157

*VIII.**THE*CLASH*OF*POLITICAL*PARTIES*****************************162
**********THE*MEN*AND*MEASURES*OF*THE*NEW*GOVERNMENT***************162
**********THE*RISE*OF*POLITICAL*PARTIES****************************168
**********FOREIGN*INFLUENCES*AND*DOMESTIC*POLITICS*****************171

***IX.**THE*JEFFERSONIAN*REPUBLICANS*IN*POWER**********************186
**********REPUBLICAN*PRINCIPLES*AND*POLICIES***********************186
**********THE*REPUBLICANS*AND*THE*GREAT*WEST***********************188
**********THE*REPUBLICAN*WAR*FOR*COMMERCIAL*INDEPENDENCE***********193
**********THE*REPUBLICANS*NATIONALIZED*****************************201
**********THE*NATIONAL*DECISIONS*OF*CHIEF*JUSTICE*MARSHALL*********208
**********SUMMARY*OF*UNION*AND*NATIONAL*POLITICS*******************212


PART*IV.*THE*WEST*AND*JACKSONIAN*DEMOCRACY

****X.**THE*FARMERS*BEYOND*THE*APPALACHIANS************************217
**********PREPARATION*FOR*WESTERN*SETTLEMENT***********************217
**********THE*WESTERN*MIGRATION*AND*NEW*STATES*********************221
**********THE*SPIRIT*OF*THE*FRONTIER*******************************228
**********THE*WEST*AND*THE*EAST*MEET*******************************230

***XI.**JACKSONIAN*DEMOCRACY***************************************238
**********THE*DEMOCRATIC*MOVEMENT*IN*THE*EAST**********************238
**********THE*NEW*DEMOCRACY*ENTERS*THE*ARENA***********************244
**********THE*NEW*DEMOCRACY*AT*WASHINGTON**************************250
**********THE*RISE*OF*THE*WHIGS************************************260
**********THE*INTERACTION*OF*AMERICAN*AND*EUROPEAN*OPINION*********265

**XII.**THE*MIDDLE*BORDER*AND*THE*GREAT*WEST***********************271
**********THE*ADVANCE*OF*THE*MIDDLE*BORDER*************************271
**********ON*TO*THE*PACIFIC--TEXAS*AND*THE*MEXICAN*WAR*************276
**********THE*PACIFIC*COAST*AND*UTAH*******************************284
**********SUMMARY*OF*WESTERN*DEVELOPMENT*AND*NATIONAL*POLITICS*****292


PART*V.*SECTIONAL*CONFLICT*AND*RECONSTRUCTION

*XIII.**THE*RISE*OF*THE*INDUSTRIAL*SYSTEM**************************295
**********THE*INDUSTRIAL*REVOLUTION********************************296
**********THE*INDUSTRIAL*REVOLUTION*AND*NATIONAL*POLITICS**********307

**XIV.**THE*PLANTING*SYSTEM*AND*NATIONAL*POLITICS******************316
**********SLAVERY--NORTH*AND*SOUTH*********************************316
**********SLAVERY*IN*NATIONAL*POLITICS*****************************324
**********THE*DRIFT*OF*EVENTS*TOWARD*THE*IRREPRESSIBLE*CONFLICT****332

***XV.**THE*CIVIL*WAR*AND*RECONSTRUCTION***************************344
**********THE*SOUTHERN*CONFEDERACY*********************************344
**********THE*WAR*MEASURES*OF*THE*FEDERAL*GOVERNMENT***************350
**********THE*RESULTS*OF*THE*CIVIL*WAR*****************************365
**********RECONSTRUCTION*IN*THE*SOUTH******************************370
**********SUMMARY*OF*THE*SECTIONAL*CONFLICT************************375


PART*VI.*NATIONAL*GROWTH*AND*WORLD*POLITICS

**XVI.**THE*POLITICAL*AND*ECONOMIC*EVOLUTION*OF*THE*SOUTH**********379
**********THE*SOUTH*AT*THE*CLOSE*OF*THE*WAR************************379
**********THE*RESTORATION*OF*WHITE*SUPREMACY***********************382
**********THE*ECONOMIC*ADVANCE*OF*THE*SOUTH************************389

*XVII.**BUSINESS*ENTERPRISE*AND*THE*REPUBLICAN*PARTY***************401
**********RAILWAYS*AND*INDUSTRY************************************401
**********THE*SUPREMACY*OF*THE*REPUBLICAN*PARTY*(1861-1885)********412
**********THE*GROWTH*OF*OPPOSITION*TO*REPUBLICAN*RULE**************417

XVIII.**THE*DEVELOPMENT*OF*THE*GREAT*WEST**************************425
**********THE*RAILWAYS*AS*TRAIL*BLAZERS****************************425
**********THE*EVOLUTION*OF*GRAZING*AND*AGRICULTURE*****************431
**********MINING*AND*MANUFACTURING*IN*THE*WEST*********************436
**********THE*ADMISSION*OF*NEW*STATES******************************440
**********THE*INFLUENCE*OF*THE*FAR*WEST*ON*NATIONAL*LIFE***********443

**XIX.**DOMESTIC*ISSUES*BEFORE*THE*COUNTRY*(1865-1897)*************451
**********THE*CURRENCY*QUESTION************************************452
**********THE*PROTECTIVE*TARIFF*AND*TAXATION***********************459
**********THE*RAILWAYS*AND*TRUSTS**********************************460
**********THE*MINOR*PARTIES*AND*UNREST*****************************462
**********THE*SOUND*MONEY*BATTLE*OF*1896***************************466
**********REPUBLICAN*MEASURES*AND*RESULTS**************************472

***XX.**AMERICA*A*WORLD*POWER*(1865-1900)**************************477
**********AMERICAN*FOREIGN*RELATIONS*(1865-1898)*******************478
**********CUBA*AND*THE*SPANISH*WAR*********************************485
**********AMERICAN*POLICIES*IN*THE*PHILIPPINES*AND*THE*ORIENT******497
**********SUMMARY*OF*NATIONAL*GROWTH*AND*WORLD*POLITICS************504


PART*VII.*PROGRESSIVE*DEMOCRACY*AND*THE*WORLD*WAR

**XXI.**THE*EVOLUTION*OF*REPUBLICAN*POLICIES*(1901-1913)***********507
**********FOREIGN*AFFAIRS******************************************508
**********COLONIAL*ADMINISTRATION**********************************515
**********THE*ROOSEVELT*DOMESTIC*POLICIES**************************519
**********LEGISLATIVE*AND*EXECUTIVE*ACTIVITIES*********************523
**********THE*ADMINISTRATION*OF*PRESIDENT*TAFT*********************527
**********PROGRESSIVE*INSURGENCY*AND*THE*ELECTION*OF*1912**********530

*XXII.**THE*SPIRIT*OF*REFORM*IN*AMERICA****************************536
**********AN*AGE*OF*CRITICISM**************************************536
**********POLITICAL*REFORMS****************************************538
**********MEASURES*OF*ECONOMIC*REFORM******************************546

XXIII.**THE*NEW*POLITICAL*DEMOCRACY********************************554
**********THE*RISE*OF*THE*WOMAN*MOVEMENT***************************555
**********THE*NATIONAL*STRUGGLE*FOR*WOMAN*SUFFRAGE*****************562

*XXIV.**INDUSTRIAL*DEMOCRACY***************************************570
**********COOPERATION*BETWEEN*EMPLOYERS*AND*EMPLOYEES**************571
**********THE*RISE*AND*GROWTH*OF*ORGANIZED*LABOR*******************575
**********THE*WIDER*RELATIONS*OF*ORGANIZED*LABOR*******************577
**********IMMIGRATION*AND*AMERICANIZATION**************************582

**XXV.**PRESIDENT*WILSON*AND*THE*WORLD*WAR*************************588
**********DOMESTIC*LEGISLATION*************************************588
**********COLONIAL*AND*FOREIGN*POLICIES****************************592
**********THE*UNITED*STATES*AND*THE*EUROPEAN*WAR*******************596
**********THE*UNITED*STATES*AT*WAR*********************************604
**********THE*SETTLEMENT*AT*PARIS**********************************612
**********SUMMARY*OF*DEMOCRACY*AND*THE*WORLD*WAR*******************620

APPENDIX***********************************************************627

A*TOPICAL*SYLLABUS*************************************************645

INDEX**************************************************************655




MAPS


*******************************************************************PAGE
THE*ORIGINAL*GRANTS*(COLOR*MAP)*************************_FACING_*****4

GERMAN*AND*SCOTCH-IRISH*SETTLEMENTS**********************************8

DISTRIBUTION*OF*POPULATION*IN*1790**********************************27

ENGLISH,*FRENCH,*AND*SPANISH*POSSESSIONS*IN*AMERICA,*1750
******(COLOR*MAP)**************************************_FACING_*****59

THE*COLONIES*AT*THE*TIME*OF*THE*DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE
******(COLOR*MAP)*************************************_FACING_*****108

NORTH*AMERICA*ACCORDING*TO*THE*TREATY*OF*1783
******(COLOR*MAP)*************************************_FACING_*****134

THE*UNITED*STATES*IN*1805*(COLOR*MAP)*****************_FACING_*****193

ROADS*AND*TRAILS*INTO*WESTERN*TERRITORY*(COLOR*MAP)***_FACING_*****224

THE*CUMBERLAND*ROAD************************************************233

DISTRIBUTION*OF*POPULATION*IN*1830*********************************235

TEXAS*AND*THE*TERRITORY*IN*DISPUTE*********************************282

THE*OREGON*COUNTRY*AND*THE*DISPUTED*BOUNDARY***********************285

THE*OVERLAND*TRAILS************************************************287

DISTRIBUTION*OF*SLAVES*IN*SOUTHERN*STATES**************************323

THE*MISSOURI*COMPROMISE********************************************326

SLAVE*AND*FREE*SOIL*ON*THE*EVE*OF*THE*CIVIL*WAR********************335

THE*UNITED*STATES*IN*1861*(COLOR*MAP)*****************_FACING_*****345

RAILROADS*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES*IN*1918*****************************405

THE*UNITED*STATES*IN*1870*(COLOR*MAP)****************_FACING_******427

THE*UNITED*STATES*IN*1912*(COLOR*MAP)****************_FACING_******443

AMERICAN*DOMINIONS*IN*THE*PACIFIC*(COLOR*MAP)********_FACING_******500

THE*CARIBBEAN*REGION*(COLOR*MAP)*********************_FACING_******592

BATTLE*LINES*OF*THE*VARIOUS*YEARS*OF*THE*WORLD*WAR*****************613

EUROPE*IN*1919*(COLOR*MAP)*************************_BETWEEN_***618-619

*****"THE*NATIONS*OF*THE*WEST"*(POPULARLY*CALLED*"THE
*****PIONEERS"),*DESIGNED*BY*A.*STIRLING*CALDER*AND*MODELED*BY
*****MR.*CALDER,*F.G.R.*ROTH,*AND*LEO*LENTELLI,*TOPPED*THE*ARCH
*****OF*THE*SETTING*SUN*AT*THE*PANAMA-PACIFIC*EXPOSITION*HELD*AT
*****SAN*FRANCISCO*IN*1915.*FACING*THE*COURT*OF*THE*UNIVERSE
*****MOVES*A*GROUP*OF*MEN*AND*WOMEN*TYPICAL*OF*THOSE*WHO*HAVE
*****MADE*OUR*CIVILIZATION.*FROM*LEFT*TO*RIGHT*APPEAR*THE
*****FRENCH-CANADIAN,*THE*ALASKAN,*THE*LATIN-AMERICAN,*THE
*****GERMAN,*THE*ITALIAN,*THE*ANGLO-AMERICAN,*AND*THE*AMERICAN
*****INDIAN,*SQUAW*AND*WARRIOR.*IN*THE*PLACE*OF*HONOR*IN*THE
*****CENTER*OF*THE*GROUP,*STANDING*BETWEEN*THE*OXEN*ON*THE*TONGUE
*****OF*THE*PRAIRIE*SCHOONER,*IS*A*FIGURE,*BEAUTIFUL*AND*ALMOST
*****GIRLISH,*BUT*STRONG,*DIGNIFIED,*AND*WOMANLY,*THE*MOTHER*OF
*****TO-MORROW.*ABOVE*THE*GROUP*RIDES*THE*SPIRIT*OF*ENTERPRISE,
*****FLANKED*RIGHT*AND*LEFT*BY*THE*HOPES*OF*THE*FUTURE*IN*THE
*****PERSON*OF*TWO*BOYS.*THE*GROUP*AS*A*WHOLE*IS*BEAUTIFULLY
*****SYMBOLIC*OF*THE*WESTWARD*MARCH*OF*AMERICAN*CIVILIZATION.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_PHOTOGRAPH*BY*CARDINELL-VINCENT*CO.,*SAN*FRANCISCO_

"THE*NATIONS*OF*THE*WEST"]




HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES




PART*I.*THE*COLONIAL*PERIOD




CHAPTER*I

THE*GREAT*MIGRATION*TO*AMERICA


THE*TIDE*OF*MIGRATION*THAT*SET*IN*TOWARD*THE*SHORES*OF*NORTH*AMERICA
DURING*THE*EARLY*YEARS*OF*THE*SEVENTEENTH*CENTURY*WAS*BUT*ONE*PHASE*IN
THE*RESTLESS*AND*ETERNAL*MOVEMENT*OF*MANKIND*UPON*THE*SURFACE*OF*THE
EARTH.*THE*ANCIENT*GREEKS*FLUNG*OUT*THEIR*COLONIES*IN*EVERY*DIRECTION,
WESTWARD*AS*FAR*AS*GAUL,*ACROSS*THE*MEDITERRANEAN,*AND*EASTWARD*INTO
ASIA*MINOR,*PERHAPS*TO*THE*VERY*CONFINES*OF*INDIA.*THE*ROMANS,*SUPPORTED
BY*THEIR*ARMIES*AND*THEIR*GOVERNMENT,*SPREAD*THEIR*DOMINION*BEYOND*THE
NARROW*LANDS*OF*ITALY*UNTIL*IT*STRETCHED*FROM*THE*HEATHER*OF*SCOTLAND*TO
THE*SANDS*OF*ARABIA.*THE*TEUTONIC*TRIBES,*FROM*THEIR*HOME*BEYOND*THE
DANUBE*AND*THE*RHINE,*POURED*INTO*THE*EMPIRE*OF*THE*CAESARS*AND*MADE*THE
BEGINNINGS*OF*MODERN*EUROPE.*OF*THIS*GREAT*SWEEP*OF*RACES*AND*EMPIRES
THE*SETTLEMENT*OF*AMERICA*WAS*MERELY*A*PART.*AND*IT*WAS,*MOREOVER,*ONLY
ONE*ASPECT*OF*THE*EXPANSION*WHICH*FINALLY*CARRIED*THE*PEOPLES,*THE
INSTITUTIONS,*AND*THE*TRADE*OF*EUROPE*TO*THE*VERY*ENDS*OF*THE*EARTH.

IN*ONE*VITAL*POINT,*IT*MUST*BE*NOTED,*AMERICAN*COLONIZATION*DIFFERED
FROM*THAT*OF*THE*ANCIENTS.*THE*GREEKS*USUALLY*CARRIED*WITH*THEM
AFFECTION*FOR*THE*GOVERNMENT*THEY*LEFT*BEHIND*AND*SACRED*FIRE*FROM*THE
ALTAR*OF*THE*PARENT*CITY;*BUT*THOUSANDS*OF*THE*IMMIGRANTS*WHO*CAME*TO
AMERICA*DISLIKED*THE*STATE*AND*DISOWNED*THE*CHURCH*OF*THE*MOTHER
COUNTRY.*THEY*ESTABLISHED*COMPACTS*OF*GOVERNMENT*FOR*THEMSELVES*AND*SET
UP*ALTARS*OF*THEIR*OWN.*THEY*SOUGHT*NOT*ONLY*NEW*SOIL*TO*TILL*BUT*ALSO
POLITICAL*AND*RELIGIOUS*LIBERTY*FOR*THEMSELVES*AND*THEIR*CHILDREN.


THE*AGENCIES*OF*AMERICAN*COLONIZATION

IT*WAS*NO*LIGHT*MATTER*FOR*THE*ENGLISH*TO*CROSS*THREE*THOUSAND*MILES*OF
WATER*AND*FOUND*HOMES*IN*THE*AMERICAN*WILDERNESS*AT*THE*OPENING*OF*THE
SEVENTEENTH*CENTURY.*SHIPS,*TOOLS,*AND*SUPPLIES*CALLED*FOR*HUGE*OUTLAYS
OF*MONEY.*STORES*HAD*TO*BE*FURNISHED*IN*QUANTITIES*SUFFICIENT*TO*SUSTAIN
THE*LIFE*OF*THE*SETTLERS*UNTIL*THEY*COULD*GATHER*HARVESTS*OF*THEIR*OWN.
ARTISANS*AND*LABORERS*OF*SKILL*AND*INDUSTRY*HAD*TO*BE*INDUCED*TO*RISK
THE*HAZARDS*OF*THE*NEW*WORLD.*SOLDIERS*WERE*REQUIRED*FOR*DEFENSE*AND
MARINERS*FOR*THE*EXPLORATION*OF*INLAND*WATERS.*LEADERS*OF*GOOD*JUDGMENT,
ADEPT*IN*MANAGING*MEN,*HAD*TO*BE*DISCOVERED.*ALTOGETHER*SUCH*AN
ENTERPRISE*DEMANDED*CAPITAL*LARGER*THAN*THE*ORDINARY*MERCHANT*OR
GENTLEMAN*COULD*AMASS*AND*INVOLVED*RISKS*MORE*IMMINENT*THAN*HE*DARED*TO
ASSUME.*THOUGH*IN*LATER*DAYS,*AFTER*INITIAL*TESTS*HAD*BEEN*MADE,*WEALTHY
PROPRIETORS*WERE*ABLE*TO*ESTABLISH*COLONIES*ON*THEIR*OWN*ACCOUNT,*IT*WAS
THE*CORPORATION*THAT*FURNISHED*THE*CAPITAL*AND*LEADERSHIP*IN*THE
BEGINNING.

=THE*TRADING*COMPANY.=--ENGLISH*PIONEERS*IN*EXPLORATION*FOUND*AN
INSTRUMENT*FOR*COLONIZATION*IN*COMPANIES*OF*MERCHANT*ADVENTURERS,*WHICH
HAD*LONG*BEEN*EMPLOYED*IN*CARRYING*ON*COMMERCE*WITH*FOREIGN*COUNTRIES.
SUCH*A*CORPORATION*WAS*COMPOSED*OF*MANY*PERSONS*OF*DIFFERENT*RANKS*OF
SOCIETY--NOBLEMEN,*MERCHANTS,*AND*GENTLEMEN--WHO*BANDED*TOGETHER*FOR*A
PARTICULAR*UNDERTAKING,*EACH*CONTRIBUTING*A*SUM*OF*MONEY*AND*SHARING*IN
THE*PROFITS*OF*THE*VENTURE.*IT*WAS*ORGANIZED*UNDER*ROYAL*AUTHORITY;*IT
RECEIVED*ITS*CHARTER,*ITS*GRANT*OF*LAND,*AND*ITS*TRADING*PRIVILEGES*FROM
THE*KING*AND*CARRIED*ON*ITS*OPERATIONS*UNDER*HIS*SUPERVISION*AND
CONTROL.*THE*CHARTER*NAMED*ALL*THE*PERSONS*ORIGINALLY*INCLUDED*IN*THE
CORPORATION*AND*GAVE*THEM*CERTAIN*POWERS*IN*THE*MANAGEMENT*OF*ITS
AFFAIRS,*INCLUDING*THE*RIGHT*TO*ADMIT*NEW*MEMBERS.*THE*COMPANY*WAS*IN
FACT*A*LITTLE*GOVERNMENT*SET*UP*BY*THE*KING.*WHEN*THE*MEMBERS*OF*THE
CORPORATION*REMAINED*IN*ENGLAND,*AS*IN*THE*CASE*OF*THE*VIRGINIA*COMPANY,
THEY*OPERATED*THROUGH*AGENTS*SENT*TO*THE*COLONY.*WHEN*THEY*CAME*OVER*THE
SEAS*THEMSELVES*AND*SETTLED*IN*AMERICA,*AS*IN*THE*CASE*OF*MASSACHUSETTS,
THEY*BECAME*THE*DIRECT*GOVERNMENT*OF*THE*COUNTRY*THEY*POSSESSED.*THE
STOCKHOLDERS*IN*THAT*INSTANCE*BECAME*THE*VOTERS*AND*THE*GOVERNOR,*THE
CHIEF*MAGISTRATE.

[ILLUSTRATION:*JOHN*WINTHROP,*GOVERNOR*OF*THE*MASSACHUSETTS*BAY
COMPANY]

FOUR*OF*THE*THIRTEEN*COLONIES*IN*AMERICA*OWED*THEIR*ORIGINS*TO*THE
TRADING*CORPORATION.*IT*WAS*THE*LONDON*COMPANY,*CREATED*BY*KING*JAMES*I,
IN*1606,*THAT*LAID*DURING*THE*FOLLOWING*YEAR*THE*FOUNDATIONS*OF*VIRGINIA
AT*JAMESTOWN.*IT*WAS*UNDER*THE*AUSPICES*OF*THEIR*WEST*INDIA*COMPANY,
CHARTERED*IN*1621,*THAT*THE*DUTCH*PLANTED*THE*SETTLEMENTS*OF*THE*NEW
NETHERLAND*IN*THE*VALLEY*OF*THE*HUDSON.*THE*FOUNDERS*OF*MASSACHUSETTS
WERE*PURITAN*LEADERS*AND*MEN*OF*AFFAIRS*WHOM*KING*CHARLES*I*INCORPORATED
IN*1629*UNDER*THE*TITLE:*"THE*GOVERNOR*AND*COMPANY*OF*THE*MASSACHUSETTS
BAY*IN*NEW*ENGLAND."*IN*THIS*CASE*THE*LAW*DID*BUT*INCORPORATE*A*GROUP
DRAWN*TOGETHER*BY*RELIGIOUS*TIES.*"WE*MUST*BE*KNIT*TOGETHER*AS*ONE*MAN,"
WROTE*JOHN*WINTHROP,*THE*FIRST*PURITAN*GOVERNOR*IN*AMERICA.*FAR*TO*THE
SOUTH,*ON*THE*BANKS*OF*THE*DELAWARE*RIVER,*A*SWEDISH*COMMERCIAL*COMPANY
IN*1638*MADE*THE*BEGINNINGS*OF*A*SETTLEMENT,*CHRISTENED*NEW*SWEDEN;*IT
WAS*DESTINED*TO*PASS*UNDER*THE*RULE*OF*THE*DUTCH,*AND*FINALLY*UNDER*THE
RULE*OF*WILLIAM*PENN*AS*THE*PROPRIETARY*COLONY*OF*DELAWARE.

IN*A*CERTAIN*SENSE,*GEORGIA*MAY*BE*INCLUDED*AMONG*THE*"COMPANY
COLONIES."*IT*WAS,*HOWEVER,*ORIGINALLY*CONCEIVED*BY*THE*MOVING*SPIRIT,
JAMES*OGLETHORPE,*AS*AN*ASYLUM*FOR*POOR*MEN,*ESPECIALLY*THOSE*IMPRISONED
FOR*DEBT.*TO*REALIZE*THIS*HUMANE*PURPOSE,*HE*SECURED*FROM*KING*GEORGE
II,*IN*1732,*A*ROYAL*CHARTER*UNITING*SEVERAL*GENTLEMEN,*INCLUDING
HIMSELF,*INTO*"ONE*BODY*POLITIC*AND*CORPORATE,"*KNOWN*AS*THE*"TRUSTEES
FOR*ESTABLISHING*THE*COLONY*OF*GEORGIA*IN*AMERICA."*IN*THE*STRUCTURE*OF
THEIR*ORGANIZATION*AND*THEIR*METHODS*OF*GOVERNMENT,*THE*TRUSTEES*DID*NOT
DIFFER*MATERIALLY*FROM*THE*REGULAR*COMPANIES*CREATED*FOR*TRADE*AND
COLONIZATION.*THOUGH*THEIR*PURPOSES*WERE*BENEVOLENT,*THEIR*TRANSACTIONS
HAD*TO*BE*UNDER*THE*FORMS*OF*LAW*AND*ACCORDING*TO*THE*RULES*OF*BUSINESS.

=THE*RELIGIOUS*CONGREGATION.=--A*SECOND*AGENCY*WHICH*FIGURED*LARGELY*IN
THE*SETTLEMENT*OF*AMERICA*WAS*THE*RELIGIOUS*BROTHERHOOD,*OR
CONGREGATION,*OF*MEN*AND*WOMEN*BROUGHT*TOGETHER*IN*THE*BONDS*OF*A*COMMON
RELIGIOUS*FAITH.*BY*ONE*OF*THE*STRANGE*FORTUNES*OF*HISTORY,*THIS
INSTITUTION,*FOUNDED*IN*THE*EARLY*DAYS*OF*CHRISTIANITY,*PROVED*TO*BE*A
POTENT*FORCE*IN*THE*ORIGIN*AND*GROWTH*OF*SELF-GOVERNMENT*IN*A*LAND*FAR
AWAY*FROM*GALILEE.*"AND*THE*MULTITUDE*OF*THEM*THAT*BELIEVED*WERE*OF*ONE
HEART*AND*OF*ONE*SOUL,"*WE*ARE*TOLD*IN*THE*ACTS*DESCRIBING*THE*CHURCH*AT
JERUSALEM.*"WE*ARE*KNIT*TOGETHER*AS*A*BODY*IN*A*MOST*SACRED*COVENANT*OF
THE*LORD*...*BY*VIRTUE*OF*WHICH*WE*HOLD*OURSELVES*STRICTLY*TIED*TO*ALL
CARE*OF*EACH*OTHER'S*GOOD*AND*OF*THE*WHOLE,"*WROTE*JOHN*ROBINSON,*A
LEADER*AMONG*THE*PILGRIMS*WHO*FOUNDED*THEIR*TINY*COLONY*OF*PLYMOUTH*IN
1620.*THE*MAYFLOWER*COMPACT,*SO*FAMOUS*IN*AMERICAN*HISTORY,*WAS*BUT*A
WRITTEN*AND*SIGNED*AGREEMENT,*INCORPORATING*THE*SPIRIT*OF*OBEDIENCE*TO
THE*COMMON*GOOD,*WHICH*SERVED*AS*A*GUIDE*TO*SELF-GOVERNMENT*UNTIL
PLYMOUTH*WAS*ANNEXED*TO*MASSACHUSETTS*IN*1691.

[ILLUSTRATION:*THE*ORIGINAL*GRANTS]

THREE*OTHER*COLONIES,*ALL*OF*WHICH*RETAINED*THEIR*IDENTITY*UNTIL*THE*EVE
OF*THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION,*LIKEWISE*SPRANG*DIRECTLY*FROM*THE
CONGREGATIONS*OF*THE*FAITHFUL:*RHODE*ISLAND,*CONNECTICUT,*AND*NEW
HAMPSHIRE,*MAINLY*OFFSHOOTS*FROM*MASSACHUSETTS.*THEY*WERE*FOUNDED*BY
SMALL*BODIES*OF*MEN*AND*WOMEN,*"UNITED*IN*SOLEMN*COVENANTS*WITH*THE
LORD,"*WHO*PLANTED*THEIR*SETTLEMENTS*IN*THE*WILDERNESS.*NOT*UNTIL*MANY*A
YEAR*AFTER*ROGER*WILLIAMS*AND*ANNE*HUTCHINSON*CONDUCTED*THEIR*FOLLOWERS
TO*THE*NARRAGANSETT*COUNTRY*WAS*RHODE*ISLAND*GRANTED*A*CHARTER*OF
INCORPORATION*(1663)*BY*THE*CROWN.*NOT*UNTIL*LONG*AFTER*THE*CONGREGATION
OF*THOMAS*HOOKER*FROM*NEWTOWN*BLAZED*THE*WAY*INTO*THE*CONNECTICUT*RIVER
VALLEY*DID*THE*KING*OF*ENGLAND*GIVE*CONNECTICUT*A*CHARTER*OF*ITS*OWN
(1662)*AND*A*PLACE*AMONG*THE*COLONIES.*HALF*A*CENTURY*ELAPSED*BEFORE*THE
TOWNS*LAID*OUT*BEYOND*THE*MERRIMAC*RIVER*BY*EMIGRANTS*FROM*MASSACHUSETTS
WERE*FORMED*INTO*THE*ROYAL*PROVINCE*OF*NEW*HAMPSHIRE*IN*1679.

EVEN*WHEN*CONNECTICUT*WAS*CHARTERED,*THE*PARCHMENT*AND*SEALING*WAX*OF
THE*ROYAL*LAWYERS*DID*BUT*CONFIRM*RIGHTS*AND*HABITS*OF*SELF-GOVERNMENT
AND*OBEDIENCE*TO*LAW*PREVIOUSLY*ESTABLISHED*BY*THE*CONGREGATIONS.*THE
TOWNS*OF*HARTFORD,*WINDSOR,*AND*WETHERSFIELD*HAD*LONG*LIVED*HAPPILY
UNDER*THEIR*"FUNDAMENTAL*ORDERS"*DRAWN*UP*BY*THEMSELVES*IN*1639;*SO*HAD
THE*SETTLERS*DWELT*PEACEFULLY*AT*NEW*HAVEN*UNDER*THEIR*"FUNDAMENTAL
ARTICLES"*DRAFTED*IN*THE*SAME*YEAR.*THE*PIONEERS*ON*THE*CONNECTICUT
SHORE*HAD*NO*DIFFICULTY*IN*AGREEING*THAT*"THE*SCRIPTURES*DO*HOLD*FORTH*A
PERFECT*RULE*FOR*THE*DIRECTION*AND*GOVERNMENT*OF*ALL*MEN."

=THE*PROPRIETOR.=--A*THIRD*AND*VERY*IMPORTANT*COLONIAL*AGENCY*WAS*THE
PROPRIETOR,*OR*PROPRIETARY.*AS*THE*NAME,*ASSOCIATED*WITH*THE*WORD
"PROPERTY,"*IMPLIES,*THE*PROPRIETOR*WAS*A*PERSON*TO*WHOM*THE*KING
GRANTED*PROPERTY*IN*LANDS*IN*NORTH*AMERICA*TO*HAVE,*HOLD,*USE,*AND*ENJOY
FOR*HIS*OWN*BENEFIT*AND*PROFIT,*WITH*THE*RIGHT*TO*HAND*THE*ESTATE*DOWN
TO*HIS*HEIRS*IN*PERPETUAL*SUCCESSION.*THE*PROPRIETOR*WAS*A*RICH*AND
POWERFUL*PERSON,*PREPARED*TO*FURNISH*OR*SECURE*THE*CAPITAL,*COLLECT*THE
SHIPS,*SUPPLY*THE*STORES,*AND*ASSEMBLE*THE*SETTLERS*NECESSARY*TO*FOUND
AND*SUSTAIN*A*PLANTATION*BEYOND*THE*SEAS.*SOMETIMES*THE*PROPRIETOR
WORKED*ALONE.*SOMETIMES*TWO*OR*MORE*WERE*ASSOCIATED*LIKE*PARTNERS*IN*THE
COMMON*UNDERTAKING.

FIVE*COLONIES,*MARYLAND,*PENNSYLVANIA,*NEW*JERSEY,*AND*THE*CAROLINAS,
OWE*THEIR*FORMAL*ORIGINS,*THOUGH*NOT*ALWAYS*THEIR*FIRST*SETTLEMENTS,*NOR
IN*MOST*CASES*THEIR*PROSPERITY,*TO*THE*PROPRIETARY*SYSTEM.*MARYLAND,
ESTABLISHED*IN*1634*UNDER*A*CATHOLIC*NOBLEMAN,*LORD*BALTIMORE,*AND
BLESSED*WITH*RELIGIOUS*TOLERATION*BY*THE*ACT*OF*1649,*FLOURISHED*UNDER
THE*MILD*RULE*OF*PROPRIETORS*UNTIL*IT*BECAME*A*STATE*IN*THE*AMERICAN
UNION.*NEW*JERSEY,*BEGINNING*ITS*CAREER*UNDER*TWO*PROPRIETORS,*BERKELEY
AND*CARTERET,*IN*1664,*PASSED*UNDER*THE*DIRECT*GOVERNMENT*OF*THE*CROWN
IN*1702.*PENNSYLVANIA*WAS,*IN*A*VERY*LARGE*MEASURE,*THE*PRODUCT*OF*THE
GENEROUS*SPIRIT*AND*TIRELESS*LABORS*OF*ITS*FIRST*PROPRIETOR,*THE*LEADER
OF*THE*FRIENDS,*WILLIAM*PENN,*TO*WHOM*IT*WAS*GRANTED*IN*1681*AND*IN
WHOSE*FAMILY*IT*REMAINED*UNTIL*1776.*THE*TWO*CAROLINAS*WERE*FIRST
ORGANIZED*AS*ONE*COLONY*IN*1663*UNDER*THE*GOVERNMENT*AND*PATRONAGE*OF
EIGHT*PROPRIETORS,*INCLUDING*LORD*CLARENDON;*BUT*AFTER*MORE*THAN*HALF*A
CENTURY*BOTH*BECAME*ROYAL*PROVINCES*GOVERNED*BY*THE*KING.

[ILLUSTRATION:*WILLIAM*PENN,*PROPRIETOR*OF*PENNSYLVANIA]


THE*COLONIAL*PEOPLES

=THE*ENGLISH.=--IN*LEADERSHIP*AND*ORIGIN*THE*THIRTEEN*COLONIES,*EXCEPT
NEW*YORK*AND*DELAWARE,*WERE*ENGLISH.*DURING*THE*EARLY*DAYS*OF*ALL,*SAVE
THESE*TWO,*THE*MAIN,*IF*NOT*THE*SOLE,*CURRENT*OF*IMMIGRATION*WAS*FROM
ENGLAND.*THE*COLONISTS*CAME*FROM*EVERY*WALK*OF*LIFE.*THEY*WERE*MEN,
WOMEN,*AND*CHILDREN*OF*"ALL*SORTS*AND*CONDITIONS."*THE*MAJOR*PORTION
WERE*YEOMEN,*OR*SMALL*LAND*OWNERS,*FARM*LABORERS,*AND*ARTISANS.*WITH
THEM*WERE*MERCHANTS*AND*GENTLEMEN*WHO*BROUGHT*THEIR*STOCKS*OF*GOODS*OR
THEIR*FORTUNES*TO*THE*NEW*WORLD.*SCHOLARS*CAME*FROM*OXFORD*AND
CAMBRIDGE*TO*PREACH*THE*GOSPEL*OR*TO*TEACH.*NOW*AND*THEN*THE*SON*OF*AN
ENGLISH*NOBLEMAN*LEFT*HIS*BARONIAL*HALL*BEHIND*AND*CAST*HIS*LOT*WITH
AMERICA.*THE*PEOPLE*REPRESENTED*EVERY*RELIGIOUS*FAITH--MEMBERS*OF*THE
ESTABLISHED*CHURCH*OF*ENGLAND;*PURITANS*WHO*HAD*LABORED*TO*REFORM*THAT
CHURCH;*SEPARATISTS,*BAPTISTS,*AND*FRIENDS,*WHO*HAD*LEFT*IT*ALTOGETHER;
AND*CATHOLICS,*WHO*CLUNG*TO*THE*RELIGION*OF*THEIR*FATHERS.

NEW*ENGLAND*WAS*ALMOST*PURELY*ENGLISH.*DURING*THE*YEARS*BETWEEN*1629*AND
1640,*THE*PERIOD*OF*ARBITRARY*STUART*GOVERNMENT,*ABOUT*TWENTY*THOUSAND
PURITANS*EMIGRATED*TO*AMERICA,*SETTLING*IN*THE*COLONIES*OF*THE*FAR
NORTH.*ALTHOUGH*MINOR*ADDITIONS*WERE*MADE*FROM*TIME*TO*TIME,*THE*GREATER
PORTION*OF*THE*NEW*ENGLAND*PEOPLE*SPRANG*FROM*THIS*ORIGINAL*STOCK.
VIRGINIA,*TOO,*FOR*A*LONG*TIME*DREW*NEARLY*ALL*HER*IMMIGRANTS*FROM
ENGLAND*ALONE.*NOT*UNTIL*THE*EVE*OF*THE*REVOLUTION*DID*OTHER
NATIONALITIES,*MAINLY*THE*SCOTCH-IRISH*AND*GERMANS,*RIVAL*THE*ENGLISH*IN
NUMBERS.

THE*POPULATIONS*OF*LATER*ENGLISH*COLONIES--THE*CAROLINAS,*NEW*YORK,
PENNSYLVANIA,*AND*GEORGIA--WHILE*RECEIVING*A*STEADY*STREAM*OF
IMMIGRATION*FROM*ENGLAND,*WERE*CONSTANTLY*AUGMENTED*BY*WANDERERS*FROM
THE*OLDER*SETTLEMENTS.*NEW*YORK*WAS*INVADED*BY*PURITANS*FROM*NEW*ENGLAND
IN*SUCH*NUMBERS*AS*TO*CAUSE*THE*ANGLICAN*CLERGYMEN*THERE*TO*LAMENT*THAT
"FREE*THINKING*SPREADS*ALMOST*AS*FAST*AS*THE*CHURCH."*NORTH*CAROLINA*WAS
FIRST*SETTLED*TOWARD*THE*NORTHERN*BORDER*BY*IMMIGRANTS*FROM*VIRGINIA.
SOME*OF*THE*NORTH*CAROLINIANS,*PARTICULARLY*THE*QUAKERS,*CAME*ALL*THE
WAY*FROM*NEW*ENGLAND,*TARRYING*IN*VIRGINIA*ONLY*LONG*ENOUGH*TO*LEARN*HOW
LITTLE*THEY*WERE*WANTED*IN*THAT*ANGLICAN*COLONY.

=THE*SCOTCH-IRISH.=--NEXT*TO*THE*ENGLISH*IN*NUMBERS*AND*INFLUENCE*WERE
THE*SCOTCH-IRISH,*PRESBYTERIANS*IN*BELIEF,*ENGLISH*IN*TONGUE.*BOTH
RELIGIOUS*AND*ECONOMIC*REASONS*SENT*THEM*ACROSS*THE*SEA.*THEIR*SCOTCH
ANCESTORS,*IN*THE*DAYS*OF*CROMWELL,*HAD*SETTLED*IN*THE*NORTH*OF*IRELAND
WHENCE*THE*NATIVE*IRISH*HAD*BEEN*DRIVEN*BY*THE*CONQUEROR'S*SWORD.*THERE
THE*SCOTCH*NOURISHED*FOR*MANY*YEARS*ENJOYING*IN*PEACE*THEIR*OWN*FORM*OF
RELIGION*AND*GROWING*PROSPEROUS*IN*THE*MANUFACTURE*OF*FINE*LINEN*AND
WOOLEN*CLOTH.*THEN*THE*BLOW*FELL.*TOWARD*THE*END*OF*THE*SEVENTEENTH
CENTURY*THEIR*RELIGIOUS*WORSHIP*WAS*PUT*UNDER*THE*BAN*AND*THE*EXPORT*OF
THEIR*CLOTH*WAS*FORBIDDEN*BY*THE*ENGLISH*PARLIAMENT.*WITHIN*TWO*DECADES
TWENTY*THOUSAND*SCOTCH-IRISH*LEFT*ULSTER*ALONE,*FOR*AMERICA;*AND*ALL
DURING*THE*EIGHTEENTH*CENTURY*THE*MIGRATION*CONTINUED*TO*BE*HEAVY.
ALTHOUGH*NO*EXACT*RECORD*WAS*KEPT,*IT*IS*RECKONED*THAT*THE*SCOTCH-IRISH
AND*THE*SCOTCH*WHO*CAME*DIRECTLY*FROM*SCOTLAND,*COMPOSED*ONE-SIXTH*OF
THE*ENTIRE*AMERICAN*POPULATION*ON*THE*EVE*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.

[ILLUSTRATION:*SETTLEMENTS*OF*GERMAN*AND*SCOTCH-IRISH
IMMIGRANTS]

THESE*NEWCOMERS*IN*AMERICA*MADE*THEIR*HOMES*CHIEFLY*IN*NEW*JERSEY,
PENNSYLVANIA,*MARYLAND,*VIRGINIA,*AND*THE*CAROLINAS.*COMING*LATE*UPON
THE*SCENE,*THEY*FOUND*MUCH*OF*THE*LAND*IMMEDIATELY*UPON*THE*SEABOARD
ALREADY*TAKEN*UP.*FOR*THIS*REASON*MOST*OF*THEM*BECAME*FRONTIER*PEOPLE
SETTLING*THE*INTERIOR*AND*UPLAND*REGIONS.*THERE*THEY*CLEARED*THE*LAND,
LAID*OUT*THEIR*SMALL*FARMS,*AND*WORKED*AS*"STURDY*YEOMEN*ON*THE*SOIL,"
HARDY,*INDUSTRIOUS,*AND*INDEPENDENT*IN*SPIRIT,*SHARING*NEITHER*THE
LUXURIES*OF*THE*RICH*PLANTERS*NOR*THE*EASY*LIFE*OF*THE*LEISURELY
MERCHANTS.*TO*THEIR*AGRICULTURE*THEY*ADDED*WOOLEN*AND*LINEN
MANUFACTURES,*WHICH,*FLOURISHING*IN*THE*SUPPLE*FINGERS*OF*THEIR*TIRELESS
WOMEN,*MADE*HEAVY*INROADS*UPON*THE*TRADE*OF*THE*ENGLISH*MERCHANTS*IN
THE*COLONIES.*OF*THEIR*LABORS*A*POET*HAS*SUNG:

********"O,*WILLING*HANDS*TO*TOIL;
****STRONG*NATURES*TUNED*TO*THE*HARVEST-SONG*AND*BOUND*TO*THE*KINDLY*SOIL;
****BOLD*PIONEERS*FOR*THE*WILDERNESS,*DEFENDERS*IN*THE*FIELD."

=THE*GERMANS.=--THIRD*AMONG*THE*COLONISTS*IN*ORDER*OF*NUMERICAL
IMPORTANCE*WERE*THE*GERMANS.*FROM*THE*VERY*BEGINNING,*THEY*APPEARED*IN
COLONIAL*RECORDS.*A*NUMBER*OF*THE*ARTISANS*AND*CARPENTERS*IN*THE*FIRST
JAMESTOWN*COLONY*WERE*OF*GERMAN*DESCENT.*PETER*MINUIT,*THE*FAMOUS
GOVERNOR*OF*NEW*MOTHERLAND,*WAS*A*GERMAN*FROM*WESEL*ON*THE*RHINE,*AND
JACOB*LEISLER,*LEADER*OF*A*POPULAR*UPRISING*AGAINST*THE*PROVINCIAL
ADMINISTRATION*OF*NEW*YORK,*WAS*A*GERMAN*FROM*FRANKFORT-ON-MAIN.*THE
WHOLESALE*MIGRATION*OF*GERMANS*BEGAN*WITH*THE*FOUNDING*OF*PENNSYLVANIA.
PENN*WAS*DILIGENT*IN*SEARCHING*FOR*THRIFTY*FARMERS*TO*CULTIVATE*HIS
LANDS*AND*HE*MADE*A*SPECIAL*EFFORT*TO*ATTRACT*PEASANTS*FROM*THE*RHINE
COUNTRY.*A*GREAT*ASSOCIATION,*KNOWN*AS*THE*FRANKFORT*COMPANY,*BOUGHT
MORE*THAN*TWENTY*THOUSAND*ACRES*FROM*HIM*AND*IN*1684*ESTABLISHED*A
CENTER*AT*GERMANTOWN*FOR*THE*DISTRIBUTION*OF*GERMAN*IMMIGRANTS.*IN*OLD
NEW*YORK,*RHINEBECK-ON-THE-HUDSON*BECAME*A*SIMILAR*CENTER*FOR
DISTRIBUTION.*ALL*THE*WAY*FROM*MAINE*TO*GEORGIA*INDUCEMENTS*WERE*OFFERED
TO*THE*GERMAN*FARMERS*AND*IN*NEARLY*EVERY*COLONY*WERE*TO*BE*FOUND,*IN
TIME,*GERMAN*SETTLEMENTS.*IN*FACT*THE*MIGRATION*BECAME*SO*LARGE*THAT
GERMAN*PRINCES*WERE*FRIGHTENED*AT*THE*LOSS*OF*SO*MANY*SUBJECTS*AND
ENGLAND*WAS*ALARMED*BY*THE*INFLUX*OF*FOREIGNERS*INTO*HER*OVERSEAS
DOMINIONS.*YET*NOTHING*COULD*STOP*THE*MOVEMENT.*BY*THE*END*OF*THE
COLONIAL*PERIOD,*THE*NUMBER*OF*GERMANS*HAD*RISEN*TO*MORE*THAN*TWO
HUNDRED*THOUSAND.

THE*MAJORITY*OF*THEM*WERE*PROTESTANTS*FROM*THE*RHINE*REGION,*AND*SOUTH
GERMANY.*WARS,*RELIGIOUS*CONTROVERSIES,*OPPRESSION,*AND*POVERTY*DROVE
THEM*FORTH*TO*AMERICA.*THOUGH*MOST*OF*THEM*WERE*FARMERS,*THERE*WERE*ALSO
AMONG*THEM*SKILLED*ARTISANS*WHO*CONTRIBUTED*TO*THE*RAPID*GROWTH*OF
INDUSTRIES*IN*PENNSYLVANIA.*THEIR*IRON,*GLASS,*PAPER,*AND*WOOLEN*MILLS,
DOTTED*HERE*AND*THERE*AMONG*THE*THICKLY*SETTLED*REGIONS,*ADDED*TO*THE
WEALTH*AND*INDEPENDENCE*OF*THE*PROVINCE.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT_

A*GLIMPSE*OF*OLD*GERMANTOWN]

UNLIKE*THE*SCOTCH-IRISH,*THE*GERMANS*DID*NOT*SPEAK*THE*LANGUAGE*OF*THE
ORIGINAL*COLONISTS*OR*MINGLE*FREELY*WITH*THEM.*THEY*KEPT*TO*THEMSELVES,
BUILT*THEIR*OWN*SCHOOLS,*FOUNDED*THEIR*OWN*NEWSPAPERS,*AND*PUBLISHED
THEIR*OWN*BOOKS.*THEIR*CLANNISH*HABITS*OFTEN*IRRITATED*THEIR*NEIGHBORS
AND*LED*TO*OCCASIONAL*AGITATIONS*AGAINST*"FOREIGNERS."*HOWEVER,*NO
SERIOUS*COLLISIONS*SEEM*TO*HAVE*OCCURRED;*AND*IN*THE*DAYS*OF*THE
REVOLUTION,*GERMAN*SOLDIERS*FROM*PENNSYLVANIA*FOUGHT*IN*THE*PATRIOT
ARMIES*SIDE*BY*SIDE*WITH*SOLDIERS*FROM*THE*ENGLISH*AND*SCOTCH-IRISH
SECTIONS.

=OTHER*NATIONALITIES.=--THOUGH*THE*ENGLISH,*THE*SCOTCH-IRISH,*AND*THE
GERMANS*MADE*UP*THE*BULK*OF*THE*COLONIAL*POPULATION,*THERE*WERE*OTHER
RACIAL*STRAINS*AS*WELL,*VARYING*IN*NUMERICAL*IMPORTANCE*BUT*CONTRIBUTING
THEIR*SHARE*TO*COLONIAL*LIFE.

FROM*FRANCE*CAME*THE*HUGUENOTS*FLEEING*FROM*THE*DECREE*OF*THE*KING*WHICH
INFLICTED*TERRIBLE*PENALTIES*UPON*PROTESTANTS.

FROM*"OLD*IRELAND"*CAME*THOUSANDS*OF*NATIVE*IRISH,*CELTIC*IN*RACE*AND
CATHOLIC*IN*RELIGION.*LIKE*THEIR*SCOTCH-IRISH*NEIGHBORS*TO*THE*NORTH,
THEY*REVERED*NEITHER*THE*GOVERNMENT*NOR*THE*CHURCH*OF*ENGLAND*IMPOSED
UPON*THEM*BY*THE*SWORD.*HOW*MANY*CAME*WE*DO*NOT*KNOW,*BUT*SHIPPING
RECORDS*OF*THE*COLONIAL*PERIOD*SHOW*THAT*BOATLOAD*AFTER*BOATLOAD*LEFT
THE*SOUTHERN*AND*EASTERN*SHORES*OF*IRELAND*FOR*THE*NEW*WORLD.
UNDOUBTEDLY*THOUSANDS*OF*THEIR*PASSENGERS*WERE*IRISH*OF*THE*NATIVE
STOCK.*THIS*SURMISE*IS*WELL*SUSTAINED*BY*THE*CONSTANT*APPEARANCE*OF
CELTIC*NAMES*IN*THE*RECORDS*OF*VARIOUS*COLONIES.

[ILLUSTRATION:_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT_

OLD*DUTCH*FORT*AND*ENGLISH*CHURCH*NEAR*ALBANY]

THE*JEWS,*THEN*AS*EVER*ENGAGED*IN*THEIR*AGE-LONG*BATTLE*FOR*RELIGIOUS
AND*ECONOMIC*TOLERATION,*FOUND*IN*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES,*NOT*COMPLETE
LIBERTY,*BUT*CERTAINLY*MORE*FREEDOM*THAN*THEY*ENJOYED*IN*ENGLAND,
FRANCE,*SPAIN,*OR*PORTUGAL.*THE*ENGLISH*LAW*DID*NOT*ACTUALLY*RECOGNIZE
THEIR*RIGHT*TO*LIVE*IN*ANY*OF*THE*DOMINIONS,*BUT*OWING*TO*THE*EASY-GOING
HABITS*OF*THE*AMERICANS*THEY*WERE*ALLOWED*TO*FILTER*INTO*THE*SEABOARD
TOWNS.*THE*TREATMENT*THEY*RECEIVED*THERE*VARIED.*ON*ONE*OCCASION*THE
MAYOR*AND*COUNCIL*OF*NEW*YORK*FORBADE*THEM*TO*SELL*BY*RETAIL*AND*ON
ANOTHER*PROHIBITED*THE*EXERCISE*OF*THEIR*RELIGIOUS*WORSHIP.*NEWPORT,
PHILADELPHIA,*AND*CHARLESTON*WERE*MORE*HOSPITABLE,*AND*THERE*LARGE
JEWISH*COLONIES,*CONSISTING*PRINCIPALLY*OF*MERCHANTS*AND*THEIR*FAMILIES,
FLOURISHED*IN*SPITE*OF*NOMINAL*PROHIBITIONS*OF*THE*LAW.

THOUGH*THE*SMALL*SWEDISH*COLONY*IN*DELAWARE*WAS*QUICKLY*SUBMERGED
BENEATH*THE*TIDE*OF*ENGLISH*MIGRATION,*THE*DUTCH*IN*NEW*YORK*CONTINUED
TO*HOLD*THEIR*OWN*FOR*MORE*THAN*A*HUNDRED*YEARS*AFTER*THE*ENGLISH
CONQUEST*IN*1664.*AT*THE*END*OF*THE*COLONIAL*PERIOD*OVER*ONE-HALF*OF*THE
170,000*INHABITANTS*OF*THE*PROVINCE*WERE*DESCENDANTS*OF*THE*ORIGINAL
DUTCH--STILL*DISTINCT*ENOUGH*TO*GIVE*A*DECIDED*CAST*TO*THE*LIFE*AND
MANNERS*OF*NEW*YORK.*MANY*OF*THEM*CLUNG*AS*TENACIOUSLY*TO*THEIR*MOTHER
TONGUE*AS*THEY*DID*TO*THEIR*CAPACIOUS*FARMHOUSES*OR*THEIR*DUTCH*OVENS;
BUT*THEY*WERE*SLOWLY*LOSING*THEIR*IDENTITY*AS*THE*ENGLISH*PRESSED*IN
BESIDE*THEM*TO*FARM*AND*TRADE.

THE*MELTING*POT*HAD*BEGUN*ITS*HISTORIC*MISSION.


THE*PROCESS*OF*COLONIZATION

CONSIDERED*FROM*ONE*SIDE,*COLONIZATION,*WHATEVER*THE*MOTIVES*OF*THE
EMIGRANTS,*WAS*AN*ECONOMIC*MATTER.*IT*INVOLVED*THE*USE*OF*CAPITAL*TO*PAY
FOR*THEIR*PASSAGE,*TO*SUSTAIN*THEM*ON*THE*VOYAGE,*AND*TO*START*THEM*ON
THE*WAY*OF*PRODUCTION.*UNDER*THIS*STERN*ECONOMIC*NECESSITY,*PURITANS,
SCOTCH-IRISH,*GERMANS,*AND*ALL*WERE*ALIKE*LAID.

=IMMIGRANTS*WHO*PAID*THEIR*OWN*WAY.=--MANY*OF*THE*IMMIGRANTS*TO*AMERICA
IN*COLONIAL*DAYS*WERE*CAPITALISTS*THEMSELVES,*IN*A*SMALL*OR*A*LARGE*WAY,
AND*PAID*THEIR*OWN*PASSAGE.*WHAT*PROPORTION*OF*THE*COLONISTS*WERE*ABLE
TO*FINANCE*THEIR*VOYAGE*ACROSS*THE*SEA*IS*A*MATTER*OF*PURE*CONJECTURE.
UNDOUBTEDLY*A*VERY*CONSIDERABLE*NUMBER*COULD*DO*SO,*FOR*WE*CAN*TRACE*THE
FAMILY*FORTUNES*OF*MANY*EARLY*SETTLERS.*HENRY*CABOT*LODGE*IS*AUTHORITY
FOR*THE*STATEMENT*THAT*"THE*SETTLERS*OF*NEW*ENGLAND*WERE*DRAWN*FROM*THE
COUNTRY*GENTLEMEN,*SMALL*FARMERS,*AND*YEOMANRY*OF*THE*MOTHER
COUNTRY....*MANY*OF*THE*EMIGRANTS*WERE*MEN*OF*WEALTH,*AS*THE*OLD*LISTS
SHOW,*AND*ALL*OF*THEM,*WITH*FEW*EXCEPTIONS,*WERE*MEN*OF*PROPERTY*AND
GOOD*STANDING.*THEY*DID*NOT*BELONG*TO*THE*CLASSES*FROM*WHICH*EMIGRATION
IS*USUALLY*SUPPLIED,*FOR*THEY*ALL*HAD*A*STAKE*IN*THE*COUNTRY*THEY*LEFT
BEHIND."*THOUGH*IT*WOULD*BE*INTERESTING*TO*KNOW*HOW*ACCURATE*THIS
STATEMENT*IS*OR*HOW*APPLICABLE*TO*THE*OTHER*COLONIES,*NO*STUDY*HAS*AS
YET*BEEN*MADE*TO*GRATIFY*THAT*INTEREST.*FOR*THE*PRESENT*IT*IS*AN
UNSOLVED*PROBLEM*JUST*HOW*MANY*OF*THE*COLONISTS*WERE*ABLE*TO*BEAR*THE
COST*OF*THEIR*OWN*TRANSFER*TO*THE*NEW*WORLD.

=INDENTURED*SERVANTS.=--THAT*AT*LEAST*TENS*OF*THOUSANDS*OF*IMMIGRANTS
WERE*UNABLE*TO*PAY*FOR*THEIR*PASSAGE*IS*ESTABLISHED*BEYOND*THE*SHADOW*OF
A*DOUBT*BY*THE*SHIPPING*RECORDS*THAT*HAVE*COME*DOWN*TO*US.*THE*GREAT
BARRIER*IN*THE*WAY*OF*THE*POOR*WHO*WANTED*TO*GO*TO*AMERICA*WAS*THE*COST
OF*THE*SEA*VOYAGE.*TO*OVERCOME*THIS*DIFFICULTY*A*PLAN*WAS*WORKED*OUT
WHEREBY*SHIPOWNERS*AND*OTHER*PERSONS*OF*MEANS*FURNISHED*THE*PASSAGE
MONEY*TO*IMMIGRANTS*IN*RETURN*FOR*THEIR*PROMISE,*OR*BOND,*TO*WORK*FOR*A
TERM*OF*YEARS*TO*REPAY*THE*SUM*ADVANCED.*THIS*SYSTEM*WAS*CALLED
INDENTURED*SERVITUDE.

IT*IS*PROBABLE*THAT*THE*NUMBER*OF*BOND*SERVANTS*EXCEEDED*THE*ORIGINAL
TWENTY*THOUSAND*PURITANS,*THE*YEOMEN,*THE*VIRGINIA*GENTLEMEN,*AND*THE
HUGUENOTS*COMBINED.*ALL*THE*WAY*DOWN*THE*COAST*FROM*MASSACHUSETTS*TO
GEORGIA*WERE*TO*BE*FOUND*IN*THE*FIELDS,*KITCHENS,*AND*WORKSHOPS,*MEN,
WOMEN,*AND*CHILDREN*SERVING*OUT*TERMS*OF*BONDAGE*GENERALLY*RANGING*FROM
FIVE*TO*SEVEN*YEARS.*IN*THE*PROPRIETARY*COLONIES*THE*PROPORTION*OF*BOND
SERVANTS*WAS*VERY*HIGH.*THE*BALTIMORES,*PENNS,*CARTERETS,*AND*OTHER
PROMOTERS*ANXIOUSLY*SOUGHT*FOR*WORKERS*OF*EVERY*NATIONALITY*TO*TILL
THEIR*FIELDS,*FOR*LAND*WITHOUT*LABOR*WAS*WORTH*NO*MORE*THAN*LAND*IN*THE
MOON.*HENCE*THE*GATES*OF*THE*PROPRIETARY*COLONIES*WERE*FLUNG*WIDE*OPEN.
EVERY*INDUCEMENT*WAS*OFFERED*TO*IMMIGRANTS*IN*THE*FORM*OF*CHEAP*LAND,
AND*SPECIAL*EFFORTS*WERE*MADE*TO*INCREASE*THE*POPULATION*BY*IMPORTING
SERVANTS.*IN*PENNSYLVANIA,*IT*WAS*NOT*UNCOMMON*TO*FIND*A*MASTER*WITH
FIFTY*BOND*SERVANTS*ON*HIS*ESTATE.*IT*HAS*BEEN*ESTIMATED*THAT*TWO-THIRDS
OF*ALL*THE*IMMIGRANTS*INTO*PENNSYLVANIA*BETWEEN*THE*OPENING*OF*THE
EIGHTEENTH*CENTURY*AND*THE*OUTBREAK*OF*THE*REVOLUTION*WERE*IN*BONDAGE.
IN*THE*OTHER*MIDDLE*COLONIES*THE*NUMBER*WAS*DOUBTLESS*NOT*SO*LARGE;*BUT
IT*FORMED*A*CONSIDERABLE*PART*OF*THE*POPULATION.

THE*STORY*OF*THIS*TRAFFIC*IN*WHITE*SERVANTS*IS*ONE*OF*THE*MOST*STRIKING
THINGS*IN*THE*HISTORY*OF*LABOR.*BONDMEN*DIFFERED*FROM*THE*SERFS*OF*THE
FEUDAL*AGE*IN*THAT*THEY*WERE*NOT*BOUND*TO*THE*SOIL*BUT*TO*THE*MASTER.
THEY*LIKEWISE*DIFFERED*FROM*THE*NEGRO*SLAVES*IN*THAT*THEIR*SERVITUDE*HAD
A*TIME*LIMIT.*STILL*THEY*WERE*SUBJECT*TO*MANY*SPECIAL*DISABILITIES.*IT
WAS,*FOR*INSTANCE,*A*COMMON*PRACTICE*TO*IMPOSE*ON*THEM*PENALTIES*FAR
HEAVIER*THAN*WERE*IMPOSED*UPON*FREEMEN*FOR*THE*SAME*OFFENSE.*A*FREE
CITIZEN*OF*PENNSYLVANIA*WHO*INDULGED*IN*HORSE*RACING*AND*GAMBLING*WAS
LET*OFF*WITH*A*FINE;*A*WHITE*SERVANT*GUILTY*OF*THE*SAME*UNLAWFUL*CONDUCT
WAS*WHIPPED*AT*THE*POST*AND*FINED*AS*WELL.

THE*ORDINARY*LIFE*OF*THE*WHITE*SERVANT*WAS*ALSO*SEVERELY*RESTRICTED.*A
BONDMAN*COULD*NOT*MARRY*WITHOUT*HIS*MASTER'S*CONSENT;*NOR*ENGAGE*IN
TRADE;*NOR*REFUSE*WORK*ASSIGNED*TO*HIM.*FOR*AN*ATTEMPT*TO*ESCAPE*OR
INDEED*FOR*ANY*INFRACTION*OF*THE*LAW,*THE*TERM*OF*SERVICE*WAS*EXTENDED.
THE*CONDITION*OF*WHITE*BONDMEN*IN*VIRGINIA,*ACCORDING*TO*LODGE,*"WAS
LITTLE*BETTER*THAN*THAT*OF*SLAVES.*LOOSE*INDENTURES*AND*HARSH*LAWS*PUT
THEM*AT*THE*MERCY*OF*THEIR*MASTERS."*IT*WOULD*NOT*BE*UNFAIR*TO*ADD*THAT
SUCH*WAS*THEIR*LOT*IN*ALL*OTHER*COLONIES.*THEIR*FATE*DEPENDED*UPON*THE
TEMPER*OF*THEIR*MASTERS.

CRUEL*AS*WAS*THE*SYSTEM*IN*MANY*WAYS,*IT*GAVE*THOUSANDS*OF*PEOPLE*IN*THE
OLD*WORLD*A*CHANCE*TO*REACH*THE*NEW--AN*OPPORTUNITY*TO*WRESTLE*WITH*FATE
FOR*FREEDOM*AND*A*HOME*OF*THEIR*OWN.*WHEN*THEIR*WEARY*YEARS*OF*SERVITUDE
WERE*OVER,*IF*THEY*SURVIVED,*THEY*MIGHT*OBTAIN*LAND*OF*THEIR*OWN*OR
SETTLE*AS*FREE*MECHANICS*IN*THE*TOWNS.*FOR*MANY*A*BONDMAN*THE*GAMBLE
PROVED*TO*BE*A*LOSING*VENTURE*BECAUSE*HE*FOUND*HIMSELF*UNABLE*TO*RISE
OUT*OF*THE*STATE*OF*POVERTY*AND*DEPENDENCE*INTO*WHICH*HIS*SERVITUDE
CARRIED*HIM.*FOR*THOUSANDS,*ON*THE*CONTRARY,*BONDAGE*PROVED*TO*BE*A*REAL
AVENUE*TO*FREEDOM*AND*PROSPERITY.*SOME*OF*THE*BEST*CITIZENS*OF*AMERICA
HAVE*THE*BLOOD*OF*INDENTURED*SERVANTS*IN*THEIR*VEINS.

=THE*TRANSPORTED--INVOLUNTARY*SERVITUDE.=--IN*THEIR*ANXIETY*TO*SECURE
SETTLERS,*THE*COMPANIES*AND*PROPRIETORS*HAVING*COLONIES*IN*AMERICA
EITHER*RESORTED*TO*OR*CONNIVED*AT*THE*PRACTICE*OF*KIDNAPPING*MEN,*WOMEN,
AND*CHILDREN*FROM*THE*STREETS*OF*ENGLISH*CITIES.*IN*1680*IT*WAS
OFFICIALLY*ESTIMATED*THAT*"TEN*THOUSAND*PERSONS*WERE*SPIRITED*AWAY"*TO
AMERICA.*MANY*OF*THE*VICTIMS*OF*THE*PRACTICE*WERE*YOUNG*CHILDREN,*FOR
THE*TRAFFIC*IN*THEM*WAS*HIGHLY*PROFITABLE.*ORPHANS*AND*DEPENDENTS*WERE
SOMETIMES*DISPOSED*OF*IN*AMERICA*BY*RELATIVES*UNWILLING*TO*SUPPORT*THEM.
IN*A*SINGLE*YEAR,*1627,*ABOUT*FIFTEEN*HUNDRED*CHILDREN*WERE*SHIPPED*TO
VIRGINIA.

IN*THIS*GRUESOME*BUSINESS*THERE*LURKED*MANY*TRAGEDIES,*AND*VERY*FEW
ROMANCES.*PARENTS*WERE*SEPARATED*FROM*THEIR*CHILDREN*AND*HUSBANDS*FROM
THEIR*WIVES.*HUNDREDS*OF*SKILLED*ARTISANS--CARPENTERS,*SMITHS,*AND
WEAVERS--UTTERLY*DISAPPEARED*AS*IF*SWALLOWED*UP*BY*DEATH.*A*FEW*THUS
DRAGGED*OFF*TO*THE*NEW*WORLD*TO*BE*SOLD*INTO*SERVITUDE*FOR*A*TERM*OF
FIVE*OR*SEVEN*YEARS*LATER*BECAME*PROSPEROUS*AND*RETURNED*HOME*WITH
FORTUNES.*IN*ONE*CASE*A*YOUNG*MAN*WHO*WAS*FORCIBLY*CARRIED*OVER*THE*SEA
LIVED*TO*MAKE*HIS*WAY*BACK*TO*ENGLAND*AND*ESTABLISH*HIS*CLAIM*TO*A
PEERAGE.

AKIN*TO*THE*KIDNAPPED,*AT*LEAST*IN*ECONOMIC*POSITION,*WERE*CONVICTS
DEPORTED*TO*THE*COLONIES*FOR*LIFE*IN*LIEU*OF*FINES*AND*IMPRISONMENT.*THE
AMERICANS*PROTESTED*VIGOROUSLY*BUT*INEFFECTUALLY*AGAINST*THIS*PRACTICE.
INDEED,*THEY*EXAGGERATED*ITS*EVILS,*FOR*MANY*OF*THE*"CRIMINALS"*WERE
ONLY*MILD*OFFENDERS*AGAINST*UNDULY*HARSH*AND*CRUEL*LAWS.*A*PEASANT
CAUGHT*SHOOTING*A*RABBIT*ON*A*LORD'S*ESTATE*OR*A*LUCKLESS*SERVANT*GIRL
WHO*PURLOINED*A*POCKET*HANDKERCHIEF*WAS*BRANDED*AS*A*CRIMINAL*ALONG*WITH
STURDY*THIEVES*AND*INCORRIGIBLE*RASCALS.*OTHER*TRANSPORTED*OFFENDERS
WERE*"POLITICAL*CRIMINALS";*THAT*IS,*PERSONS*WHO*CRITICIZED*OR*OPPOSED
THE*GOVERNMENT.*THIS*CLASS*INCLUDED*NOW*IRISH*WHO*REVOLTED*AGAINST
BRITISH*RULE*IN*IRELAND;*NOW*CAVALIERS*WHO*CHAMPIONED*THE*KING*AGAINST
THE*PURITAN*REVOLUTIONISTS;*PURITANS,*IN*TURN,*DISPATCHED*AFTER*THE
MONARCHY*WAS*RESTORED;*AND*SCOTCH*AND*ENGLISH*SUBJECTS*IN*GENERAL*WHO
JOINED*IN*POLITICAL*UPRISINGS*AGAINST*THE*KING.

=THE*AFRICAN*SLAVES.=--RIVALING*IN*NUMBERS,*IN*THE*COURSE*OF*TIME,*THE
INDENTURED*SERVANTS*AND*WHITES*CARRIED*TO*AMERICA*AGAINST*THEIR*WILL
WERE*THE*AFRICAN*NEGROES*BROUGHT*TO*AMERICA*AND*SOLD*INTO*SLAVERY.*WHEN
THIS*FORM*OF*BONDAGE*WAS*FIRST*INTRODUCED*INTO*VIRGINIA*IN*1619,*IT*WAS
LOOKED*UPON*AS*A*TEMPORARY*NECESSITY*TO*BE*DISCARDED*WITH*THE*INCREASE
OF*THE*WHITE*POPULATION.*MOREOVER*IT*DOES*NOT*APPEAR*THAT*THOSE*PLANTERS
WHO*FIRST*BOUGHT*NEGROES*AT*THE*AUCTION*BLOCK*INTENDED*TO*ESTABLISH*A
SYSTEM*OF*PERMANENT*BONDAGE.*ONLY*BY*A*SLOW*PROCESS*DID*CHATTEL*SLAVERY
TAKE*FIRM*ROOT*AND*BECOME*RECOGNIZED*AS*THE*LEADING*SOURCE*OF*THE*LABOR
SUPPLY.*IN*1650,*THIRTY*YEARS*AFTER*THE*INTRODUCTION*OF*SLAVERY,*THERE
WERE*ONLY*THREE*HUNDRED*AFRICANS*IN*VIRGINIA.

THE*GREAT*INCREASE*IN*LATER*YEARS*WAS*DUE*IN*NO*SMALL*MEASURE*TO*THE
INORDINATE*ZEAL*FOR*PROFITS*THAT*SEIZED*SLAVE*TRADERS*BOTH*IN*OLD*AND*IN
NEW*ENGLAND.*FINDING*IT*RELATIVELY*EASY*TO*SECURE*NEGROES*IN*AFRICA,
THEY*CROWDED*THE*SOUTHERN*PORTS*WITH*THEIR*VESSELS.*THE*ENGLISH*ROYAL
AFRICAN*COMPANY*SENT*TO*AMERICA*ANNUALLY*BETWEEN*1713*AND*1743*FROM*FIVE
TO*TEN*THOUSAND*SLAVES.*THE*SHIP*OWNERS*OF*NEW*ENGLAND*WERE*NOT*FAR
BEHIND*THEIR*ENGLISH*BRETHREN*IN*PUSHING*THIS*EXTRAORDINARY*TRAFFIC.

AS*THE*PROPORTION*OF*THE*NEGROES*TO*THE*FREE*WHITE*POPULATION*STEADILY
ROSE,*AND*AS*WHOLE*SECTIONS*WERE*OVERRUN*WITH*SLAVES*AND*SLAVE*TRADERS,
THE*SOUTHERN*COLONIES*GREW*ALARMED.*IN*1710,*VIRGINIA*SOUGHT*TO*CURTAIL
THE*IMPORTATION*BY*PLACING*A*DUTY*OF*$5*ON*EACH*SLAVE.*THIS*EFFORT*WAS
FUTILE,*FOR*THE*ROYAL*GOVERNOR*PROMPTLY*VETOED*IT.*FROM*TIME*TO*TIME
SIMILAR*BILLS*WERE*PASSED,*ONLY*TO*MEET*WITH*ROYAL*DISAPPROVAL.*SOUTH
CAROLINA,*IN*1760,*ABSOLUTELY*PROHIBITED*IMPORTATION;*BUT*THE*MEASURE
WAS*KILLED*BY*THE*BRITISH*CROWN.*AS*LATE*AS*1772,*VIRGINIA,*NOT*DAUNTED
BY*A*CENTURY*OF*REBUFFS,*SENT*TO*GEORGE*III*A*PETITION*IN*THIS*VEIN:
"THE*IMPORTATION*OF*SLAVES*INTO*THE*COLONIES*FROM*THE*COAST*OF*AFRICA
HATH*LONG*BEEN*CONSIDERED*AS*A*TRADE*OF*GREAT*INHUMANITY*AND*UNDER*ITS
PRESENT*ENCOURAGEMENT,*WE*HAVE*TOO*MUCH*REASON*TO*FEAR,*WILL*ENDANGER
THE*VERY*EXISTENCE*OF*YOUR*MAJESTY'S*AMERICAN*DOMINIONS....*DEEPLY
IMPRESSED*WITH*THESE*SENTIMENTS,*WE*MOST*HUMBLY*BESEECH*YOUR*MAJESTY*TO
REMOVE*ALL*THOSE*RESTRAINTS*ON*YOUR*MAJESTY'S*GOVERNORS*OF*THIS*COLONY
WHICH*INHIBIT*THEIR*ASSENTING*TO*SUCH*LAWS*AS*MIGHT*CHECK*SO*VERY
PERNICIOUS*A*COMMERCE."

ALL*SUCH*PROTESTS*WERE*WITHOUT*AVAIL.*THE*NEGRO*POPULATION*GREW*BY*LEAPS
AND*BOUNDS,*UNTIL*ON*THE*EVE*OF*THE*REVOLUTION*IT*AMOUNTED*TO*MORE*THAN
HALF*A*MILLION.*IN*FIVE*STATES--MARYLAND,*VIRGINIA,*THE*TWO*CAROLINAS,
AND*GEORGIA--THE*SLAVES*NEARLY*EQUALLED*OR*ACTUALLY*EXCEEDED*THE*WHITES
IN*NUMBER.*IN*SOUTH*CAROLINA*THEY*FORMED*ALMOST*TWO-THIRDS*OF*THE
POPULATION.*EVEN*IN*THE*MIDDLE*COLONIES*OF*DELAWARE*AND*PENNSYLVANIA
ABOUT*ONE-FIFTH*OF*THE*INHABITANTS*WERE*FROM*AFRICA.*TO*THE*NORTH,*THE
PROPORTION*OF*SLAVES*STEADILY*DIMINISHED*ALTHOUGH*CHATTEL*SERVITUDE*WAS
ON*THE*SAME*LEGAL*FOOTING*AS*IN*THE*SOUTH.*IN*NEW*YORK*APPROXIMATELY*ONE
IN*SIX*AND*IN*NEW*ENGLAND*ONE*IN*FIFTY*WERE*NEGROES,*INCLUDING*A*FEW
FREEDMEN.

THE*CLIMATE,*THE*SOIL,*THE*COMMERCE,*AND*THE*INDUSTRY*OF*THE*NORTH*WERE
ALL*UNFAVORABLE*TO*THE*GROWTH*OF*A*SERVILE*POPULATION.*STILL,*SLAVERY,
THOUGH*SECTIONAL,*WAS*A*PART*OF*THE*NATIONAL*SYSTEM*OF*ECONOMY.*NORTHERN
SHIPS*CARRIED*SLAVES*TO*THE*SOUTHERN*COLONIES*AND*THE*PRODUCE*OF*THE
PLANTATIONS*TO*EUROPE.*"IF*THE*NORTHERN*STATES*WILL*CONSULT*THEIR
INTEREST,*THEY*WILL*NOT*OPPOSE*THE*INCREASE*IN*SLAVES*WHICH*WILL
INCREASE*THE*COMMODITIES*OF*WHICH*THEY*WILL*BECOME*THE*CARRIERS,"*SAID
JOHN*RUTLEDGE,*OF*SOUTH*CAROLINA,*IN*THE*CONVENTION*WHICH*FRAMED*THE
CONSTITUTION*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES.*"WHAT*ENRICHES*A*PART*ENRICHES*THE
WHOLE*AND*THE*STATES*ARE*THE*BEST*JUDGES*OF*THEIR*PARTICULAR*INTEREST,"
RESPONDED*OLIVER*ELLSWORTH,*THE*DISTINGUISHED*SPOKESMAN*OF*CONNECTICUT.

=REFERENCES=

E.*CHARMING,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,*VOLS.*I*AND*II.

J.A.*DOYLE,*_THE*ENGLISH*COLONIES*IN*AMERICA_*(5*VOLS.).

J.*FISKE,*_OLD*VIRGINIA*AND*HER*NEIGHBORS_*(2*VOLS.).

A.B.*FAUST,*_THE*GERMAN*ELEMENT*IN*THE*UNITED*STATES_*(2*VOLS.).

H.J.*FORD,*_THE*SCOTCH-IRISH*IN*AMERICA_.

L.*TYLER,*_ENGLAND*IN*AMERICA_*(AMERICAN*NATION*SERIES).

R.*USHER,*_THE*PILGRIMS*AND*THEIR*HISTORY_.


=QUESTIONS=

1.*AMERICA*HAS*BEEN*CALLED*A*NATION*OF*IMMIGRANTS.*EXPLAIN*WHY.

2.*WHY*WERE*INDIVIDUALS*UNABLE*TO*GO*ALONE*TO*AMERICA*IN*THE*BEGINNING?
WHAT*AGENCIES*MADE*COLONIZATION*POSSIBLE?*DISCUSS*EACH*OF*THEM.

3.*MAKE*A*TABLE*OF*THE*COLONIES,*SHOWING*THE*METHODS*EMPLOYED*IN*THEIR
SETTLEMENT.

4.*WHY*WERE*CAPITAL*AND*LEADERSHIP*SO*VERY*IMPORTANT*IN*EARLY
COLONIZATION?

5.*WHAT*IS*MEANT*BY*THE*"MELTING*POT"?*WHAT*NATIONALITIES*WERE
REPRESENTED*AMONG*THE*EARLY*COLONISTS?

6.*COMPARE*THE*WAY*IMMIGRANTS*COME*TO-DAY*WITH*THE*WAY*THEY*CAME*IN
COLONIAL*TIMES.

7.*CONTRAST*INDENTURED*SERVITUDE*WITH*SLAVERY*AND*SERFDOM.

8.*ACCOUNT*FOR*THE*ANXIETY*OF*COMPANIES*AND*PROPRIETORS*TO*SECURE
COLONISTS.

9.*WHAT*FORCES*FAVORED*THE*HEAVY*IMPORTATION*OF*SLAVES?

10.*IN*WHAT*WAY*DID*THE*NORTH*DERIVE*ADVANTAGES*FROM*SLAVERY?


=RESEARCH*TOPICS=

=THE*CHARTERED*COMPANY.=--COMPARE*THE*FIRST*AND*THIRD*CHARTERS*OF
VIRGINIA*IN*MACDONALD,*_DOCUMENTARY*SOURCE*BOOK*OF*AMERICAN*HISTORY_,
1606-1898,*PP.*1-14.*ANALYZE*THE*FIRST*AND*SECOND*MASSACHUSETTS*CHARTERS
IN*MACDONALD,*PP.*22-84.*SPECIAL*REFERENCE:*W.A.S.*HEWINS,*_ENGLISH
TRADING*COMPANIES_.

=CONGREGATIONS*AND*COMPACTS*FOR*SELF-GOVERNMENT.=--A*STUDY*OF*THE
MAYFLOWER*COMPACT,*THE*FUNDAMENTAL*ORDERS*OF*CONNECTICUT*AND*THE
FUNDAMENTAL*ARTICLES*OF*NEW*HAVEN*IN*MACDONALD,*PP.*19,*36,*39.
REFERENCE:*CHARLES*BORGEAUD,*_RISE*OF*MODERN*DEMOCRACY_,*AND*C.S.
LOBINGIER,*_THE*PEOPLE'S*LAW_,*CHAPS.*I-VII.

=THE*PROPRIETARY*SYSTEM.=--ANALYSIS*OF*PENN'S*CHARTER*OF*1681,*IN
MACDONALD,*P.*80.*REFERENCE:*LODGE,*_SHORT*HISTORY*OF*THE*ENGLISH
COLONIES*IN*AMERICA_,*P.*211.

=STUDIES*OF*INDIVIDUAL*COLONIES.=--REVIEW*OF*OUTSTANDING*EVENTS*IN
HISTORY*OF*EACH*COLONY,*USING*ELSON,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,*PP.
55-159,*AS*THE*BASIS.

=BIOGRAPHICAL*STUDIES.=--JOHN*SMITH,*JOHN*WINTHROP,*WILLIAM*PENN,*LORD
BALTIMORE,*WILLIAM*BRADFORD,*ROGER*WILLIAMS,*ANNE*HUTCHINSON,*THOMAS
HOOKER,*AND*PETER*STUYVESANT,*USING*ANY*GOOD*ENCYCLOPEDIA.

=INDENTURED*SERVITUDE.=--IN*VIRGINIA,*LODGE,*_SHORT*HISTORY_,*PP.*69-72;
IN*PENNSYLVANIA,*PP.*242-244.*CONTEMPORARY*ACCOUNT*IN*CALLENDER,
_ECONOMIC*HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,*PP.*44-51.*SPECIAL*REFERENCE:
KARL*GEISER,*_REDEMPTIONERS*AND*INDENTURED*SERVANTS_*(YALE*REVIEW,*X,
NO.*2*SUPPLEMENT).

=SLAVERY.=--IN*VIRGINIA,*LODGE,*_SHORT*HISTORY_,*PP.*67-69;*IN*THE
NORTHERN*COLONIES,*PP.*241,*275,*322,*408,*442.

=THE*PEOPLE*OF*THE*COLONIES.=--VIRGINIA,*LODGE,*_SHORT*HISTORY_,*PP.
67-73;*NEW*ENGLAND,*PP.*406-409,*441-450;*PENNSYLVANIA,*PP.*227-229,
240-250;*NEW*YORK,*PP.*312-313,*322-335.




CHAPTER*II

COLONIAL*AGRICULTURE,*INDUSTRY,*AND*COMMERCE

THE*LAND*AND*THE*WESTWARD*MOVEMENT


=THE*SIGNIFICANCE*OF*LAND*TENURE.=--THE*WAY*IN*WHICH*LAND*MAY*BE
ACQUIRED,*HELD,*DIVIDED*AMONG*HEIRS,*AND*BOUGHT*AND*SOLD*EXERCISES*A
DEEP*INFLUENCE*ON*THE*LIFE*AND*CULTURE*OF*A*PEOPLE.*THE*FEUDAL*AND
ARISTOCRATIC*SOCIETIES*OF*EUROPE*WERE*FOUNDED*ON*A*SYSTEM*OF*LANDLORDISM
WHICH*WAS*CHARACTERIZED*BY*TWO*DISTINCT*FEATURES.*IN*THE*FIRST*PLACE,
THE*LAND*WAS*NEARLY*ALL*HELD*IN*GREAT*ESTATES,*EACH*OWNED*BY*A*SINGLE
PROPRIETOR.*IN*THE*SECOND*PLACE,*EVERY*ESTATE*WAS*KEPT*INTACT*UNDER*THE
LAW*OF*PRIMOGENITURE,*WHICH*AT*THE*DEATH*OF*A*LORD*TRANSFERRED*ALL*HIS
LANDED*PROPERTY*TO*HIS*ELDEST*SON.*THIS*PREVENTED*THE*SUBDIVISION*OF
ESTATES*AND*THE*GROWTH*OF*A*LARGE*BODY*OF*SMALL*FARMERS*OR*FREEHOLDERS
OWNING*THEIR*OWN*LAND.*IT*MADE*A*FORM*OF*TENANTRY*OR*SERVITUDE
INEVITABLE*FOR*THE*MASS*OF*THOSE*WHO*LABORED*ON*THE*LAND.*IT*ALSO
ENABLED*THE*LANDLORDS*TO*MAINTAIN*THEMSELVES*IN*POWER*AS*A*GOVERNING
CLASS*AND*KEPT*THE*TENANTS*AND*LABORERS*SUBJECT*TO*THEIR*ECONOMIC*AND
POLITICAL*CONTROL.*IF*LAND*TENURE*WAS*SO*SIGNIFICANT*IN*EUROPE,*IT*WAS
EQUALLY*IMPORTANT*IN*THE*DEVELOPMENT*OF*AMERICA,*WHERE*PRACTICALLY*ALL
THE*FIRST*IMMIGRANTS*WERE*FORCED*BY*CIRCUMSTANCES*TO*DERIVE*THEIR
LIVELIHOOD*FROM*THE*SOIL.

=EXPERIMENTS*IN*COMMON*TILLAGE.=--IN*THE*NEW*WORLD,*WITH*ITS*BROAD
EXTENT*OF*LAND*AWAITING*THE*WHITE*MAN'S*PLOW,*IT*WAS*IMPOSSIBLE*TO
INTRODUCE*IN*ITS*ENTIRETY*AND*OVER*THE*WHOLE*AREA*THE*SYSTEM*OF*LORDS
AND*TENANTS*THAT*EXISTED*ACROSS*THE*SEA.*SO*IT*HAPPENED*THAT*ALMOST
EVERY*KIND*OF*EXPERIMENT*IN*LAND*TENURE,*FROM*COMMUNISM*TO*FEUDALISM,
WAS*TRIED.*IN*THE*EARLY*DAYS*OF*THE*JAMESTOWN*COLONY,*THE*LAND,*THOUGH
OWNED*BY*THE*LONDON*COMPANY,*WAS*TILLED*IN*COMMON*BY*THE*SETTLERS.*NO
MAN*HAD*A*SEPARATE*PLOT*OF*HIS*OWN.*THE*MOTTO*OF*THE*COMMUNITY*WAS:
"LABOR*AND*SHARE*ALIKE."*ALL*WERE*SUPPOSED*TO*WORK*IN*THE*FIELDS*AND
RECEIVE*AN*EQUAL*SHARE*OF*THE*PRODUCE.*AT*PLYMOUTH,*THE*PILGRIMS
ATTEMPTED*A*SIMILAR*EXPERIMENT,*LAYING*OUT*THE*FIELDS*IN*COMMON*AND
DISTRIBUTING*THE*JOINT*PRODUCE*OF*THEIR*LABOR*WITH*ROUGH*EQUALITY*AMONG
THE*WORKERS.

IN*BOTH*COLONIES*THE*COMMUNISTIC*EXPERIMENTS*WERE*FAILURES.*ANGRY*AT*THE
LAZY*MEN*IN*JAMESTOWN*WHO*IDLED*THEIR*TIME*AWAY*AND*YET*EXPECTED*REGULAR
MEALS,*CAPTAIN*JOHN*SMITH*ISSUED*A*MANIFESTO:*"EVERYONE*THAT*GATHERETH
NOT*EVERY*DAY*AS*MUCH*AS*I*DO,*THE*NEXT*DAY*SHALL*BE*SET*BEYOND*THE
RIVER*AND*FOREVER*BANISHED*FROM*THE*FORT*AND*LIVE*THERE*OR*STARVE."*EVEN
THIS*TERRIBLE*THREAT*DID*NOT*BRING*A*CHANGE*IN*PRODUCTION.*NOT*UNTIL
EACH*MAN*WAS*GIVEN*A*PLOT*OF*HIS*OWN*TO*TILL,*NOT*UNTIL*EACH*GATHERED
THE*FRUITS*OF*HIS*OWN*LABOR,*DID*THE*COLONY*PROSPER.*IN*PLYMOUTH,*WHERE
THE*COMMUNAL*EXPERIMENT*LASTED*FOR*FIVE*YEARS,*THE*RESULTS*WERE*SIMILAR
TO*THOSE*IN*VIRGINIA,*AND*THE*SYSTEM*WAS*GIVEN*UP*FOR*ONE*OF*SEPARATE
FIELDS*IN*WHICH*EVERY*PERSON*COULD*"SET*CORN*FOR*HIS*OWN*PARTICULAR."
SOME*OTHER*NEW*ENGLAND*TOWNS,*REFUSING*TO*PROFIT*BY*THE*EXPERIENCE*OF
THEIR*PLYMOUTH*NEIGHBOR,*ALSO*MADE*EXCURSIONS*INTO*COMMON*OWNERSHIP*AND
LABOR,*ONLY*TO*ABANDON*THE*IDEA*AND*GO*IN*FOR*INDIVIDUAL*OWNERSHIP*OF
THE*LAND.*"BY*DEGREES*IT*WAS*SEEN*THAT*EVEN*THE*LORD'S*PEOPLE*COULD*NOT
CARRY*THE*COMPLICATED*COMMUNIST*LEGISLATION*INTO*PERFECT*AND*WHOLESOME
PRACTICE."

=FEUDAL*ELEMENTS*IN*THE*COLONIES--QUIT*RENTS,*MANORS,*AND
PLANTATIONS.=--AT*THE*OTHER*END*OF*THE*SCALE*WERE*THE*FEUDAL*ELEMENTS*OF
LAND*TENURE*FOUND*IN*THE*PROPRIETARY*COLONIES,*IN*THE*SEABOARD*REGIONS
OF*THE*SOUTH,*AND*TO*SOME*EXTENT*IN*NEW*YORK.*THE*PROPRIETOR*WAS*IN*FACT
A*POWERFUL*FEUDAL*LORD,*OWNING*LAND*GRANTED*TO*HIM*BY*ROYAL*CHARTER.*HE
COULD*RETAIN*ANY*PART*OF*IT*FOR*HIS*PERSONAL*USE*OR*DISPOSE*OF*IT*ALL*IN
LARGE*OR*SMALL*LOTS.*WHILE*HE*GENERALLY*KEPT*FOR*HIMSELF*AN*ESTATE*OF
BARONIAL*PROPORTIONS,*IT*WAS*IMPOSSIBLE*FOR*HIM*TO*MANAGE*DIRECTLY*ANY
CONSIDERABLE*PART*OF*THE*LAND*IN*HIS*DOMINION.*CONSEQUENTLY*HE*EITHER
SOLD*IT*IN*PARCELS*FOR*LUMP*SUMS*OR*GRANTED*IT*TO*INDIVIDUALS*ON
CONDITION*THAT*THEY*MAKE*TO*HIM*AN*ANNUAL*PAYMENT*IN*MONEY,*KNOWN*AS
"QUIT*RENT."*IN*MARYLAND,*THE*PROPRIETOR*SOMETIMES*COLLECTED*AS*HIGH*AS
$9000*(EQUAL*TO*ABOUT*$500,000*TO-DAY)*IN*A*SINGLE*YEAR*FROM*THIS
SOURCE.*IN*PENNSYLVANIA,*THE*QUIT*RENTS*BROUGHT*A*HANDSOME*ANNUAL
TRIBUTE*INTO*THE*EXCHEQUER*OF*THE*PENN*FAMILY.*IN*THE*ROYAL*PROVINCES,
THE*KING*OF*ENGLAND*CLAIMED*ALL*REVENUES*COLLECTED*IN*THIS*FORM*FROM*THE
LAND,*A*SUM*AMOUNTING*TO*$19,000*AT*THE*TIME*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.*THE*QUIT
RENT,--"REALLY*A*FEUDAL*PAYMENT*FROM*FREEHOLDERS,"--WAS*THUS*A*MATERIAL
SOURCE*OF*INCOME*FOR*THE*CROWN*AS*WELL*AS*FOR*THE*PROPRIETORS.*WHEREVER
IT*WAS*LAID,*HOWEVER,*IT*PROVED*TO*BE*A*BURDEN,*A*SOURCE*OF*CONSTANT
IRRITATION;*AND*IT*BECAME*A*FORMIDABLE*ITEM*IN*THE*LONG*LIST*OF
GRIEVANCES*WHICH*LED*TO*THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION.

SOMETHING*STILL*MORE*LIKE*THE*FEUDAL*SYSTEM*OF*THE*OLD*WORLD*APPEARED*IN
THE*NUMEROUS*MANORS*OR*THE*HUGE*LANDED*ESTATES*GRANTED*BY*THE*CROWN,*THE
COMPANIES,*OR*THE*PROPRIETORS.*IN*THE*COLONY*OF*MARYLAND*ALONE*THERE
WERE*SIXTY*MANORS*OF*THREE*THOUSAND*ACRES*EACH,*OWNED*BY*WEALTHY*MEN*AND
TILLED*BY*TENANTS*HOLDING*SMALL*PLOTS*UNDER*CERTAIN*RESTRICTIONS*OF
TENURE.*IN*NEW*YORK*ALSO*THERE*WERE*MANY*MANORS*OF*WIDE*EXTENT,*MOST*OF
WHICH*ORIGINATED*IN*THE*DAYS*OF*THE*DUTCH*WEST*INDIA*COMPANY,*WHEN
EXTENSIVE*CONCESSIONS*WERE*MADE*TO*PATROONS*TO*INDUCE*THEM*TO*BRING*OVER
SETTLERS.*THE*VAN*RENSSELAER,*THE*VAN*CORTLANDT,*AND*THE*LIVINGSTON
MANORS*WERE*SO*LARGE*AND*POPULOUS*THAT*EACH*WAS*ENTITLED*TO*SEND*A
REPRESENTATIVE*TO*THE*PROVINCIAL*LEGISLATURE.*THE*TENANTS*ON*THE*NEW
YORK*MANORS*WERE*IN*SOMEWHAT*THE*SAME*POSITION*AS*SERFS*ON*OLD*EUROPEAN
ESTATES.*THEY*WERE*BOUND*TO*PAY*THE*OWNER*A*RENT*IN*MONEY*AND*KIND;*THEY
GROUND*THEIR*GRAIN*AT*HIS*MILL;*AND*THEY*WERE*SUBJECT*TO*HIS*JUDICIAL
POWER*BECAUSE*HE*HELD*COURT*AND*METED*OUT*JUSTICE,*IN*SOME*INSTANCES
EXTENDING*TO*CAPITAL*PUNISHMENT.

THE*MANORS*OF*NEW*YORK*OR*MARYLAND*WERE,*HOWEVER,*OF*SLIGHT*CONSEQUENCE
AS*COMPARED*WITH*THE*VAST*PLANTATIONS*OF*THE*SOUTHERN*SEABOARD--HUGE
ESTATES,*FAR*WIDER*IN*EXPANSE*THAN*MANY*A*EUROPEAN*BARONY*AND*TILLED*BY
SLAVES*MORE*SERVILE*THAN*ANY*FEUDAL*TENANTS.*IT*MUST*NOT*BE*FORGOTTEN
THAT*THIS*SYSTEM*OF*LAND*TENURE*BECAME*THE*DOMINANT*FEATURE*OF*A*LARGE
SECTION*AND*GAVE*A*DECIDED*BENT*TO*THE*ECONOMIC*AND*POLITICAL*LIFE*OF
AMERICA.

[ILLUSTRATION:*SOUTHERN*PLANTATION*MANSION]

=THE*SMALL*FREEHOLD.=--IN*THE*UPLAND*REGIONS*OF*THE*SOUTH,*HOWEVER,*AND
THROUGHOUT*MOST*OF*THE*NORTH,*THE*DRIFT*WAS*AGAINST*ALL*FORMS*OF
SERVITUDE*AND*TENANTRY*AND*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*THE*FREEHOLD;*THAT*IS,
THE*SMALL*FARM*OWNED*OUTRIGHT*AND*TILLED*BY*THE*POSSESSOR*AND*HIS
FAMILY.*THIS*WAS*FAVORED*BY*NATURAL*CIRCUMSTANCES*AND*THE*SPIRIT*OF*THE
IMMIGRANTS.*FOR*ONE*THING,*THE*ABUNDANCE*OF*LAND*AND*THE*SCARCITY*OF
LABOR*MADE*IT*IMPOSSIBLE*FOR*THE*COMPANIES,*THE*PROPRIETORS,*OR*THE
CROWN*TO*DEVELOP*OVER*THE*WHOLE*CONTINENT*A*NETWORK*OF*VAST*ESTATES.*IN
MANY*SECTIONS,*PARTICULARLY*IN*NEW*ENGLAND,*THE*CLIMATE,*THE*STONY*SOIL,
THE*HILLS,*AND*THE*NARROW*VALLEYS*CONSPIRED*TO*KEEP*THE*FARMS*WITHIN*A
MODERATE*COMPASS.*FOR*ANOTHER*THING,*THE*ENGLISH,*SCOTCH-IRISH,*AND
GERMAN*PEASANTS,*EVEN*IF*THEY*HAD*BEEN*TENANTS*IN*THE*OLD*WORLD,*DID*NOT
PROPOSE*TO*ACCEPT*PERMANENT*DEPENDENCY*OF*ANY*KIND*IN*THE*NEW.*IF*THEY
COULD*NOT*GET*FREEHOLDS,*THEY*WOULD*NOT*SETTLE*AT*ALL;*THUS*THEY*FORCED
PROPRIETORS*AND*COMPANIES*TO*BID*FOR*THEIR*ENTERPRISE*BY*SELLING*LAND*IN
SMALL*LOTS.*SO*IT*HAPPENED*THAT*THE*FREEHOLD*OF*MODEST*PROPORTIONS
BECAME*THE*CHERISHED*UNIT*OF*AMERICAN*FARMERS.*THE*PEOPLE*WHO*TILLED*THE
FARMS*WERE*DRAWN*FROM*EVERY*QUARTER*OF*WESTERN*EUROPE;*BUT*THE*FREEHOLD
SYSTEM*GAVE*A*UNIFORM*CAST*TO*THEIR*ECONOMIC*AND*SOCIAL*LIFE*IN*AMERICA.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT_

A*NEW*ENGLAND*FARMHOUSE]

=SOCIAL*EFFECTS*OF*LAND*TENURE.=--LAND*TENURE*AND*THE*PROCESS*OF*WESTERN
SETTLEMENT*THUS*DEVELOPED*TWO*DISTINCT*TYPES*OF*PEOPLE*ENGAGED*IN*THE
SAME*PURSUIT--AGRICULTURE.*THEY*HAD*A*COMMON*TIE*IN*THAT*THEY*BOTH
CULTIVATED*THE*SOIL*AND*POSSESSED*THE*LOCAL*INTEREST*AND*INDEPENDENCE
WHICH*ARISE*FROM*THAT*OCCUPATION.*THEIR*METHODS*AND*THEIR*CULTURE,
HOWEVER,*DIFFERED*WIDELY.

THE*SOUTHERN*PLANTER,*ON*HIS*BROAD*ACRES*TILLED*BY*SLAVES,*RESEMBLED*THE
ENGLISH*LANDLORD*ON*HIS*ESTATES*MORE*THAN*HE*DID*THE*COLONIAL*FARMER*WHO
LABORED*WITH*HIS*OWN*HANDS*IN*THE*FIELDS*AND*FORESTS.*HE*SOLD*HIS*RICE
AND*TOBACCO*IN*LARGE*AMOUNTS*DIRECTLY*TO*ENGLISH*FACTORS,*WHO*TOOK*HIS
ENTIRE*CROP*IN*EXCHANGE*FOR*GOODS*AND*CASH.*HIS*FINE*CLOTHES,
SILVERWARE,*CHINA,*AND*CUTLERY*HE*BOUGHT*IN*ENGLISH*MARKETS.*LOVING*THE
RIPE*OLD*CULTURE*OF*THE*MOTHER*COUNTRY,*HE*OFTEN*SENT*HIS*SONS*TO*OXFORD
OR*CAMBRIDGE*FOR*THEIR*EDUCATION.*IN*SHORT,*HE*DEPENDED*VERY*LARGELY*FOR
HIS*PROSPERITY*AND*HIS*ENJOYMENT*OF*LIFE*UPON*CLOSE*RELATIONS*WITH*THE
OLD*WORLD.*HE*DID*NOT*EVEN*NEED*MARKET*TOWNS*IN*WHICH*TO*BUY*NATIVE
GOODS,*FOR*THEY*WERE*MADE*ON*HIS*OWN*PLANTATION*BY*HIS*OWN*ARTISANS*WHO
WERE*USUALLY*GIFTED*SLAVES.

THE*ECONOMIC*CONDITION*OF*THE*SMALL*FARMER*WAS*TOTALLY*DIFFERENT.*HIS
CROPS*WERE*NOT*BIG*ENOUGH*TO*WARRANT*DIRECT*CONNECTION*WITH*ENGLISH
FACTORS*OR*THE*PERSONAL*MAINTENANCE*OF*A*CORPS*OF*ARTISANS.*HE*NEEDED
LOCAL*MARKETS,*AND*THEY*SPRANG*UP*TO*MEET*THE*NEED.*SMITHS,*HATTERS,
WEAVERS,*WAGON-MAKERS,*AND*POTTERS*AT*NEIGHBORING*TOWNS*SUPPLIED*HIM
WITH*THE*ROUGH*PRODUCTS*OF*THEIR*NATIVE*SKILL.*THE*FINER*GOODS,*BOUGHT
BY*THE*RICH*PLANTER*IN*ENGLAND,*THE*SMALL*FARMER*ORDINARILY*COULD*NOT
BUY.*HIS*WANTS*WERE*RESTRICTED*TO*STAPLES*LIKE*TEA*AND*SUGAR,*AND
BETWEEN*HIM*AND*THE*EUROPEAN*MARKET*STOOD*THE*MERCHANT.*HIS*COMMUNITY
WAS*THEREFORE*MORE*SELF-SUFFICIENT*THAN*THE*SEABOARD*LINE*OF*GREAT
PLANTATIONS.*IT*WAS*MORE*ISOLATED,*MORE*PROVINCIAL,*MORE*INDEPENDENT,
MORE*AMERICAN.*THE*PLANTER*FACED*THE*OLD*EAST.*THE*FARMER*FACED*THE*NEW
WEST.

=THE*WESTWARD*MOVEMENT.=--YEOMAN*AND*PLANTER*NEVERTHELESS*WERE*ALIKE*IN
ONE*RESPECT.*THEIR*LAND*HUNGER*WAS*NEVER*APPEASED.*EACH*HAD*THE*EYE*OF
AN*EXPERT*FOR*NEW*AND*FERTILE*SOIL;*AND*SO,*NORTH*AND*SOUTH,*AS*SOON*AS
A*FOOTHOLD*WAS*SECURED*ON*THE*ATLANTIC*COAST,*THE*CURRENT*OF*MIGRATION
SET*IN*WESTWARD,*CREEPING*THROUGH*FORESTS,*ACROSS*RIVERS,*AND*OVER
MOUNTAINS.*MANY*OF*THE*LATER*IMMIGRANTS,*IN*THEIR*SEARCH*FOR*CHEAP
LANDS,*WERE*COMPELLED*TO*GO*TO*THE*BORDER;*BUT*IN*A*LARGE*PART*THE*PATH
BREAKERS*TO*THE*WEST*WERE*NATIVE*AMERICANS*OF*THE*SECOND*AND*THIRD
GENERATIONS.*EXPLORERS,*FIRED*BY*CURIOSITY*AND*THE*LURE*OF*THE
MYSTERIOUS*UNKNOWN,*AND*HUNTERS,*FUR*TRADERS,*AND*SQUATTERS,*FOLLOWING
THEIR*OWN*SWEET*WILLS,*BLAZED*THE*TRAIL,*OPENING*PATHS*AND*SENDING*BACK
STORIES*OF*THE*NEW*REGIONS*THEY*TRAVERSED.*THEN*CAME*THE*REGULAR
SETTLERS*WITH*LAWFUL*TITLES*TO*THE*LANDS*THEY*HAD*PURCHASED,*SOMETIMES
SINGLY*AND*SOMETIMES*IN*COMPANIES.

IN*MASSACHUSETTS,*THE*WESTWARD*MOVEMENT*IS*RECORDED*IN*THE*FOUNDING*OF
SPRINGFIELD*IN*1636*AND*GREAT*BARRINGTON*IN*1725.*BY*THE*OPENING*OF*THE
EIGHTEENTH*CENTURY*THE*PIONEERS*OF*CONNECTICUT*HAD*PUSHED*NORTH*AND*WEST
UNTIL*THEIR*OUTPOST*TOWNS*ADJOINED*THE*HUDSON*VALLEY*SETTLEMENTS.*IN*NEW
YORK,*THE*INLAND*MOVEMENT*WAS*DIRECTED*BY*THE*HUDSON*RIVER*TO*ALBANY,
AND*FROM*THAT*OLD*DUTCH*CENTER*IT*RADIATED*IN*EVERY*DIRECTION,
PARTICULARLY*WESTWARD*THROUGH*THE*MOHAWK*VALLEY.*NEW*JERSEY*WAS*EARLY
FILLED*TO*ITS*BORDERS,*THE*BEGINNINGS*OF*THE*PRESENT*CITY*OF*NEW
BRUNSWICK*BEING*MADE*IN*1681*AND*THOSE*OF*TRENTON*IN*1685.*IN
PENNSYLVANIA,*AS*IN*NEW*YORK,*THE*WATERWAYS*DETERMINED*THE*MAIN*LINES*OF
ADVANCE.*PIONEERS,*PUSHING*UP*THROUGH*THE*VALLEY*OF*THE*SCHUYLKILL,
SPREAD*OVER*THE*FERTILE*LANDS*OF*BERKS*AND*LANCASTER*COUNTIES,*LAYING
OUT*READING*IN*1748.*ANOTHER*CURRENT*OF*MIGRATION*WAS*DIRECTED*BY*THE
SUSQUEHANNA,*AND,*IN*1726,*THE*FIRST*FARMHOUSE*WAS*BUILT*ON*THE*BANK
WHERE*HARRISBURG*WAS*LATER*FOUNDED.*ALONG*THE*SOUTHERN*TIER*OF*COUNTIES
A*THIN*LINE*OF*SETTLEMENTS*STRETCHED*WESTWARD*TO*PITTSBURGH,*REACHING
THE*UPPER*WATERS*OF*THE*OHIO*WHILE*THE*COLONY*WAS*STILL*UNDER*THE*PENN
FAMILY.

IN*THE*SOUTH*THE*WESTWARD*MARCH*WAS*EQUALLY*SWIFT.*THE*SEABOARD*WAS
QUICKLY*OCCUPIED*BY*LARGE*PLANTERS*AND*THEIR*SLAVES*ENGAGED*IN*THE
CULTIVATION*OF*TOBACCO*AND*RICE.*THE*PIEDMONT*PLATEAU,*LYING*BACK*FROM
THE*COAST*ALL*THE*WAY*FROM*MARYLAND*TO*GEORGIA,*WAS*FED*BY*TWO*STREAMS
OF*MIGRATION,*ONE*WESTWARD*FROM*THE*SEA*AND*THE*OTHER*SOUTHWARD*FROM*THE
OTHER*COLONIES--GERMANS*FROM*PENNSYLVANIA*AND*SCOTCH-IRISH*FURNISHING
THE*MAIN*SUPPLY.*"BY*1770,*TIDE-WATER*VIRGINIA*WAS*FULL*TO*OVERFLOWING
AND*THE*'BACK*COUNTRY'*OF*THE*BLUE*RIDGE*AND*THE*SHENANDOAH*WAS*FULLY
OCCUPIED.*EVEN*THE*MOUNTAIN*VALLEYS*...*WERE*CLAIMED*BY*STURDY*PIONEERS.
BEFORE*THE*DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE,*THE*ONCOMING*TIDE*OF
HOME-SEEKERS*HAD*REACHED*THE*CREST*OF*THE*ALLEGHANIES."

[ILLUSTRATION:*DISTRIBUTION*OF*POPULATION,*1790]

BEYOND*THE*MOUNTAINS*PIONEERS*HAD*ALREADY*VENTURED,*HARBINGERS*OF*AN
INVASION*THAT*WAS*ABOUT*TO*BREAK*IN*UPON*KENTUCKY*AND*TENNESSEE.*AS
EARLY*AS*1769*THAT*MIGHTY*NIMROD,*DANIEL*BOONE,*CURIOUS*TO*HUNT
BUFFALOES,*OF*WHICH*HE*HAD*HEARD*WEIRD*REPORTS,*PASSED*THROUGH*THE
CUMBERLAND*GAP*AND*BROUGHT*BACK*NEWS*OF*A*WONDERFUL*COUNTRY*AWAITING*THE
PLOW.*A*HINT*WAS*SUFFICIENT.*SINGLY,*IN*PAIRS,*AND*IN*GROUPS,*SETTLERS
FOLLOWED*THE*TRAIL*HE*HAD*BLAZED.*A*GREAT*LAND*CORPORATION,*THE
TRANSYLVANIA*COMPANY,*EMULATING*THE*MERCHANT*ADVENTURERS*OF*EARLIER
TIMES,*SECURED*A*HUGE*GRANT*OF*TERRITORY*AND*SOUGHT*PROFITS*IN*QUIT
RENTS*FROM*LANDS*SOLD*TO*FARMERS.*BY*THE*OUTBREAK*OF*THE*REVOLUTION
THERE*WERE*SEVERAL*HUNDRED*PEOPLE*IN*THE*KENTUCKY*REGION.*LIKE*THE*OLDER
COLONISTS,*THEY*DID*NOT*RELISH*QUIT*RENTS,*AND*THEIR*OPPOSITION*WRECKED
THE*TRANSYLVANIA*COMPANY.*THEY*EVEN*CARRIED*THEIR*PROTESTS*INTO*THE
CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS*IN*1776,*FOR*BY*THAT*TIME*THEY*WERE*OUR*"EMBRYO
FOURTEENTH*COLONY."


INDUSTRIAL*AND*COMMERCIAL*DEVELOPMENT

THOUGH*THE*LABOR*OF*THE*COLONISTS*WAS*MAINLY*SPENT*IN*FARMING,*THERE*WAS
A*STEADY*GROWTH*IN*INDUSTRIAL*AND*COMMERCIAL*PURSUITS.*MOST*OF*THE
STAPLE*INDUSTRIES*OF*TO-DAY,*NOT*OMITTING*IRON*AND*TEXTILES,*HAVE*THEIR
BEGINNINGS*IN*COLONIAL*TIMES.*MANUFACTURING*AND*TRADE*SOON*GAVE*RISE*TO
TOWNS*WHICH*ENJOYED*AN*IMPORTANCE*ALL*OUT*OF*PROPORTION*TO*THEIR
NUMBERS.*THE*GREAT*CENTERS*OF*COMMERCE*AND*FINANCE*ON*THE*SEABOARD
ORIGINATED*IN*THE*DAYS*WHEN*THE*KING*OF*ENGLAND*WAS*"LORD*OF*THESE
DOMINIONS."

[ILLUSTRATION:*DOMESTIC*INDUSTRY:*DIPPING*TALLOW*CANDLES]

=TEXTILE*MANUFACTURE*AS*A*DOMESTIC*INDUSTRY.=--COLONIAL*WOMEN,*IN
ADDITION*TO*SHARING*EVERY*HARDSHIP*OF*PIONEERING,*OFTEN*THE*HEAVY*LABOR
OF*THE*OPEN*FIELD,*DEVELOPED*IN*THE*COURSE*OF*TIME*A*NATIONAL*INDUSTRY
WHICH*WAS*ALMOST*EXCLUSIVELY*THEIR*OWN.*WOOL*AND*FLAX*WERE*RAISED*IN
ABUNDANCE*IN*THE*NORTH*AND*SOUTH.*"EVERY*FARM*HOUSE,"*SAYS*COMAN,*THE
ECONOMIC*HISTORIAN,*"WAS*A*WORKSHOP*WHERE*THE*WOMEN*SPUN*AND*WOVE*THE
SERGES,*KERSEYS,*AND*LINSEY-WOOLSEYS*WHICH*SERVED*FOR*THE*COMMON*WEAR."
BY*THE*CLOSE*OF*THE*SEVENTEENTH*CENTURY,*NEW*ENGLAND*MANUFACTURED*CLOTH
IN*SUFFICIENT*QUANTITIES*TO*EXPORT*IT*TO*THE*SOUTHERN*COLONIES*AND*TO
THE*WEST*INDIES.*AS*THE*INDUSTRY*DEVELOPED,*MILLS*WERE*ERECTED*FOR*THE
MORE*DIFFICULT*PROCESS*OF*DYEING,*WEAVING,*AND*FULLING,*BUT*CARDING*AND
SPINNING*CONTINUED*TO*BE*DONE*IN*THE*HOME.*THE*DUTCH*OF*NEW*NETHERLAND,
THE*SWEDES*OF*DELAWARE,*AND*THE*SCOTCH-IRISH*OF*THE*INTERIOR*"WERE*NOT
ONE*WHIT*BEHIND*THEIR*YANKEE*NEIGHBORS."

THE*IMPORTANCE*OF*THIS*ENTERPRISE*TO*BRITISH*ECONOMIC*LIFE*CAN*HARDLY*BE
OVERESTIMATED.*FOR*MANY*A*CENTURY*THE*ENGLISH*HAD*EMPLOYED*THEIR*FINE
WOOLEN*CLOTH*AS*THE*CHIEF*STAPLE*IN*A*LUCRATIVE*FOREIGN*TRADE,*AND*THE
GOVERNMENT*HAD*COME*TO*LOOK*UPON*IT*AS*AN*OBJECT*OF*SPECIAL*INTEREST*AND
PROTECTION.*WHEN*THE*COLONIES*WERE*ESTABLISHED,*BOTH*MERCHANTS*AND
STATESMEN*NATURALLY*EXPECTED*TO*MAINTAIN*A*MONOPOLY*OF*INCREASING*VALUE;
BUT*BEFORE*LONG*THE*AMERICANS,*INSTEAD*OF*BUYING*CLOTH,*ESPECIALLY*OF
THE*COARSER*VARIETIES,*WERE*MAKING*IT*TO*SELL.*IN*THE*PLACE*OF
CUSTOMERS,*HERE*WERE*RIVALS.*IN*THE*PLACE*OF*HELPLESS*RELIANCE*UPON
ENGLISH*MARKETS,*HERE*WAS*THE*GERM*OF*ECONOMIC*INDEPENDENCE.

IF*BRITISH*MERCHANTS*HAD*NOT*DISCOVERED*IT*IN*THE*ORDINARY*COURSE*OF
TRADE,*OBSERVANT*OFFICERS*IN*THE*PROVINCES*WOULD*HAVE*CONVEYED*THE*NEWS
TO*THEM.*EVEN*IN*THE*EARLY*YEARS*OF*THE*EIGHTEENTH*CENTURY*THE*ROYAL
GOVERNOR*OF*NEW*YORK*WROTE*OF*THE*INDUSTRIOUS*AMERICANS*TO*HIS*HOME
GOVERNMENT:*"THE*CONSEQUENCE*WILL*BE*THAT*IF*THEY*CAN*CLOTHE*THEMSELVES
ONCE,*NOT*ONLY*COMFORTABLY,*BUT*HANDSOMELY*TOO,*WITHOUT*THE*HELP*OF
ENGLAND,*THEY*WHO*ALREADY*ARE*NOT*VERY*FOND*OF*SUBMITTING*TO*GOVERNMENT
WILL*SOON*THINK*OF*PUTTING*IN*EXECUTION*DESIGNS*THEY*HAVE*LONG*HARBOURED
IN*THEIR*BREASTS.*THIS*WILL*NOT*SEEM*STRANGE*WHEN*YOU*CONSIDER*WHAT*SORT
OF*PEOPLE*THIS*COUNTRY*IS*INHABITED*BY."

=THE*IRON*INDUSTRY.=--ALMOST*EQUALLY*WIDESPREAD*WAS*THE*ART*OF*IRON
WORKING--ONE*OF*THE*EARLIEST*AND*MOST*PICTURESQUE*OF*COLONIAL
INDUSTRIES.*LYNN,*MASSACHUSETTS,*HAD*A*FORGE*AND*SKILLED*ARTISANS*WITHIN
FIFTEEN*YEARS*AFTER*THE*FOUNDING*OF*BOSTON.*THE*SMELTING*OF*IRON*BEGAN
AT*NEW*LONDON*AND*NEW*HAVEN*ABOUT*1658;*IN*LITCHFIELD*COUNTY,
CONNECTICUT,*A*FEW*YEARS*LATER;*AT*GREAT*BARRINGTON,*MASSACHUSETTS,*IN
1731;*AND*NEAR*BY*AT*LENOX*SOME*THIRTY*YEARS*AFTER*THAT.*NEW*JERSEY*HAD
IRON*WORKS*AT*SHREWSBURY*WITHIN*TEN*YEARS*AFTER*THE*FOUNDING*OF*THE
COLONY*IN*1665.*IRON*FORGES*APPEARED*IN*THE*VALLEYS*OF*THE*DELAWARE*AND
THE*SUSQUEHANNA*EARLY*IN*THE*FOLLOWING*CENTURY,*AND*IRON*MASTERS*THEN
LAID*THE*FOUNDATIONS*OF*FORTUNES*IN*A*REGION*DESTINED*TO*BECOME*ONE*OF
THE*GREAT*IRON*CENTERS*OF*THE*WORLD.*VIRGINIA*BEGAN*IRON*WORKING*IN*THE
YEAR*THAT*SAW*THE*INTRODUCTION*OF*SLAVERY.*ALTHOUGH*THE*INDUSTRY*SOON
LAPSED,*IT*WAS*RENEWED*AND*FLOURISHED*IN*THE*EIGHTEENTH*CENTURY.
GOVERNOR*SPOTSWOOD*WAS*CALLED*THE*"TUBAL*CAIN"*OF*THE*OLD*DOMINION
BECAUSE*HE*PLACED*THE*INDUSTRY*ON*A*FIRM*FOUNDATION.*INDEED*IT*SEEMS
THAT*EVERY*COLONY,*EXCEPT*GEORGIA,*HAD*ITS*IRON*FOUNDRY.*NAILS,*WIRE,
METALLIC*WARE,*CHAINS,*ANCHORS,*BAR*AND*PIG*IRON*WERE*MADE*IN*LARGE
QUANTITIES;*AND*GREAT*BRITAIN,*BY*AN*ACT*IN*1750,*ENCOURAGED*THE
COLONISTS*TO*EXPORT*ROUGH*IRON*TO*THE*BRITISH*ISLANDS.

=SHIPBUILDING.=--OF*ALL*THE*SPECIALIZED*INDUSTRIES*IN*THE*COLONIES,
SHIPBUILDING*WAS*THE*MOST*IMPORTANT.*THE*ABUNDANCE*OF*FIR*FOR*MASTS,*OAK
FOR*TIMBERS*AND*BOARDS,*PITCH*FOR*TAR*AND*TURPENTINE,*AND*HEMP*FOR*ROPE
MADE*THE*WAY*OF*THE*SHIPBUILDER*EASY.*EARLY*IN*THE*SEVENTEENTH*CENTURY*A
SHIP*WAS*BUILT*AT*NEW*AMSTERDAM,*AND*BY*THE*MIDDLE*OF*THAT*CENTURY
SHIPYARDS*WERE*SCATTERED*ALONG*THE*NEW*ENGLAND*COAST*AT*NEWBURYPORT,
SALEM,*NEW*BEDFORD,*NEWPORT,*PROVIDENCE,*NEW*LONDON,*AND*NEW*HAVEN.
YARDS*AT*ALBANY*AND*POUGHKEEPSIE*IN*NEW*YORK*BUILT*SHIPS*FOR*THE*TRADE
OF*THAT*COLONY*WITH*ENGLAND*AND*THE*INDIES.*WILMINGTON*AND*PHILADELPHIA
SOON*ENTERED*THE*RACE*AND*OUTDISTANCED*NEW*YORK,*THOUGH*UNABLE*TO*EQUAL
THE*PACE*SET*BY*NEW*ENGLAND.*WHILE*MARYLAND,*VIRGINIA,*AND*SOUTH
CAROLINA*ALSO*BUILT*SHIPS,*SOUTHERN*INTEREST*WAS*MAINLY*CONFINED*TO*THE
LUCRATIVE*BUSINESS*OF*PRODUCING*SHIP*MATERIALS:*FIR,*CEDAR,*HEMP,*AND
TAR.

=FISHING.=--THE*GREATEST*SINGLE*ECONOMIC*RESOURCE*OF*NEW*ENGLAND*OUTSIDE
OF*AGRICULTURE*WAS*THE*FISHERIES.*THIS*INDUSTRY,*STARTED*BY*HARDY
SAILORS*FROM*EUROPE,*LONG*BEFORE*THE*LANDING*OF*THE*PILGRIMS,*FLOURISHED
UNDER*THE*INDOMITABLE*SEAMANSHIP*OF*THE*PURITANS,*WHO*LABORED*WITH*THE
NET*AND*THE*HARPOON*IN*ALMOST*EVERY*QUARTER*OF*THE*ATLANTIC.*"LOOK,"
EXCLAIMED*EDMUND*BURKE,*IN*THE*HOUSE*OF*COMMONS,*"AT*THE*MANNER*IN
WHICH*THE*PEOPLE*OF*NEW*ENGLAND*HAVE*OF*LATE*CARRIED*ON*THE*WHALE
FISHERY.*WHILST*WE*FOLLOW*THEM*AMONG*THE*TUMBLING*MOUNTAINS*OF*ICE*AND
BEHOLD*THEM*PENETRATING*INTO*THE*DEEPEST*FROZEN*RECESSES*OF*HUDSON'S*BAY
AND*DAVIS'S*STRAITS,*WHILE*WE*ARE*LOOKING*FOR*THEM*BENEATH*THE*ARCTIC
CIRCLE,*WE*HEAR*THAT*THEY*HAVE*PIERCED*INTO*THE*OPPOSITE*REGION*OF*POLAR
COLD,*THAT*THEY*ARE*AT*THE*ANTIPODES*AND*ENGAGED*UNDER*THE*FROZEN
SERPENT*OF*THE*SOUTH....*NOR*IS*THE*EQUINOCTIAL*HEAT*MORE*DISCOURAGING
TO*THEM*THAN*THE*ACCUMULATED*WINTER*OF*BOTH*POLES.*WE*KNOW*THAT,*WHILST
SOME*OF*THEM*DRAW*THE*LINE*AND*STRIKE*THE*HARPOON*ON*THE*COAST*OF
AFRICA,*OTHERS*RUN*THE*LONGITUDE*AND*PURSUE*THEIR*GIGANTIC*GAME*ALONG
THE*COAST*OF*BRAZIL.*NO*SEA*BUT*WHAT*IS*VEXED*BY*THEIR*FISHERIES.*NO
CLIMATE*THAT*IS*NOT*WITNESS*TO*THEIR*TOILS.*NEITHER*THE*PERSEVERANCE*OF
HOLLAND*NOR*THE*ACTIVITY*OF*FRANCE*NOR*THE*DEXTEROUS*AND*FIRM*SAGACITY
OF*ENGLISH*ENTERPRISE*EVER*CARRIED*THIS*MOST*PERILOUS*MODE*OF*HARD
INDUSTRY*TO*THE*EXTENT*TO*WHICH*IT*HAS*BEEN*PUSHED*BY*THIS*RECENT
PEOPLE."

THE*INFLUENCE*OF*THE*BUSINESS*WAS*WIDESPREAD.*A*LARGE*AND*LUCRATIVE
EUROPEAN*TRADE*WAS*BUILT*UPON*IT.*THE*BETTER*QUALITY*OF*THE*FISH*CAUGHT
FOR*FOOD*WAS*SOLD*IN*THE*MARKETS*OF*SPAIN,*PORTUGAL,*AND*ITALY,*OR
EXCHANGED*FOR*SALT,*LEMONS,*AND*RAISINS*FOR*THE*AMERICAN*MARKET.*THE
LOWER*GRADES*OF*FISH*WERE*CARRIED*TO*THE*WEST*INDIES*FOR*SLAVE
CONSUMPTION,*AND*IN*PART*TRADED*FOR*SUGAR*AND*MOLASSES,*WHICH*FURNISHED
THE*RAW*MATERIALS*FOR*THE*THRIVING*RUM*INDUSTRY*OF*NEW*ENGLAND.*THESE
ACTIVITIES,*IN*TURN,*STIMULATED*SHIPBUILDING,*STEADILY*ENLARGING*THE
DEMAND*FOR*FISHING*AND*MERCHANT*CRAFT*OF*EVERY*KIND*AND*THUS*KEEPING*THE
SHIPWRIGHTS,*CALKERS,*ROPE*MAKERS,*AND*OTHER*ARTISANS*OF*THE*SEAPORT
TOWNS*RUSHED*WITH*WORK.*THEY*ALSO*INCREASED*TRADE*WITH*THE*MOTHER
COUNTRY*FOR,*OUT*OF*THE*CASH*COLLECTED*IN*THE*FISH*MARKETS*OF*EUROPE*AND
THE*WEST*INDIES,*THE*COLONISTS*PAID*FOR*ENGLISH*MANUFACTURES.*SO*AN
EVER-WIDENING*CIRCLE*OF*AMERICAN*ENTERPRISE*CENTERED*AROUND*THIS*SINGLE
INDUSTRY,*THE*NURSERY*OF*SEAMANSHIP*AND*THE*MARITIME*SPIRIT.

=OCEANIC*COMMERCE*AND*AMERICAN*MERCHANTS.=--ALL*THROUGH*THE*EIGHTEENTH
CENTURY,*THE*COMMERCE*OF*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES*SPREAD*IN*EVERY*DIRECTION
UNTIL*IT*RIVALED*IN*THE*NUMBER*OF*PEOPLE*EMPLOYED,*THE*CAPITAL*ENGAGED,
AND*THE*PROFITS*GLEANED,*THE*COMMERCE*OF*EUROPEAN*NATIONS.*A*MODERN
HISTORIAN*HAS*SAID:*"THE*ENTERPRISING*MERCHANTS*OF*NEW*ENGLAND*DEVELOPED
A*NETWORK*OF*TRADE*ROUTES*THAT*COVERED*WELL-NIGH*HALF*THE*WORLD."*THIS
COMMERCE,*DESTINED*TO*BE*OF*SUCH*SIGNIFICANCE*IN*THE*CONFLICT*WITH*THE
MOTHER*COUNTRY,*PRESENTED,*BROADLY*SPEAKING,*TWO*ASPECTS.

ON*THE*ONE*SIDE,*IT*INVOLVED*THE*EXPORT*OF*RAW*MATERIALS*AND
AGRICULTURAL*PRODUCE.*THE*SOUTHERN*COLONIES*PRODUCED*FOR*SHIPPING,
TOBACCO,*RICE,*TAR,*PITCH,*AND*PINE;*THE*MIDDLE*COLONIES,*GRAIN,*FLOUR,
FURS,*LUMBER,*AND*SALT*PORK;*NEW*ENGLAND,*FISH,*FLOUR,*RUM,*FURS,*SHOES,
AND*SMALL*ARTICLES*OF*MANUFACTURE.*THE*VARIETY*OF*PRODUCTS*WAS*IN*FACT
ASTOUNDING.*A*SARCASTIC*WRITER,*WHILE*SNEERING*AT*THE*IDEA*OF*AN
AMERICAN*UNION,*ONCE*REMARKED*OF*COLONIAL*TRADE:*"WHAT*SORT*OF*DISH*WILL
YOU*MAKE?*NEW*ENGLAND*WILL*THROW*IN*FISH*AND*ONIONS.*THE*MIDDLE*STATES,
FLAX-SEED*AND*FLOUR.*MARYLAND*AND*VIRGINIA*WILL*ADD*TOBACCO.*NORTH
CAROLINA,*PITCH,*TAR,*AND*TURPENTINE.*SOUTH*CAROLINA,*RICE*AND*INDIGO,
AND*GEORGIA*WILL*SPRINKLE*THE*WHOLE*COMPOSITION*WITH*SAWDUST.*SUCH*AN
ABSURD*JUMBLE*WILL*YOU*MAKE*IF*YOU*ATTEMPT*TO*FORM*A*UNION*AMONG*SUCH
DISCORDANT*MATERIALS*AS*THE*THIRTEEN*BRITISH*PROVINCES."

ON*THE*OTHER*SIDE,*AMERICAN*COMMERCE*INVOLVED*THE*IMPORT*TRADE,
CONSISTING*PRINCIPALLY*OF*ENGLISH*AND*CONTINENTAL*MANUFACTURES,*TEA,*AND
"INDIA*GOODS."*SUGAR*AND*MOLASSES,*BROUGHT*FROM*THE*WEST*INDIES,
SUPPLIED*THE*FLOURISHING*DISTILLERIES*OF*MASSACHUSETTS,*RHODE*ISLAND,
AND*CONNECTICUT.*THE*CARRIAGE*OF*SLAVES*FROM*AFRICA*TO*THE*SOUTHERN
COLONIES*ENGAGED*HUNDREDS*OF*NEW*ENGLAND'S*SAILORS*AND*THOUSANDS*OF
POUNDS*OF*HER*CAPITAL.

THE*DISPOSITION*OF*IMPORTED*GOODS*IN*THE*COLONIES,*THOUGH*IN*PART
CONTROLLED*BY*ENGLISH*FACTORS*LOCATED*IN*AMERICA,*EMPLOYED*ALSO*A*LARGE
AND*IMPORTANT*BODY*OF*AMERICAN*MERCHANTS*LIKE*THE*WILLINGS*AND*MORRISES
OF*PHILADELPHIA;*THE*AMORYS,*HANCOCKS,*AND*FANEUILS*OF*BOSTON;*AND*THE
LIVINGSTONS*AND*LOWS*OF*NEW*YORK.*IN*THEIR*ZEAL*AND*ENTERPRISE,*THEY
WERE*WORTHY*RIVALS*OF*THEIR*ENGLISH*COMPETITORS,*SO*CELEBRATED*FOR
WORLD-WIDE*COMMERCIAL*OPERATIONS.*THOUGH*FULLY*AWARE*OF*THE*ADVANTAGES
THEY*ENJOYED*IN*BRITISH*MARKETS*AND*UNDER*THE*PROTECTION*OF*THE*BRITISH
NAVY,*THE*AMERICAN*MERCHANTS*WERE*HIGH-SPIRITED*AND*METTLESOME,*READY*TO
CONTEND*WITH*ROYAL*OFFICERS*IN*ORDER*TO*SHIELD*AMERICAN*INTERESTS
AGAINST*OUTSIDE*INTERFERENCE.

[ILLUSTRATION:*THE*DUTCH*WEST*INDIA*WAREHOUSE*IN*NEW*AMSTERDAM
(NEW*YORK*CITY)]

MEASURED*AGAINST*THE*IMMENSE*BUSINESS*OF*MODERN*TIMES,*COLONIAL*COMMERCE
SEEMS*PERHAPS*TRIVIAL.*THAT,*HOWEVER,*IS*NOT*THE*TEST*OF*ITS
SIGNIFICANCE.*IT*MUST*BE*CONSIDERED*IN*RELATION*TO*THE*GROWTH*OF*ENGLISH
COLONIAL*TRADE*IN*ITS*ENTIRETY--A*RELATION*WHICH*CAN*BE*SHOWN*BY*A*FEW
STARTLING*FIGURES.*THE*WHOLE*EXPORT*TRADE*OF*ENGLAND,*INCLUDING*THAT*TO
THE*COLONIES,*WAS,*IN*1704,*$6,509,000.*ON*THE*EVE*OF*THE*AMERICAN
REVOLUTION,*NAMELY,*IN*1772,*ENGLISH*EXPORTS*TO*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES
ALONE*AMOUNTED*TO*$6,024,000;*IN*OTHER*WORDS,*ALMOST*AS*MUCH*AS*THE
WHOLE*FOREIGN*BUSINESS*OF*ENGLAND*TWO*GENERATIONS*BEFORE.*AT*THE*FIRST
DATE,*COLONIAL*TRADE*WAS*BUT*ONE-TWELFTH*OF*THE*ENGLISH*EXPORT*BUSINESS;
AT*THE*SECOND*DATE,*IT*WAS*CONSIDERABLY*MORE*THAN*ONE-THIRD.*IN*1704,
PENNSYLVANIA*BOUGHT*IN*ENGLISH*MARKETS*GOODS*TO*THE*VALUE*OF*$11,459;*IN
1772*THE*PURCHASES*OF*THE*SAME*COLONY*AMOUNTED*TO*$507,909.*IN*SHORT,
PENNSYLVANIA*IMPORTS*INCREASED*FIFTY*TIMES*WITHIN*SIXTY-EIGHT*YEARS,
AMOUNTING*IN*1772*TO*ALMOST*THE*ENTIRE*EXPORT*TRADE*OF*ENGLAND*TO*THE
COLONIES*AT*THE*OPENING*OF*THE*CENTURY.*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES*WERE
INDEED*A*GREAT*SOURCE*OF*WEALTH*TO*ENGLISH*MERCHANTS.

=INTERCOLONIAL*COMMERCE.=--ALTHOUGH*THE*BAD*ROADS*OF*COLONIAL*TIMES*MADE
OVERLAND*TRANSPORTATION*DIFFICULT*AND*COSTLY,*THE*MANY*RIVERS*AND
HARBORS*ALONG*THE*COAST*FAVORED*A*LIVELY*WATER-BORNE*TRADE*AMONG*THE
COLONIES.*THE*CONNECTICUT,*HUDSON,*DELAWARE,*AND*SUSQUEHANNA*RIVERS*IN
THE*NORTH*AND*THE*MANY*SMALLER*RIVERS*IN*THE*SOUTH*MADE*IT*POSSIBLE*FOR
GOODS*TO*BE*BROUGHT*FROM,*AND*CARRIED*TO,*THE*INTERIOR*REGIONS*IN*LITTLE
SAILING*VESSELS*WITH*COMPARATIVE*EASE.*SLOOPS*LADEN*WITH*MANUFACTURES,
DOMESTIC*AND*FOREIGN,*COLLECTED*AT*SOME*CITY*LIKE*PROVIDENCE,*NEW*YORK,
OR*PHILADELPHIA,*SKIRTED*THE*COASTS,*VISITED*SMALL*PORTS,*AND*SAILED*UP
THE*NAVIGABLE*RIVERS*TO*TRADE*WITH*LOCAL*MERCHANTS*WHO*HAD*FOR*EXCHANGE
THE*RAW*MATERIALS*WHICH*THEY*HAD*GATHERED*IN*FROM*NEIGHBORING*FARMS.
LARGER*SHIPS*CARRIED*THE*GRAIN,*LIVE*STOCK,*CLOTH,*AND*HARDWARE*OF*NEW
ENGLAND*TO*THE*SOUTHERN*COLONIES,*WHERE*THEY*WERE*TRADED*FOR*TOBACCO,
LEATHER,*TAR,*AND*SHIP*TIMBER.*FROM*THE*HARBORS*ALONG*THE*CONNECTICUT
SHORES*THERE*WERE*FREQUENT*SAILINGS*DOWN*THROUGH*LONG*ISLAND*SOUND*TO
MARYLAND,*VIRGINIA,*AND*THE*DISTANT*CAROLINAS.

=GROWTH*OF*TOWNS.=--IN*CONNECTION*WITH*THIS*THRIVING*TRADE*AND*INDUSTRY
THERE*GREW*UP*ALONG*THE*COAST*A*NUMBER*OF*PROSPEROUS*COMMERCIAL*CENTERS
WHICH*WERE*SOON*RECKONED*AMONG*THE*FIRST*COMMERCIAL*TOWNS*OF*THE*WHOLE
BRITISH*EMPIRE,*COMPARING*FAVORABLY*IN*NUMBERS*AND*WEALTH*WITH*SUCH
PORTS*AS*LIVERPOOL*AND*BRISTOL.*THE*STATISTICAL*RECORDS*OF*THAT*TIME*ARE
MAINLY*GUESSES;*BUT*WE*KNOW*THAT*PHILADELPHIA*STOOD*FIRST*IN*SIZE*AMONG
THESE*TOWNS.*SERVING*AS*THE*PORT*OF*ENTRY*FOR*PENNSYLVANIA,*DELAWARE,
AND*WESTERN*JERSEY,*IT*HAD*DRAWN*WITHIN*ITS*BORDERS,*JUST*BEFORE*THE
REVOLUTION,*ABOUT*25,000*INHABITANTS.*BOSTON*WAS*SECOND*IN*RANK,*WITH
SOMEWHAT*MORE*THAN*20,000*PEOPLE.*NEW*YORK,*THE*"COMMERCIAL*CAPITAL*OF
CONNECTICUT*AND*OLD*EAST*JERSEY,"*WAS*SLIGHTLY*SMALLER*THAN*BOSTON,*BUT
GROWING*AT*A*STEADY*RATE.*THE*FOURTH*TOWN*IN*SIZE*WAS*CHARLESTON,*SOUTH
CAROLINA,*WITH*ABOUT*10,000*INHABITANTS.*NEWPORT*IN*RHODE*ISLAND,*A
CENTER*OF*RUM*MANUFACTURE*AND*SHIPPING,*STOOD*FIFTH,*WITH*A*POPULATION
OF*ABOUT*7000.*BALTIMORE*AND*NORFOLK*WERE*COUNTED*AS*"CONSIDERABLE
TOWNS."*IN*THE*INTERIOR,*HARTFORD*IN*CONNECTICUT,*LANCASTER*AND*YORK*IN
PENNSYLVANIA,*AND*ALBANY*IN*NEW*YORK,*WITH*GROWING*POPULATIONS*AND
INCREASING*TRADE,*GAVE*PROPHECY*OF*AN*URBAN*AMERICA*AWAY*FROM*THE
SEABOARD.*THE*OTHER*TOWNS*WERE*STRAGGLING*VILLAGES.*WILLIAMSBURG,
VIRGINIA,*FOR*EXAMPLE,*HAD*ABOUT*TWO*HUNDRED*HOUSES,*IN*WHICH*DWELT*A
DOZEN*FAMILIES*OF*THE*GENTRY*AND*A*FEW*SCORE*OF*TRADESMEN.*INLAND*COUNTY
SEATS*OFTEN*CONSISTED*OF*NOTHING*MORE*THAN*A*LOG*COURTHOUSE,*A*PRISON,
AND*ONE*WRETCHED*INN*TO*HOUSE*JUDGES,*LAWYERS,*AND*LITIGANTS*DURING*THE
SESSIONS*OF*THE*COURT.

THE*LEADING*TOWNS*EXERCISED*AN*INFLUENCE*ON*COLONIAL*OPINION*ALL*OUT*OF
PROPORTION*TO*THEIR*POPULATION.*THEY*WERE*THE*CENTERS*OF*WEALTH,*FOR*ONE
THING;*OF*THE*PRESS*AND*POLITICAL*ACTIVITY,*FOR*ANOTHER.*MERCHANTS*AND
ARTISANS*COULD*READILY*TAKE*CONCERTED*ACTION*ON*PUBLIC*QUESTIONS*ARISING
FROM*THEIR*COMMERCIAL*OPERATIONS.*THE*TOWNS*WERE*ALSO*CENTERS*FOR*NEWS,
GOSSIP,*RELIGIOUS*CONTROVERSY,*AND*POLITICAL*DISCUSSION.*IN*THE*MARKET
PLACES*THE*FARMERS*FROM*THE*COUNTRYSIDE*LEARNED*OF*BRITISH*POLICIES*AND
LAWS,*AND*SO,*MINGLING*WITH*THE*TOWNSMEN,*WERE*DRAWN*INTO*THE*MAIN
CURRENTS*OF*OPINION*WHICH*SET*IN*TOWARD*COLONIAL*NATIONALISM*AND
INDEPENDENCE.


=REFERENCES=

J.*BISHOP,*_HISTORY*OF*AMERICAN*MANUFACTURES_*(2*VOLS.).

E.L.*BOGART,*_ECONOMIC*HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_.

P.A.*BRUCE,*_ECONOMIC*HISTORY*OF*VIRGINIA_*(2*VOLS.).

E.*SEMPLE,*_AMERICAN*HISTORY*AND*ITS*GEOGRAPHICAL*CONDITIONS_.

W.*WEEDEN,*_ECONOMIC*AND*SOCIAL*HISTORY*OF*NEW*ENGLAND_.*(2*VOLS.).


=QUESTIONS=

1.*IS*LAND*IN*YOUR*COMMUNITY*PARCELED*OUT*INTO*SMALL*FARMS?*CONTRAST*THE
SYSTEM*IN*YOUR*COMMUNITY*WITH*THE*FEUDAL*SYSTEM*OF*LAND*TENURE.

2.*ARE*ANY*THINGS*OWNED*AND*USED*IN*COMMON*IN*YOUR*COMMUNITY?*WHY*DID
COMMON*TILLAGE*FAIL*IN*COLONIAL*TIMES?

3.*DESCRIBE*THE*ELEMENTS*AKIN*TO*FEUDALISM*WHICH*WERE*INTRODUCED*IN*THE
COLONIES.

4.*EXPLAIN*THE*SUCCESS*OF*FREEHOLD*TILLAGE.

5.*COMPARE*THE*LIFE*OF*THE*PLANTER*WITH*THAT*OF*THE*FARMER.

6.*HOW*FAR*HAD*THE*WESTERN*FRONTIER*ADVANCED*BY*1776?

7.*WHAT*COLONIAL*INDUSTRY*WAS*MAINLY*DEVELOPED*BY*WOMEN?*WHY*WAS*IT*VERY
IMPORTANT*BOTH*TO*THE*AMERICANS*AND*TO*THE*ENGLISH?

8.*WHAT*WERE*THE*CENTERS*FOR*IRON*WORKING?*SHIP*BUILDING?

9.*EXPLAIN*HOW*THE*FISHERIES*AFFECTED*MANY*BRANCHES*OF*TRADE*AND
INDUSTRY.

10.*SHOW*HOW*AMERICAN*TRADE*FORMED*A*VITAL*PART*OF*ENGLISH*BUSINESS.

11.*HOW*WAS*INTERSTATE*COMMERCE*MAINLY*CARRIED*ON?

12.*WHAT*WERE*THE*LEADING*TOWNS?*DID*THEY*COMPARE*IN*IMPORTANCE*WITH
BRITISH*TOWNS*OF*THE*SAME*PERIOD?


=RESEARCH*TOPICS=

=LAND*TENURE.=--COMAN,*_INDUSTRIAL*HISTORY_*(REV.*ED.),*PP.*32-38.
SPECIAL*REFERENCE:*BRUCE,*_ECONOMIC*HISTORY*OF*VIRGINIA_,*VOL.*I,*CHAP.
VIII.

=TOBACCO*PLANTING*IN*VIRGINIA.=--CALLENDER,*_ECONOMIC*HISTORY*OF*THE
UNITED*STATES_,*PP.*22-28.

=COLONIAL*AGRICULTURE.=--COMAN,*PP.*48-63.*CALLENDER,*PP.*69-74.
REFERENCE:*J.R.H.*MOORE,*_INDUSTRIAL*HISTORY*OF*THE*AMERICAN*PEOPLE_,
PP.*131-162.

=COLONIAL*MANUFACTURES.=--COMAN,*PP.*63-73.*CALLENDER,*PP.*29-44.
SPECIAL*REFERENCE:*WEEDEN,*_ECONOMIC*AND*SOCIAL*HISTORY*OF*NEW*ENGLAND_.

=COLONIAL*COMMERCE.=--COMAN,*PP.*73-85.*CALLENDER,*PP.*51-63,*78-84.
MOORE,*PP.*163-208.*LODGE,*_SHORT*HISTORY*OF*THE*ENGLISH*COLONIES_,*PP.
409-412,*229-231,*312-314.




CHAPTER*III

SOCIAL*AND*POLITICAL*PROGRESS


COLONIAL*LIFE,*CROWDED*AS*IT*WAS*WITH*HARD*AND*UNREMITTING*TOIL,*LEFT
SCANT*LEISURE*FOR*THE*CULTIVATION*OF*THE*ARTS*AND*SCIENCES.*THERE*WAS
LITTLE*MONEY*IN*PRIVATE*PURSES*OR*PUBLIC*TREASURIES*TO*BE*DEDICATED*TO
SCHOOLS,*LIBRARIES,*AND*MUSEUMS.*FEW*THERE*WERE*WITH*TIME*TO*READ*LONG
AND*WIDELY,*AND*FEWER*STILL*WHO*COULD*DEVOTE*THEIR*LIVES*TO*THINGS*THAT
DELIGHT*THE*EYE*AND*THE*MIND.*AND*YET,*POOR*AND*MEAGER*AS*THE
INTELLECTUAL*LIFE*OF*THE*COLONISTS*MAY*SEEM*BY*WAY*OF*COMPARISON,*HEROIC
EFFORTS*WERE*MADE*IN*EVERY*COMMUNITY*TO*LIFT*THE*PEOPLE*ABOVE*THE*PLANE
OF*MERE*EXISTENCE.*AFTER*THE*FIRST*CLEARINGS*WERE*OPENED*IN*THE*FORESTS
THOSE*EFFORTS*WERE*REDOUBLED,*AND*WITH*LENGTHENING*YEARS*TOLD*UPON*THE
THOUGHT*AND*SPIRIT*OF*THE*LAND.*THE*APPEARANCE,*DURING*THE*STRUGGLE*WITH
ENGLAND,*OF*AN*EXTRAORDINARY*GROUP*OF*LEADERS*FAMILIAR*WITH*HISTORY,
POLITICAL*PHILOSOPHY,*AND*THE*ARTS*OF*WAR,*GOVERNMENT,*AND*DIPLOMACY
ITSELF*BORE*ELOQUENT*TESTIMONY*TO*THE*HIGH*QUALITY*OF*THE*AMERICAN
INTELLECT.*NO*ONE,*NOT*EVEN*THE*MOST*CRITICAL,*CAN*RUN*THROUGH*THE
WRITINGS*OF*DISTINGUISHED*AMERICANS*SCATTERED*FROM*MASSACHUSETTS*TO
GEORGIA--THE*ADAMSES,*ELLSWORTH,*THE*MORRISES,*THE*LIVINGSTONS,
HAMILTON,*FRANKLIN,*WASHINGTON,*MADISON,*MARSHALL,*HENRY,*THE*RANDOLPHS,
AND*THE*PINCKNEYS--WITHOUT*COMING*TO*THE*CONCLUSION*THAT*THERE*WAS
SOMETHING*IN*AMERICAN*COLONIAL*LIFE*WHICH*FOSTERED*MINDS*OF*DEPTH*AND
POWER.*WOMEN*SURMOUNTED*EVEN*GREATER*DIFFICULTIES*THAN*THE*MEN*IN*THE
PROCESS*OF*SELF-EDUCATION,*AND*THEIR*KEEN*INTEREST*IN*PUBLIC*ISSUES*IS
EVIDENT*IN*MANY*A*RECORD*LIKE*THE*_LETTERS_*OF*MRS.*JOHN*ADAMS*TO*HER
HUSBAND*DURING*THE*REVOLUTION;*THE*WRITINGS*OF*MRS.*MERCY*OTIS*WARREN,
THE*SISTER*OF*JAMES*OTIS,*WHO*MEASURED*HER*PEN*WITH*THE*BRITISH
PROPAGANDISTS;*AND*THE*PATRIOT*NEWSPAPERS*FOUNDED*AND*MANAGED*BY*WOMEN.


THE*LEADERSHIP*OF*THE*CHURCHES

IN*THE*INTELLECTUAL*LIFE*OF*AMERICA,*THE*CHURCHES*ASSUMED*A*ROLE*OF*HIGH
IMPORTANCE.*THERE*WERE*ABUNDANT*REASONS*FOR*THIS.*IN*MANY*OF*THE
COLONIES--MARYLAND,*PENNSYLVANIA,*AND*NEW*ENGLAND--THE*RELIGIOUS*IMPULSE
HAD*BEEN*ONE*OF*THE*IMPELLING*MOTIVES*IN*STIMULATING*IMMIGRATION.*IN*ALL
THE*COLONIES,*THE*CLERGY,*AT*LEAST*IN*THE*BEGINNING,*FORMED*THE*ONLY
CLASS*WITH*ANY*LEISURE*TO*DEVOTE*TO*MATTERS*OF*THE*SPIRIT.*THEY*PREACHED
ON*SUNDAYS*AND*TAUGHT*SCHOOL*ON*WEEK*DAYS.*THEY*LED*IN*THE*DISCUSSION*OF
LOCAL*PROBLEMS*AND*IN*THE*FORMATION*OF*POLITICAL*OPINION,*SO*MUCH*OF
WHICH*WAS*CONCERNED*WITH*THE*RELATION*BETWEEN*CHURCH*AND*STATE.*THEY
WROTE*BOOKS*AND*PAMPHLETS.*THEY*FILLED*MOST*OF*THE*CHAIRS*IN*THE
COLLEGES;*UNDER*CLERICAL*GUIDANCE,*INTELLECTUAL*AND*SPIRITUAL,*THE
AMERICANS*RECEIVED*THEIR*FORMAL*EDUCATION.*IN*SEVERAL*OF*THE*PROVINCES
THE*ANGLICAN*CHURCH*WAS*ESTABLISHED*BY*LAW.*IN*NEW*ENGLAND*THE*PURITANS
WERE*SUPREME,*NOTWITHSTANDING*THE*EFFORTS*OF*THE*CROWN*TO*OVERBEAR*THEIR
AUTHORITY.*IN*THE*MIDDLE*COLONIES,*PARTICULARLY,*THE*MULTIPLICATION*OF
SECTS*MADE*THE*DOMINANCE*OF*ANY*SINGLE*DENOMINATION*IMPOSSIBLE;*AND*IN
ALL*OF*THEM*THERE*WAS*A*GROWING*DIVERSITY*OF*FAITH,*WHICH*PROMISED*IN
TIME*A*SEPARATION*OF*CHURCH*AND*STATE*AND*FREEDOM*OF*OPINION.

=THE*CHURCH*OF*ENGLAND.=--VIRGINIA*WAS*THE*STRONGHOLD*OF*THE*ENGLISH
SYSTEM*OF*CHURCH*AND*STATE.*THE*ANGLICAN*FAITH*AND*WORSHIP*WERE
PRESCRIBED*BY*LAW,*SUSTAINED*BY*TAXES*IMPOSED*ON*ALL,*AND*FAVORED*BY*THE
GOVERNOR,*THE*PROVINCIAL*COUNCILORS,*AND*THE*RICHEST*PLANTERS.*"THE
ESTABLISHED*CHURCH,"*SAYS*LODGE,*"WAS*ONE*OF*THE*APPENDAGES*OF*THE
VIRGINIA*ARISTOCRACY.*THEY*CONTROLLED*THE*VESTRIES*AND*THE*MINISTERS,
AND*THE*PARISH*CHURCH*STOOD*NOT*INFREQUENTLY*ON*THE*ESTATE*OF*THE
PLANTER*WHO*BUILT*AND*MANAGED*IT."*AS*IN*ENGLAND,*CATHOLICS*AND
PROTESTANT*DISSENTERS*WERE*AT*FIRST*LAID*UNDER*HEAVY*DISABILITIES.*ONLY
SLOWLY*AND*ON*SUFFERANCE*WERE*THEY*ADMITTED*TO*THE*PROVINCE;*BUT*WHEN
ONCE*THEY*WERE*EVEN*COVERTLY*TOLERATED,*THEY*PRESSED*STEADILY*IN,*UNTIL,
BY*THE*REVOLUTION,*THEY*OUTNUMBERED*THE*ADHERENTS*OF*THE*ESTABLISHED
ORDER.

THE*CHURCH*WAS*ALSO*SANCTIONED*BY*LAW*AND*SUPPORTED*BY*TAXES*IN*THE
CAROLINAS*AFTER*1704,*AND*IN*GEORGIA*AFTER*THAT*COLONY*PASSED*DIRECTLY
UNDER*THE*CROWN*IN*1754--THIS*IN*SPITE*OF*THE*FACT*THAT*THE*MAJORITY*OF
THE*INHABITANTS*WERE*DISSENTERS.*AGAINST*THE*PROTESTS*OF*THE*CATHOLICS
IT*WAS*LIKEWISE*ESTABLISHED*IN*MARYLAND.*IN*NEW*YORK,*TOO,
NOTWITHSTANDING*THE*RESISTANCE*OF*THE*DUTCH,*THE*ESTABLISHED*CHURCH*WAS
FOSTERED*BY*THE*PROVINCIAL*OFFICIALS,*AND*THE*ANGLICANS,*EMBRACING*ABOUT
ONE-FIFTEENTH*OF*THE*POPULATION,*EXERTED*AN*INFLUENCE*ALL*OUT*OF
PROPORTION*TO*THEIR*NUMBERS.

MANY*FACTORS*HELPED*TO*ENHANCE*THE*POWER*OF*THE*ENGLISH*CHURCH*IN*THE
COLONIES.*IT*WAS*SUPPORTED*BY*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT*AND*THE*OFFICIAL
CLASS*SENT*OUT*TO*THE*PROVINCES.*ITS*BISHOPS*AND*ARCHBISHOPS*IN*ENGLAND
WERE*APPOINTED*BY*THE*KING,*AND*ITS*FAITH*AND*SERVICE*WERE*SET*FORTH*BY
ACTS*OF*PARLIAMENT.*HAVING*ITS*SEAT*OF*POWER*IN*THE*ENGLISH*MONARCHY,*IT
COULD*HOLD*ITS*CLERGY*AND*MISSIONARIES*LOYAL*TO*THE*CROWN*AND*SO
COUNTERACT*TO*SOME*EXTENT*THE*INDEPENDENT*SPIRIT*THAT*WAS*GROWING*UP*IN
AMERICA.*THE*CHURCH,*ALWAYS*A*STRONG*BULWARK*OF*THE*STATE,*THEREFORE*HAD
A*POLITICAL*ROLE*TO*PLAY*HERE*AS*IN*ENGLAND.*ABLE*BISHOPS*AND*FAR-SEEING
LEADERS*FIRMLY*GRASPED*THIS*FACT*ABOUT*THE*MIDDLE*OF*THE*EIGHTEENTH
CENTURY*AND*REDOUBLED*THEIR*EFFORTS*TO*AUGMENT*THE*INFLUENCE*OF*THE
CHURCH*IN*PROVINCIAL*AFFAIRS.*UNHAPPILY*FOR*THEIR*PLANS*THEY*FAILED*TO
CALCULATE*IN*ADVANCE*THE*EFFECT*OF*THEIR*METHODS*UPON*DISSENTING
PROTESTANTS,*WHO*STILL*CHERISHED*MEMORIES*OF*BITTER*RELIGIOUS*CONFLICTS
IN*THE*MOTHER*COUNTRY.

=PURITANISM*IN*NEW*ENGLAND.=--IF*THE*ESTABLISHED*FAITH*MADE*FOR*IMPERIAL
UNITY,*THE*SAME*COULD*NOT*BE*SAID*OF*PURITANISM.*THE*PLYMOUTH*PILGRIMS
HAD*CAST*OFF*ALL*ALLEGIANCE*TO*THE*ANGLICAN*CHURCH*AND*ESTABLISHED*A
SEPARATE*AND*INDEPENDENT*CONGREGATION*BEFORE*THEY*CAME*TO*AMERICA.*THE
PURITANS,*ESSAYING*AT*FIRST*THE*TASK*OF*REFORMERS*WITHIN*THE*CHURCH,
SOON*AFTER*THEIR*ARRIVAL*IN*MASSACHUSETTS,*LIKEWISE*FLUNG*OFF*THEIR*YOKE
OF*UNION*WITH*THE*ANGLICANS.*IN*EACH*TOWN*A*SEPARATE*CONGREGATION*WAS
ORGANIZED,*THE*MALE*MEMBERS*CHOOSING*THE*PASTOR,*THE*TEACHERS,*AND*THE
OTHER*OFFICERS.*THEY*ALSO*COMPOSED*THE*VOTERS*IN*THE*TOWN*MEETING,*WHERE
SECULAR*MATTERS*WERE*DETERMINED.*THE*UNION*OF*CHURCH*AND*GOVERNMENT*WAS
THUS*COMPLETE,*AND*UNIFORMITY*OF*FAITH*AND*LIFE*PRESCRIBED*BY*LAW*AND
ENFORCED*BY*CIVIL*AUTHORITIES;*BUT*THIS*WORKED*FOR*LOCAL*AUTONOMY
INSTEAD*OF*IMPERIAL*UNITY.

THE*CLERGY*BECAME*A*POWERFUL*CLASS,*DOMINANT*THROUGH*THEIR*LEARNING*AND
THEIR*FEARFUL*DENUNCIATIONS*OF*THE*FAITHLESS.*THEY*WROTE*THE*BOOKS*FOR
THE*PEOPLE*TO*READ--THE*FAMOUS*COTTON*MATHER*HAVING*THREE*HUNDRED*AND
EIGHTY-THREE*BOOKS*AND*PAMPHLETS*TO*HIS*CREDIT.*IN*COOPERATION*WITH*THE
CIVIL*OFFICERS*THEY*ENFORCED*A*STRICT*OBSERVANCE*OF*THE*PURITAN
SABBATH--A*DAY*OF*REST*THAT*BEGAN*AT*SIX*O'CLOCK*ON*SATURDAY*EVENING*AND
LASTED*UNTIL*SUNSET*ON*SUNDAY.*ALL*WORK,*ALL*TRADING,*ALL*AMUSEMENT,*AND
ALL*WORLDLY*CONVERSATION*WERE*ABSOLUTELY*PROHIBITED*DURING*THOSE*HOURS.
A*THOUGHTLESS*MAID*SERVANT*WHO*FOR*SOME*EARTHLY*REASON*SMILED*IN*CHURCH
WAS*IN*DANGER*OF*BEING*BANISHED*AS*A*VAGABOND.*ROBERT*PIKE,*A*DEVOUT
PURITAN,*THINKING*THE*SUN*HAD*GONE*TO*REST,*VENTURED*FORTH*ON*HORSEBACK
ONE*SUNDAY*EVENING*AND*WAS*LUCKLESS*ENOUGH*TO*HAVE*A*RAY*OF*LIGHT*STRIKE
HIM*THROUGH*A*RIFT*IN*THE*CLOUDS.*THE*NEXT*DAY*HE*WAS*BROUGHT*INTO*COURT
AND*FINED*FOR*"HIS*UNGODLY*CONDUCT."*WITH*PERSONS*ACCUSED*OF*WITCHCRAFT
THE*PURITANS*WERE*STILL*MORE*RUTHLESS.*WHEN*A*MANIA*OF*PERSECUTION*SWEPT
OVER*MASSACHUSETTS*IN*1692,*EIGHTEEN*PEOPLE*WERE*HANGED,*ONE*WAS*PRESSED
TO*DEATH,*MANY*SUFFERED*IMPRISONMENT,*AND*TWO*DIED*IN*JAIL.

JUST*ABOUT*THIS*TIME,*HOWEVER,*THERE*CAME*A*BREAK*IN*THE*UNIFORMITY*OF
PURITAN*RULE.*THE*CROWN*AND*CHURCH*IN*ENGLAND*HAD*LONG*LOOKED*UPON*IT
WITH*DISFAVOR,*AND*IN*1684*KING*CHARLES*II*ANNULLED*THE*OLD*CHARTER*OF
THE*MASSACHUSETTS*BAY*COMPANY.*A*NEW*DOCUMENT*ISSUED*SEVEN*YEARS*LATER
WRESTED*FROM*THE*PURITANS*OF*THE*COLONY*THE*RIGHT*TO*ELECT*THEIR*OWN
GOVERNOR*AND*RESERVED*THE*POWER*OF*APPOINTMENT*TO*THE*KING.*IT*ALSO
ABOLISHED*THE*RULE*LIMITING*THE*SUFFRAGE*TO*CHURCH*MEMBERS,*SUBSTITUTING
FOR*IT*A*SIMPLE*PROPERTY*QUALIFICATION.*THUS*A*ROYAL*GOVERNOR*AND*AN
OFFICIAL*FAMILY,*CERTAIN*TO*BE*EPISCOPALIAN*IN*FAITH*AND*MONARCHIST*IN
SYMPATHIES,*WERE*FORCED*UPON*MASSACHUSETTS;*AND*MEMBERS*OF*ALL*RELIGIOUS
DENOMINATIONS,*IF*THEY*HAD*THE*REQUIRED*AMOUNT*OF*PROPERTY,*WERE
PERMITTED*TO*TAKE*PART*IN*ELECTIONS.*BY*THIS*ACT*IN*THE*NAME*OF*THE
CROWN,*THE*PURITAN*MONOPOLY*WAS*BROKEN*DOWN*IN*MASSACHUSETTS,*AND*THAT
PROVINCE*WAS*BROUGHT*INTO*LINE*WITH*CONNECTICUT,*RHODE*ISLAND,*AND*NEW
HAMPSHIRE,*WHERE*PROPERTY,*NOT*RELIGIOUS*FAITH,*WAS*THE*TEST*FOR*THE
SUFFRAGE.

=GROWTH*OF*RELIGIOUS*TOLERATION.=--THOUGH*NEITHER*THE*ANGLICANS*OF
VIRGINIA*NOR*THE*PURITANS*OF*MASSACHUSETTS*BELIEVED*IN*TOLERATION*FOR
OTHER*DENOMINATIONS,*THAT*PRINCIPLE*WAS*STRICTLY*APPLIED*IN*RHODE
ISLAND.*THERE,*UNDER*THE*LEADERSHIP*OF*ROGER*WILLIAMS,*LIBERTY*IN
MATTERS*OF*CONSCIENCE*WAS*ESTABLISHED*IN*THE*BEGINNING.*MARYLAND,*BY
GRANTING*IN*1649*FREEDOM*TO*THOSE*WHO*PROFESSED*TO*BELIEVE*IN*JESUS
CHRIST,*OPENED*ITS*GATES*TO*ALL*CHRISTIANS;*AND*PENNSYLVANIA,*TRUE*TO
THE*TENETS*OF*THE*FRIENDS,*GAVE*FREEDOM*OF*CONSCIENCE*TO*THOSE*"WHO
CONFESS*AND*ACKNOWLEDGE*THE*ONE*ALMIGHTY*AND*ETERNAL*GOD*TO*BE*THE
CREATOR,*UPHOLDER,*AND*RULER*OF*THE*WORLD."*BY*ONE*CIRCUMSTANCE*OR
ANOTHER,*THE*MIDDLE*COLONIES*WERE*THUS*EARLY*CHARACTERIZED*BY*DIVERSITY
RATHER*THAN*UNIFORMITY*OF*OPINION.*DUTCH*PROTESTANTS,*HUGUENOTS,
QUAKERS,*BAPTISTS,*PRESBYTERIANS,*NEW*LIGHTS,*MORAVIANS,*LUTHERANS,
CATHOLICS,*AND*OTHER*DENOMINATIONS*BECAME*TOO*STRONGLY*INTRENCHED*AND
TOO*WIDELY*SCATTERED*TO*PERMIT*ANY*ONE*OF*THEM*TO*RULE,*IF*IT*HAD
DESIRED*TO*DO*SO.*THERE*WERE*COMMUNITIES*AND*INDEED*WHOLE*SECTIONS*WHERE
ONE*OR*ANOTHER*CHURCH*PREVAILED,*BUT*IN*NO*COLONY*WAS*A*LEGISLATURE
STEADILY*CONTROLLED*BY*A*SINGLE*GROUP.*TOLERATION*ENCOURAGED*DIVERSITY,
AND*DIVERSITY,*IN*TURN,*WORKED*FOR*GREATER*TOLERATION.

THE*GOVERNMENT*AND*FAITH*OF*THE*DISSENTING*DENOMINATIONS*CONSPIRED*WITH
ECONOMIC*AND*POLITICAL*TENDENCIES*TO*DRAW*AMERICA*AWAY*FROM*THE*ENGLISH
STATE.*PRESBYTERIANS,*QUAKERS,*BAPTISTS,*AND*PURITANS*HAD*NO*HIERARCHY
OF*BISHOPS*AND*ARCHBISHOPS*TO*BIND*THEM*TO*THE*SEAT*OF*POWER*IN*LONDON.
NEITHER*DID*THEY*LOOK*TO*THAT*METROPOLIS*FOR*GUIDANCE*IN*INTERPRETING
ARTICLES*OF*FAITH.*LOCAL*SELF-GOVERNMENT*IN*MATTERS*ECCLESIASTICAL
HELPED*TO*TRAIN*THEM*FOR*LOCAL*SELF-GOVERNMENT*IN*MATTERS*POLITICAL.*THE
SPIRIT*OF*INDEPENDENCE*WHICH*LED*DISSENTERS*TO*REVOLT*IN*THE*OLD*WORLD,
NOURISHED*AS*IT*WAS*AMID*FAVORABLE*CIRCUMSTANCES*IN*THE*NEW*WORLD,*MADE
THEM*ALL*THE*MORE*ZEALOUS*IN*THE*DEFENSE*OF*EVERY*RIGHT*AGAINST
AUTHORITY*IMPOSED*FROM*WITHOUT.


SCHOOLS*AND*COLLEGES

=RELIGION*AND*LOCAL*SCHOOLS.=--ONE*OF*THE*FIRST*CARES*OF*EACH*PROTESTANT
DENOMINATION*WAS*THE*EDUCATION*OF*THE*CHILDREN*IN*THE*FAITH.*IN*THIS
WORK*THE*BIBLE*BECAME*THE*CENTER*OF*INTEREST.*THE*ENGLISH*VERSION*WAS
INDEED*THE*ONE*BOOK*OF*THE*PEOPLE.*FARMERS,*SHOPKEEPERS,*AND*ARTISANS,
WHOSE*LIFE*HAD*ONCE*BEEN*BOUNDED*BY*THE*DAILY*ROUTINE*OF*LABOR,*FOUND*IN
THE*SCRIPTURES*NOT*ONLY*AN*INSPIRATION*TO*RELIGIOUS*CONDUCT,*BUT*ALSO*A
BOOK*OF*ROMANCE,*TRAVEL,*AND*HISTORY.*"LEGEND*AND*ANNAL,"*SAYS*JOHN
RICHARD*GREEN,*"WAR-SONG*AND*PSALM,*STATE-ROLL*AND*BIOGRAPHY,*THE*MIGHTY
VOICES*OF*PROPHETS,*THE*PARABLES*OF*EVANGELISTS,*STORIES*OF*MISSION
JOURNEYS,*OF*PERILS*BY*SEA*AND*AMONG*THE*HEATHEN,*PHILOSOPHIC*ARGUMENTS,
APOCALYPTIC*VISIONS,*ALL*WERE*FLUNG*BROADCAST*OVER*MINDS*UNOCCUPIED*FOR
THE*MOST*PART*BY*ANY*RIVAL*LEARNING....*AS*A*MERE*LITERARY*MONUMENT,*THE
ENGLISH*VERSION*OF*THE*BIBLE*REMAINS*THE*NOBLEST*EXAMPLE*OF*THE*ENGLISH
TONGUE."*IT*WAS*THE*KING*JAMES*VERSION*JUST*FROM*THE*PRESS*THAT*THE
PILGRIMS*BROUGHT*ACROSS*THE*SEA*WITH*THEM.

FOR*THE*AUTHORITY*OF*THE*ESTABLISHED*CHURCH*WAS*SUBSTITUTED*THE
AUTHORITY*OF*THE*SCRIPTURES.*THE*PURITANS*DEVISED*A*CATECHISM*BASED*UPON
THEIR*INTERPRETATION*OF*THE*BIBLE,*AND,*VERY*SOON*AFTER*THEIR*ARRIVAL*IN
AMERICA,*THEY*ORDERED*ALL*PARENTS*AND*MASTERS*OF*SERVANTS*TO*BE*DILIGENT
IN*SEEING*THAT*THEIR*CHILDREN*AND*WARDS*WERE*TAUGHT*TO*READ*RELIGIOUS
WORKS*AND*GIVE*ANSWERS*TO*THE*RELIGIOUS*QUESTIONS.*MASSACHUSETTS*WAS
SCARCELY*TWENTY*YEARS*OLD*BEFORE*EDUCATION*OF*THIS*CHARACTER*WAS
DECLARED*TO*BE*COMPULSORY,*AND*PROVISION*WAS*MADE*FOR*PUBLIC*SCHOOLS
WHERE*THOSE*NOT*TAUGHT*AT*HOME*COULD*RECEIVE*INSTRUCTION*IN*READING*AND
WRITING.

[ILLUSTRATION:*A*PAGE*FROM*A*FAMOUS*SCHOOLBOOK


*****A*IN*ADAM'S*FALL
*******WE*SINNED*ALL.

*****B*HEAVEN*TO*FIND,
*******THE*BIBLE*MIND.

*****C*CHRIST*CRUCIFY'D
*******FOR*SINNERS*DY'D.

*****D*THE*DELUGE*DROWN'D
*******THE*EARTH*AROUND.

*****E*ELIJAH*HID
*******BY*RAVENS*FED.

*****F*THE*JUDGMENT*MADE
*******FELIX*AFRAID.]



OUTSIDE*OF*NEW*ENGLAND*THE*IDEA*OF*COMPULSORY*EDUCATION*WAS*NOT*REGARDED
WITH*THE*SAME*FAVOR;*BUT*THE*WHOLE*LAND*WAS*NEVERTHELESS*DOTTED*WITH
LITTLE*SCHOOLS*KEPT*BY*"DAMES,*ITINERANT*TEACHERS,*OR*LOCAL*PARSONS."
WHETHER*WE*TURN*TO*THE*LIFE*OF*FRANKLIN*IN*THE*NORTH*OR*WASHINGTON*IN
THE*SOUTH,*WE*READ*OF*TINY*SCHOOLHOUSES,*WHERE*BOYS,*AND*SOMETIMES
GIRLS,*WERE*TAUGHT*TO*READ*AND*WRITE.*WHERE*THERE*WERE*NO*SCHOOLS,
FATHERS*AND*MOTHERS*OF*THE*BETTER*KIND*GAVE*THEIR*CHILDREN*THE*RUDIMENTS
OF*LEARNING.*THOUGH*ILLITERACY*WAS*WIDESPREAD,*THERE*IS*EVIDENCE*TO*SHOW
THAT*THE*DIFFUSION*OF*KNOWLEDGE*AMONG*THE*MASSES*WAS*MAKING*STEADY
PROGRESS*ALL*THROUGH*THE*EIGHTEENTH*CENTURY.

=RELIGION*AND*HIGHER*LEARNING.=--RELIGIOUS*MOTIVES*ENTERED*INTO*THE
ESTABLISHMENT*OF*COLLEGES*AS*WELL*AS*LOCAL*SCHOOLS.*HARVARD,*FOUNDED*IN
1636,*AND*YALE,*OPENED*IN*1718,*WERE*INTENDED*PRIMARILY*TO*TRAIN
"LEARNED*AND*GODLY*MINISTERS"*FOR*THE*PURITAN*CHURCHES*OF*NEW*ENGLAND.
TO*THE*FAR*NORTH,*DARTMOUTH,*CHARTERED*IN*1769,*WAS*DESIGNED*FIRST*AS*A
MISSION*TO*THE*INDIANS*AND*THEN*AS*A*COLLEGE*FOR*THE*SONS*OF*NEW*ENGLAND
FARMERS*PREPARING*TO*PREACH,*TEACH,*OR*PRACTICE*LAW.*THE*COLLEGE*OF*NEW
JERSEY,*ORGANIZED*IN*1746*AND*REMOVED*TO*PRINCETON*ELEVEN*YEARS*LATER,
WAS*SUSTAINED*BY*THE*PRESBYTERIANS.*TWO*COLLEGES*LOOKED*TO*THE
ESTABLISHED*CHURCH*AS*THEIR*SOURCE*OF*INSPIRATION*AND*SUPPORT:*WILLIAM
AND*MARY,*FOUNDED*IN*VIRGINIA*IN*1693,*AND*KING'S*COLLEGE,*NOW*COLUMBIA
UNIVERSITY,*CHARTERED*BY*KING*GEORGE*II*IN*1754,*ON*AN*APPEAL*FROM*THE
NEW*YORK*ANGLICANS,*ALARMED*AT*THE*GROWTH*OF*RELIGIOUS*DISSENT*AND*THE
"REPUBLICAN*TENDENCIES"*OF*THE*AGE.*TWO*COLLEGES*REVEALED*A*DRIFT*AWAY
FROM*SECTARIANISM.*BROWN,*ESTABLISHED*IN*RHODE*ISLAND*IN*1764,*AND*THE
PHILADELPHIA*ACADEMY,*FORERUNNER*OF*THE*UNIVERSITY*OF*PENNSYLVANIA,
ORGANIZED*BY*BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN,*REFLECTED*THE*SPIRIT*OF*TOLERATION*BY
GIVING*REPRESENTATION*ON*THE*BOARD*OF*TRUSTEES*TO*SEVERAL*RELIGIOUS
SECTS.*IT*WAS*FRANKLIN'S*IDEA*THAT*HIS*COLLEGE*SHOULD*PREPARE*YOUNG*MEN
TO*SERVE*IN*PUBLIC*OFFICE*AS*LEADERS*OF*THE*PEOPLE*AND*ORNAMENTS*TO
THEIR*COUNTRY.

=SELF-EDUCATION*IN*AMERICA.=--IMPORTANT*AS*WERE*THESE*INSTITUTIONS*OF
LEARNING,*HIGHER*EDUCATION*WAS*BY*NO*MEANS*CONFINED*WITHIN*THEIR*WALLS.
MANY*WELL-TO-DO*FAMILIES*SENT*THEIR*SONS*TO*OXFORD*OR*CAMBRIDGE*IN
ENGLAND.*PRIVATE*TUTORING*IN*THE*HOME*WAS*COMMON.*IN*STILL*MORE*FAMILIES
THERE*WERE*INTELLIGENT*CHILDREN*WHO*GREW*UP*IN*THE*GREAT*COLONIAL*SCHOOL
OF*ADVERSITY*AND*WHO*TRAINED*THEMSELVES*UNTIL,*IN*EVERY*CONTEST*OF*MIND
AND*WIT,*THEY*COULD*VIE*WITH*THE*SONS*OF*HARVARD*OR*WILLIAM*AND*MARY*OR
ANY*OTHER*COLLEGE.*SUCH,*FOR*EXAMPLE,*WAS*BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN,*WHOSE
CHARMING*AUTOBIOGRAPHY,*IN*ADDITION*TO*BEING*AN*AMERICAN*CLASSIC,*IS*A
FINE*RECORD*OF*SELF-EDUCATION.*HIS*FORMAL*TRAINING*IN*THE*CLASSROOM*WAS
LIMITED*TO*A*FEW*YEARS*AT*A*LOCAL*SCHOOL*IN*BOSTON;*BUT*HIS
SELF-EDUCATION*CONTINUED*THROUGHOUT*HIS*LIFE.*HE*EARLY*MANIFESTED*A*ZEAL
FOR*READING,*AND*DEVOURED,*HE*TELLS*US,*HIS*FATHER'S*DRY*LIBRARY*ON
THEOLOGY,*BUNYAN'S*WORKS,*DEFOE'S*WRITINGS,*PLUTARCH'S*_LIVES_,*LOCKE'S
_ON*THE*HUMAN*UNDERSTANDING_,*AND*INNUMERABLE*VOLUMES*DEALING*WITH
SECULAR*SUBJECTS.*HIS*LITERARY*STYLE,*PERHAPS*THE*BEST*OF*HIS*TIME,
FRANKLIN*ACQUIRED*BY*THE*DILIGENT*AND*REPEATED*ANALYSIS*OF*THE
_SPECTATOR_.*IN*A*LIFE*CROWDED*WITH*LABORS,*HE*FOUND*TIME*TO*READ*WIDELY
IN*NATURAL*SCIENCE*AND*TO*WIN*SINGLE-HANDED*RECOGNITION*AT*THE*HANDS*OF
EUROPEAN*SAVANTS*FOR*HIS*DISCOVERIES*IN*ELECTRICITY.*BY*HIS*OWN*EFFORTS
HE*"ATTAINED*AN*ACQUAINTANCE"*WITH*LATIN,*ITALIAN,*FRENCH,*AND*SPANISH,
THUS*UNCONSCIOUSLY*PREPARING*HIMSELF*FOR*THE*DAY*WHEN*HE*WAS*TO*SPEAK
FOR*ALL*AMERICA*AT*THE*COURT*OF*THE*KING*OF*FRANCE.

LESSER*LIGHTS*THAN*FRANKLIN,*EDUCATED*BY*THE*SAME*PROCESS,*WERE*FOUND
ALL*OVER*COLONIAL*AMERICA.*FROM*THIS*FRUITFUL*SOURCE*OF*NATIVE*ABILITY,
SELF-EDUCATED,*THE*AMERICAN*CAUSE*DREW*GREAT*STRENGTH*IN*THE*TRIALS*OF
THE*REVOLUTION.


THE*COLONIAL*PRESS

=THE*RISE*OF*THE*NEWSPAPER.=--THE*EVOLUTION*OF*AMERICAN*DEMOCRACY*INTO*A
GOVERNMENT*BY*PUBLIC*OPINION,*ENLIGHTENED*BY*THE*OPEN*DISCUSSION*OF
POLITICAL*QUESTIONS,*WAS*IN*NO*SMALL*MEASURE*AIDED*BY*A*FREE*PRESS.*THAT
TOO,*LIKE*EDUCATION,*WAS*A*MATTER*OF*SLOW*GROWTH.*A*PRINTING*PRESS*WAS
BROUGHT*TO*MASSACHUSETTS*IN*1639,*BUT*IT*WAS*PUT*IN*CHARGE*OF*AN
OFFICIAL*CENSOR*AND*LIMITED*TO*THE*PUBLICATION*OF*RELIGIOUS*WORKS.*FORTY
YEARS*ELAPSED*BEFORE*THE*FIRST*NEWSPAPER*APPEARED,*BEARING*THE*CURIOUS
TITLE,*_PUBLIC*OCCURRENCES*BOTH*FOREIGN*AND*DOMESTIC_,*AND*IT*HAD*NOT
BEEN*RUNNING*VERY*LONG*BEFORE*THE*GOVERNMENT*OF*MASSACHUSETTS*SUPPRESSED
IT*FOR*DISCUSSING*A*POLITICAL*QUESTION.

PUBLISHING,*INDEED,*SEEMED*TO*BE*A*PRECARIOUS*BUSINESS;*BUT*IN*1704
THERE*CAME*A*SECOND*VENTURE*IN*JOURNALISM,*_THE*BOSTON*NEWS-LETTER_,
WHICH*PROVED*TO*BE*A*MORE*LASTING*ENTERPRISE*BECAUSE*IT*REFRAINED*FROM
CRITICIZING*THE*AUTHORITIES.*STILL*THE*PUBLIC*INTEREST*LANGUISHED.*WHEN
FRANKLIN'S*BROTHER,*JAMES,*BEGAN*TO*ISSUE*HIS*_NEW*ENGLAND*COURANT_
ABOUT*1720,*HIS*FRIENDS*SOUGHT*TO*DISSUADE*HIM,*SAYING*THAT*ONE
NEWSPAPER*WAS*ENOUGH*FOR*AMERICA.*NEVERTHELESS*HE*CONTINUED*IT;*AND*HIS
CONFIDENCE*IN*THE*FUTURE*WAS*REWARDED.*IN*NEARLY*EVERY*COLONY*A*GAZETTE
OR*CHRONICLE*APPEARED*WITHIN*THE*NEXT*THIRTY*YEARS*OR*MORE.*BENJAMIN
FRANKLIN*WAS*ABLE*TO*RECORD*IN*1771*THAT*AMERICA*HAD*TWENTY-FIVE
NEWSPAPERS.*BOSTON*LED*WITH*FIVE.*PHILADELPHIA*HAD*THREE:*TWO*IN*ENGLISH
AND*ONE*IN*GERMAN.

=CENSORSHIP*AND*RESTRAINTS*ON*THE*PRESS.=--THE*IDEA*OF*PRINTING,
UNLICENSED*BY*THE*GOVERNMENT*AND*UNCONTROLLED*BY*THE*CHURCH,*WAS,
HOWEVER,*SLOW*IN*TAKING*FORM.*THE*FOUNDERS*OF*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES*HAD
NEVER*KNOWN*WHAT*IT*WAS*TO*HAVE*THE*FREE*AND*OPEN*PUBLICATION*OF*BOOKS,
PAMPHLETS,*BROADSIDES,*AND*NEWSPAPERS.*WHEN*THE*ART*OF*PRINTING*WAS
FIRST*DISCOVERED,*THE*CONTROL*OF*PUBLISHING*WAS*VESTED*IN*CLERICAL
AUTHORITIES.*AFTER*THE*ESTABLISHMENT*OF*THE*STATE*CHURCH*IN*ENGLAND*IN
THE*REIGN*OF*ELIZABETH,*CENSORSHIP*OF*THE*PRESS*BECAME*A*PART*OF*ROYAL
PREROGATIVE.*PRINTING*WAS*RESTRICTED*TO*OXFORD,*CAMBRIDGE,*AND*LONDON;
AND*NO*ONE*COULD*PUBLISH*ANYTHING*WITHOUT*PREVIOUS*APPROVAL*OF*THE
OFFICIAL*CENSOR.*WHEN*THE*PURITANS*WERE*IN*POWER,*THE*POPULAR*PARTY,
WITH*A*ZEAL*WHICH*RIVALED*THAT*OF*THE*CROWN,*SOUGHT,*IN*TURN,*TO*SILENCE
ROYALIST*AND*CLERICAL*WRITERS*BY*A*VIGOROUS*CENSORSHIP.*AFTER*THE
RESTORATION*OF*THE*MONARCHY,*CONTROL*OF*THE*PRESS*WAS*ONCE*MORE*PLACED
IN*ROYAL*HANDS,*WHERE*IT*REMAINED*UNTIL*1695,*WHEN*PARLIAMENT,*BY
FAILING*TO*RENEW*THE*LICENSING*ACT,*DID*AWAY*ENTIRELY*WITH*THE*OFFICIAL

CENSORSHIP.*BY*THAT*TIME*POLITICAL*PARTIES*WERE*SO*POWERFUL*AND*SO
ACTIVE*AND*PRINTING*PRESSES*WERE*SO*NUMEROUS*THAT*OFFICIAL*REVIEW*OF*ALL
PUBLISHED*MATTER*BECAME*A*SHEER*IMPOSSIBILITY.

IN*AMERICA,*LIKEWISE,*SOME*TROUBLESOME*QUESTIONS*AROSE*IN*CONNECTION
WITH*FREEDOM*OF*THE*PRESS.*THE*PURITANS*OF*MASSACHUSETTS*WERE*NO*LESS
ANXIOUS*THAN*KING*CHARLES*OR*THE*ARCHBISHOP*OF*LONDON*TO*SHUT*OUT*FROM
THE*PRYING*EYES*OF*THE*PEOPLE*ALL*LITERATURE*"NOT*METE*FOR*THEM*TO
READ";*AND*SO*THEY*ESTABLISHED*A*SYSTEM*OF*OFFICIAL*LICENSING*FOR
PRESSES,*WHICH*LASTED*UNTIL*1755.*IN*THE*OTHER*COLONIES*WHERE*THERE*WAS
MORE*DIVERSITY*OF*OPINION*AND*PUBLISHERS*COULD*SET*UP*IN*BUSINESS*WITH
IMPUNITY,*THEY*WERE*NEVERTHELESS*CONSTANTLY*LIABLE*TO*ARREST*FOR
PRINTING*ANYTHING*DISPLEASING*TO*THE*COLONIAL*GOVERNMENTS.*IN*1721*THE
EDITOR*OF*THE*_MERCURY_*IN*PHILADELPHIA*WAS*CALLED*BEFORE*THE
PROPRIETARY*COUNCIL*AND*ORDERED*TO*APOLOGIZE*FOR*A*POLITICAL*ARTICLE,
AND*FOR*A*LATER*OFFENSE*OF*A*SIMILAR*CHARACTER*HE*WAS*THROWN*INTO*JAIL.
A*STILL*MORE*FAMOUS*CASE*WAS*THAT*OF*PETER*ZENGER,*A*NEW*YORK*PUBLISHER,
WHO*WAS*ARRESTED*IN*1735*FOR*CRITICISING*THE*ADMINISTRATION.*LAWYERS*WHO
VENTURED*TO*DEFEND*THE*UNLUCKY*EDITOR*WERE*DEPRIVED*OF*THEIR*LICENSES*TO
PRACTICE,*AND*IT*BECAME*NECESSARY*TO*BRING*AN*ATTORNEY*ALL*THE*WAY*FROM
PHILADELPHIA.*BY*THIS*TIME*THE*TENSION*OF*FEELING*WAS*HIGH,*AND*THE
APPROBATION*OF*THE*PUBLIC*WAS*FORTHCOMING*WHEN*THE*LAWYER*FOR*THE
DEFENSE*EXCLAIMED*TO*THE*JURY*THAT*THE*VERY*CAUSE*OF*LIBERTY*ITSELF,*NOT
THAT*OF*THE*POOR*PRINTER,*WAS*ON*TRIAL!*THE*VERDICT*FOR*ZENGER,*WHEN*IT
FINALLY*CAME,*WAS*THE*SIGNAL*FOR*AN*OUTBURST*OF*POPULAR*REJOICING.
ALREADY*THE*PEOPLE*OF*KING*GEORGE'S*PROVINCE*KNEW*HOW*PRECIOUS*A*THING
IS*THE*FREEDOM*OF*THE*PRESS.

THANKS*TO*THE*SCHOOLS,*FEW*AND*SCATTERED*AS*THEY*WERE,*AND*TO*THE
VIGILANCE*OF*PARENTS,*A*VERY*LARGE*PORTION,*PERHAPS*NEARLY*ONE-HALF,*OF
THE*COLONISTS*COULD*READ.*THROUGH*THE*NEWSPAPERS,*PAMPHLETS,*AND
ALMANACS*THAT*STREAMED*FROM*THE*TYPES,*THE*PEOPLE*COULD*FOLLOW*THE
COURSE*OF*PUBLIC*EVENTS*AND*GRASP*THE*SIGNIFICANCE*OF*POLITICAL
ARGUMENTS.*AN*AMERICAN*OPINION*WAS*IN*THE*PROCESS*OF*MAKING--AN
INDEPENDENT*OPINION*NOURISHED*BY*THE*PRESS*AND*ENRICHED*BY*DISCUSSIONS
AROUND*THE*FIRESIDE*AND*AT*THE*TAVERNS.*WHEN*THE*DAY*OF*RESISTANCE*TO
BRITISH*RULE*CAME,*GOVERNMENT*BY*OPINION*WAS*AT*HAND.*FOR*EVERY*PERSON
WHO*COULD*HEAR*THE*VOICE*OF*PATRICK*HENRY*AND*SAMUEL*ADAMS,*THERE*WERE*A
THOUSAND*WHO*COULD*SEE*THEIR*APPEALS*ON*THE*PRINTED*PAGE.*MEN*WHO*HAD
SPELLED*OUT*THEIR*LETTERS*WHILE*PORING*OVER*FRANKLIN'S*_POOR*RICHARD'S
ALMANAC_*LIVED*TO*READ*THOMAS*PAINE'S*THRILLING*CALL*TO*ARMS.


THE*EVOLUTION*IN*POLITICAL*INSTITUTIONS

TWO*VERY*DISTINCT*LINES*OF*DEVELOPMENT*APPEARED*IN*COLONIAL*POLITICS.
THE*ONE,*EXALTING*ROYAL*RIGHTS*AND*ARISTOCRATIC*PRIVILEGES,*WAS*THE
DRIFT*TOWARD*PROVINCIAL*GOVERNMENT*THROUGH*ROYAL*OFFICERS*APPOINTED*IN
ENGLAND.*THE*OTHER,*LEADING*TOWARD*DEMOCRACY*AND*SELF-GOVERNMENT,*WAS
THE*GROWTH*IN*THE*POWER*OF*THE*POPULAR*LEGISLATIVE*ASSEMBLY.*EACH
MOVEMENT*GAVE*IMPETUS*TO*THE*OTHER,*WITH*INCREASING*FORCE*DURING*THE
PASSING*YEARS,*UNTIL*AT*LAST*THE*FINAL*COLLISION*BETWEEN*THE*TWO*IDEALS
OF*GOVERNMENT*CAME*IN*THE*WAR*OF*INDEPENDENCE.

=THE*ROYAL*PROVINCES.=--OF*THE*THIRTEEN*ENGLISH*COLONIES*EIGHT*WERE
ROYAL*PROVINCES*IN*1776,*WITH*GOVERNORS*APPOINTED*BY*THE*KING.*VIRGINIA
PASSED*UNDER*THE*DIRECT*RULE*OF*THE*CROWN*IN*1624,*WHEN*THE*CHARTER*OF
THE*LONDON*COMPANY*WAS*ANNULLED.*THE*MASSACHUSETTS*BAY*CORPORATION*LOST
ITS*CHARTER*IN*1684,*AND*THE*NEW*INSTRUMENT*GRANTED*SEVEN*YEARS*LATER
STRIPPED*THE*COLONISTS*OF*THE*RIGHT*TO*CHOOSE*THEIR*CHIEF*EXECUTIVE.*IN
THE*EARLY*DECADES*OF*THE*EIGHTEENTH*CENTURY*BOTH*THE*CAROLINAS*WERE
GIVEN*THE*PROVINCIAL*INSTEAD*OF*THE*PROPRIETARY*FORM.*NEW*HAMPSHIRE,
SEVERED*FROM*MASSACHUSETTS*IN*1679,*AND*GEORGIA,*SURRENDERED*BY*THE
TRUSTEES*IN*1752,*WENT*INTO*THE*HANDS*OF*THE*CROWN.*NEW*YORK,
TRANSFERRED*TO*THE*DUKE*OF*YORK*ON*ITS*CAPTURE*FROM*THE*DUTCH*IN*1664,
BECAME*A*PROVINCE*WHEN*HE*TOOK*THE*TITLE*OF*JAMES*II*IN*1685.*NEW
JERSEY,*AFTER*REMAINING*FOR*NEARLY*FORTY*YEARS*UNDER*PROPRIETORS,*WAS
BROUGHT*DIRECTLY*UNDER*THE*KING*IN*1702.*MARYLAND,*PENNSYLVANIA,*AND
DELAWARE,*ALTHOUGH*THEY*RETAINED*THEIR*PROPRIETARY*CHARACTER*UNTIL*THE
REVOLUTION,*WERE*IN*SOME*RESPECTS*LIKE*THE*ROYAL*COLONIES,*FOR*THEIR
GOVERNORS*WERE*AS*INDEPENDENT*OF*POPULAR*CHOICE*AS*WERE*THE*APPOINTEES
OF*KING*GEORGE.*ONLY*TWO*COLONIES,*RHODE*ISLAND*AND*CONNECTICUT,
RETAINED*FULL*SELF-GOVERNMENT*ON*THE*EVE*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.*THEY*ALONE
HAD*GOVERNORS*AND*LEGISLATURES*ENTIRELY*OF*THEIR*OWN*CHOOSING.

THE*CHIEF*OFFICER*OF*THE*ROYAL*PROVINCE*WAS*THE*GOVERNOR,*WHO*ENJOYED
HIGH*AND*IMPORTANT*POWERS*WHICH*HE*NATURALLY*SOUGHT*TO*AUGMENT*AT*EVERY
TURN.*HE*ENFORCED*THE*LAWS*AND,*USUALLY*WITH*THE*CONSENT*OF*A*COUNCIL,
APPOINTED*THE*CIVIL*AND*MILITARY*OFFICERS.*HE*GRANTED*PARDONS*AND
REPRIEVES;*HE*WAS*HEAD*OF*THE*HIGHEST*COURT;*HE*WAS*COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
OF*THE*MILITIA;*HE*LEVIED*TROOPS*FOR*DEFENSE*AND*ENFORCED*MARTIAL*LAW*IN
TIME*OF*INVASION,*WAR,*AND*REBELLION.*IN*ALL*THE*PROVINCES,*EXCEPT
MASSACHUSETTS,*HE*NAMED*THE*COUNCILORS*WHO*COMPOSED*THE*UPPER*HOUSE*OF
THE*LEGISLATURE*AND*WAS*LIKELY*TO*CHOOSE*THOSE*WHO*FAVORED*HIS*CLAIMS.
HE*SUMMONED,*ADJOURNED,*AND*DISSOLVED*THE*POPULAR*ASSEMBLY,*OR*THE*LOWER
HOUSE;*HE*LAID*BEFORE*IT*THE*PROJECTS*OF*LAW*DESIRED*BY*THE*CROWN;*AND
HE*VETOED*MEASURES*WHICH*HE*THOUGHT*OBJECTIONABLE.*HERE*WERE*IN*AMERICA
ALL*THE*ELEMENTS*OF*ROYAL*PREROGATIVE*AGAINST*WHICH*HAMPDEN*HAD
PROTESTED*AND*CROMWELL*HAD*BATTLED*IN*ENGLAND.

[ILLUSTRATION:*THE*ROYAL*GOVERNOR'S*PALACE*AT*NEW*BERNE]

THE*COLONIAL*GOVERNORS*WERE*GENERALLY*SURROUNDED*BY*A*BODY*OF
OFFICE-SEEKERS*AND*HUNTERS*FOR*LAND*GRANTS.*SOME*OF*THEM*WERE*NOBLEMEN
OF*BROKEN*ESTATES*WHO*HAD*COME*TO*AMERICA*TO*IMPROVE*THEIR*FORTUNES.*THE
PRETENSIONS*OF*THIS*CIRCLE*GRATED*ON*COLONIAL*NERVES,*AND*PRIVILEGES
GRANTED*TO*THEM,*OFTEN*AT*THE*EXPENSE*OF*COLONISTS,*DID*MUCH*TO*DEEPEN
POPULAR*ANTIPATHY*TO*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT.*FAVORS*EXTENDED*TO
ADHERENTS*OF*THE*ESTABLISHED*CHURCH*DISPLEASED*DISSENTERS.*THE
REAPPEARANCE*OF*THIS*FORMIDABLE*UNION*OF*CHURCH*AND*STATE,*FROM*WHICH
THEY*HAD*FLED,*STIRRED*ANEW*THE*ANCIENT*WRATH*AGAINST*THAT*COMBINATION.

=THE*COLONIAL*ASSEMBLY.=--COINCIDENT*WITH*THE*DRIFT*TOWARD
ADMINISTRATION*THROUGH*ROYAL*GOVERNORS*WAS*THE*SECOND*AND*OPPOSITE
TENDENCY,*NAMELY,*A*STEADY*GROWTH*IN*THE*PRACTICE*OF*SELF-GOVERNMENT.
THE*VOTERS*OF*ENGLAND*HAD*LONG*BEEN*ACCUSTOMED*TO*SHARE*IN*TAXATION*AND
LAW-MAKING*THROUGH*REPRESENTATIVES*IN*PARLIAMENT,*AND*THE*IDEA*WAS*EARLY
INTRODUCED*IN*AMERICA.*VIRGINIA*WAS*ONLY*TWELVE*YEARS*OLD*(1619)*WHEN
ITS*FIRST*REPRESENTATIVE*ASSEMBLY*APPEARED.*AS*THE*TOWNS*OF
MASSACHUSETTS*MULTIPLIED*AND*IT*BECAME*IMPOSSIBLE*FOR*ALL*THE*MEMBERS*OF
THE*CORPORATION*TO*MEET*AT*ONE*PLACE,*THE*REPRESENTATIVE*IDEA*WAS
ADOPTED,*IN*1633.*THE*RIVER*TOWNS*OF*CONNECTICUT*FORMED*A*REPRESENTATIVE
SYSTEM*UNDER*THEIR*"FUNDAMENTAL*ORDERS"*OF*1639,*AND*THE*ENTIRE*COLONY
WAS*GIVEN*A*ROYAL*CHARTER*IN*1662.*GENEROSITY,*AS*WELL*AS*PRACTICAL
CONSIDERATIONS,*INDUCED*SUCH*PROPRIETORS*AS*LORD*BALTIMORE*AND*WILLIAM
PENN*TO*INVITE*THEIR*COLONISTS*TO*SHARE*IN*THE*GOVERNMENT*AS*SOON*AS*ANY
CONSIDERABLE*SETTLEMENTS*WERE*MADE.*THUS*BY*ONE*PROCESS*OR*ANOTHER*EVERY
ONE*OF*THE*COLONIES*SECURED*A*POPULAR*ASSEMBLY.

IT*IS*TRUE*THAT*IN*THE*PROVISION*FOR*POPULAR*ELECTIONS,*THE*SUFFRAGE*WAS
FINALLY*RESTRICTED*TO*PROPERTY*OWNERS*OR*TAXPAYERS,*WITH*A*LEANING
TOWARD*THE*FREEHOLD*QUALIFICATION.*IN*VIRGINIA,*THE*RURAL*VOTER*HAD*TO
BE*A*FREEHOLDER*OWNING*AT*LEAST*FIFTY*ACRES*OF*LAND,*IF*THERE*WAS*NO
HOUSE*ON*IT,*OR*TWENTY-FIVE*ACRES*WITH*A*HOUSE*TWENTY-FIVE*FEET*SQUARE.
IN*MASSACHUSETTS,*THE*VOTER*FOR*MEMBER*OF*THE*ASSEMBLY*UNDER*THE*CHARTER
OF*1691*HAD*TO*BE*A*FREEHOLDER*OF*AN*ESTATE*WORTH*FORTY*SHILLINGS*A*YEAR
AT*LEAST*OR*OF*OTHER*PROPERTY*TO*THE*VALUE*OF*FORTY*POUNDS*STERLING.*IN
PENNSYLVANIA,*THE*SUFFRAGE*WAS*GRANTED*TO*FREEHOLDERS*OWNING*FIFTY*ACRES
OR*MORE*OF*LAND*WELL*SEATED,*TWELVE*ACRES*CLEARED,*AND*TO*OTHER*PERSONS
WORTH*AT*LEAST*FIFTY*POUNDS*IN*LAWFUL*MONEY.

RESTRICTIONS*LIKE*THESE*UNDOUBTEDLY*EXCLUDED*FROM*THE*SUFFRAGE*A*VERY
CONSIDERABLE*NUMBER*OF*MEN,*PARTICULARLY*THE*MECHANICS*AND*ARTISANS*OF
THE*TOWNS,*WHO*WERE*BY*NO*MEANS*CONTENT*WITH*THEIR*POSITION.
NEVERTHELESS,*IT*WAS*RELATIVELY*EASY*FOR*ANY*MAN*TO*ACQUIRE*A*SMALL
FREEHOLD,*SO*CHEAP*AND*ABUNDANT*WAS*LAND;*AND*IN*FACT*A*LARGE*PROPORTION
OF*THE*COLONISTS*WERE*LAND*OWNERS.*THUS*THE*ASSEMBLIES,*IN*SPITE*OF*THE
LIMITED*SUFFRAGE,*ACQUIRED*A*DEMOCRATIC*TONE.

THE*POPULAR*CHARACTER*OF*THE*ASSEMBLIES*INCREASED*AS*THEY*BECAME*ENGAGED
IN*BATTLES*WITH*THE*ROYAL*AND*PROPRIETARY*GOVERNORS.*WHEN*CALLED*UPON*BY
THE*EXECUTIVE*TO*MAKE*PROVISION*FOR*THE*SUPPORT*OF*THE*ADMINISTRATION,
THE*LEGISLATURE*TOOK*ADVANTAGE*OF*THE*OPPORTUNITY*TO*MAKE*TERMS*IN*THE
INTEREST*OF*THE*TAXPAYERS.*IT*MADE*ANNUAL,*NOT*PERMANENT,*GRANTS*OF
MONEY*TO*PAY*OFFICIAL*SALARIES*AND*THEN*INSISTED*UPON*ELECTING*A
TREASURER*TO*DOLE*IT*OUT.*THUS*THE*COLONISTS*LEARNED*SOME*OF*THE
MYSTERIES*OF*PUBLIC*FINANCE,*AS*WELL*AS*THE*MANAGEMENT*OF*RAPACIOUS
OFFICIALS.*THE*LEGISLATURE*ALSO*USED*ITS*POWER*OVER*MONEY*GRANTS*TO
FORCE*THE*GOVERNOR*TO*SIGN*BILLS*WHICH*HE*WOULD*OTHERWISE*HAVE*VETOED.

=CONTESTS*BETWEEN*LEGISLATURES*AND*GOVERNORS.=--AS*MAY*BE*IMAGINED,*MANY
AND*BITTER*WERE*THE*CONTESTS*BETWEEN*THE*ROYAL*AND*PROPRIETARY*GOVERNORS
AND*THE*COLONIAL*ASSEMBLIES.*FRANKLIN*RELATES*AN*AMUSING*STORY*OF*HOW
THE*PENNSYLVANIA*ASSEMBLY*HELD*IN*ONE*HAND*A*BILL*FOR*THE*EXECUTIVE*TO
SIGN*AND,*IN*THE*OTHER*HAND,*THE*MONEY*TO*PAY*HIS*SALARY.*THEN,*WITH*SLY
HUMOR,*FRANKLIN*ADDS:*"DO*NOT,*MY*COURTEOUS*READER,*TAKE*PET*AT*OUR
PROPRIETARY*CONSTITUTION*FOR*THESE*OUR*BARGAIN*AND*SALE*PROCEEDINGS*IN
LEGISLATION.*IT*IS*A*HAPPY*COUNTRY*WHERE*JUSTICE*AND*WHAT*WAS*YOUR*OWN
BEFORE*CAN*BE*HAD*FOR*READY*MONEY.*IT*IS*ANOTHER*ADDITION*TO*THE*VALUE
OF*MONEY*AND*OF*COURSE*ANOTHER*SPUR*TO*INDUSTRY.*EVERY*LAND*IS*NOT*SO
BLESSED."

IT*MUST*NOT*BE*THOUGHT,*HOWEVER,*THAT*EVERY*GOVERNOR*GOT*OFF*AS*EASILY
AS*FRANKLIN'S*TALE*IMPLIES.*ON*THE*CONTRARY,*THE*LEGISLATURES,*LIKE
CAESAR,*FED*UPON*MEAT*THAT*MADE*THEM*GREAT*AND*STEADILY*ENCROACHED*UPON
EXECUTIVE*PREROGATIVES*AS*THEY*TRIED*OUT*AND*FOUND*THEIR*STRENGTH.*IF
WE*MAY*BELIEVE*CONTEMPORARY*LAMENTS,*THE*POWER*OF*THE*CROWN*IN*AMERICA
WAS*DIMINISHING*WHEN*IT*WAS*STRUCK*DOWN*ALTOGETHER.*IN*NEW*YORK,*THE
FRIENDS*OF*THE*GOVERNOR*COMPLAINED*IN*1747*THAT*"THE*INHABITANTS*OF
PLANTATIONS*ARE*GENERALLY*EDUCATED*IN*REPUBLICAN*PRINCIPLES;*UPON
REPUBLICAN*PRINCIPLES*ALL*IS*CONDUCTED.*LITTLE*MORE*THAN*A*SHADOW*OF
ROYAL*AUTHORITY*REMAINS*IN*THE*NORTHERN*COLONIES."*"HERE,"*ECHOED*THE
GOVERNOR*OF*SOUTH*CAROLINA,*THE*FOLLOWING*YEAR,*"LEVELLING*PRINCIPLES
PREVAIL;*THE*FRAME*OF*THE*CIVIL*GOVERNMENT*IS*UNHINGED;*A*GOVERNOR,*IF
HE*WOULD*BE*IDOLIZED,*MUST*BETRAY*HIS*TRUST;*THE*PEOPLE*HAVE*GOT*THEIR
WHOLE*ADMINISTRATION*IN*THEIR*HANDS;*THE*ELECTION*OF*THE*MEMBERS*OF*THE
ASSEMBLY*IS*BY*BALLOT;*NOT*CIVIL*POSTS*ONLY,*BUT*ALL*ECCLESIASTICAL
PREFERMENTS,*ARE*IN*THE*DISPOSAL*OR*ELECTION*OF*THE*PEOPLE."

THOUGH*BAFFLED*BY*THE*"LEVELLING*PRINCIPLES"*OF*THE*COLONIAL*ASSEMBLIES,
THE*GOVERNORS*DID*NOT*GIVE*UP*THE*CASE*AS*HOPELESS.*INSTEAD*THEY*EVOLVED
A*SYSTEM*OF*POLICY*AND*ACTION*WHICH*THEY*THOUGHT*COULD*BRING*THE
OBSTINATE*PROVINCIALS*TO*TERMS.*THAT*SYSTEM,*TRACEABLE*IN*THEIR*LETTERS
TO*THE*GOVERNMENT*IN*LONDON,*CONSISTED*OF*THREE*PARTS:*(1)*THE*ROYAL
OFFICERS*IN*THE*COLONIES*WERE*TO*BE*MADE*INDEPENDENT*OF*THE*LEGISLATURES
BY*TAXES*IMPOSED*BY*ACTS*OF*PARLIAMENT;*(2)*A*BRITISH*STANDING*ARMY*WAS
TO*BE*MAINTAINED*IN*AMERICA;*(3)*THE*REMAINING*COLONIAL*CHARTERS*WERE*TO
BE*REVOKED*AND*GOVERNMENT*BY*DIRECT*ROYAL*AUTHORITY*WAS*TO*BE*ENLARGED.

SUCH*A*SYSTEM*SEEMED*PLAUSIBLE*ENOUGH*TO*KING*GEORGE*III*AND*TO*MANY
MINISTERS*OF*THE*CROWN*IN*LONDON.*WITH*GOVERNORS,*COURTS,*AND*AN*ARMY
INDEPENDENT*OF*THE*COLONISTS,*THEY*IMAGINED*IT*WOULD*BE*EASY*TO*CARRY
OUT*BOTH*ROYAL*ORDERS*AND*ACTS*OF*PARLIAMENT.*THIS*REASONING*SEEMED*BOTH
PRACTICAL*AND*LOGICAL.*NOR*WAS*IT*FOUNDED*ON*THEORY,*FOR*IT*CAME*FRESH
FROM*THE*GOVERNORS*THEMSELVES.*IT*WAS*WANTING*IN*ONE*RESPECT*ONLY.*IT
FAILED*TO*TAKE*ACCOUNT*OF*THE*FACT*THAT*THE*AMERICAN*PEOPLE*WERE*GROWING
STRONG*IN*THE*PRACTICE*OF*SELF-GOVERNMENT*AND*COULD*DISPENSE*WITH*THE
TUTELAGE*OF*THE*BRITISH*MINISTRY,*NO*MATTER*HOW*EXCELLENT*IT*MIGHT*BE*OR
HOW*BENEVOLENT*ITS*INTENTIONS.


=REFERENCES=

A.M.*EARLE,*_HOME*LIFE*IN*COLONIAL*DAYS_.

A.L.*CROSS,*_THE*ANGLICAN*EPISCOPATE*AND*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES_*(HARVARD
STUDIES).

E.G.*DEXTER,*_HISTORY*OF*EDUCATION*IN*THE*UNITED*STATES_.

C.A.*DUNIWAY,*_FREEDOM*OF*THE*PRESS*IN*MASSACHUSETTS_.

BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN,*_AUTOBIOGRAPHY_.

E.B.*GREENE,*_THE*PROVINCIAL*GOVERNOR_*(HARVARD*STUDIES).

A.E.*MCKINLEY,*_THE*SUFFRAGE*FRANCHISE*IN*THE*THIRTEEN*ENGLISH*COLONIES_
(PENNSYLVANIA*UNIVERSITY*STUDIES).

M.C.*TYLER,*_HISTORY*OF*AMERICAN*LITERATURE*DURING*THE*COLONIAL*TIMES_
(2*VOLS.).


=QUESTIONS=

1.*WHY*IS*LEISURE*NECESSARY*FOR*THE*PRODUCTION*OF*ART*AND*LITERATURE?
HOW*MAY*LEISURE*BE*SECURED?

2.*EXPLAIN*THE*POSITION*OF*THE*CHURCH*IN*COLONIAL*LIFE.

3.*CONTRAST*THE*POLITICAL*ROLES*OF*PURITANISM*AND*THE*ESTABLISHED
CHURCH.

4.*HOW*DID*DIVERSITY*OF*OPINION*WORK*FOR*TOLERATION?

5.*SHOW*THE*CONNECTION*BETWEEN*RELIGION*AND*LEARNING*IN*COLONIAL*TIMES.

6.*WHY*IS*A*"FREE*PRESS"*SUCH*AN*IMPORTANT*THING*TO*AMERICAN*DEMOCRACY?

7.*RELATE*SOME*OF*THE*TROUBLES*OF*EARLY*AMERICAN*PUBLISHERS.

8.*GIVE*THE*UNDEMOCRATIC*FEATURES*OF*PROVINCIAL*GOVERNMENT.

9.*HOW*DID*THE*COLONIAL*ASSEMBLIES*HELP*TO*CREATE*AN*INDEPENDENT
AMERICAN*SPIRIT,*IN*SPITE*OF*A*RESTRICTED*SUFFRAGE?

10.*EXPLAIN*THE*NATURE*OF*THE*CONTESTS*BETWEEN*THE*GOVERNORS*AND*THE
LEGISLATURES.


=RESEARCH*TOPICS=

=RELIGIOUS*AND*INTELLECTUAL*LIFE.=--LODGE,*_SHORT*HISTORY*OF*THE*ENGLISH
COLONIES_:*(1)*IN*NEW*ENGLAND,*PP.*418-438,*465-475;*(2)*IN*VIRGINIA,
PP.*54-61,*87-89;*(3)*IN*PENNSYLVANIA,*PP.*232-237,*253-257;*(4)*IN*NEW
YORK,*PP.*316-321.*INTERESTING*SOURCE*MATERIALS*IN*HART,*_AMERICAN
HISTORY*TOLD*BY*CONTEMPORARIES_,*VOL.*II,*PP.*255-275,*276-290.

=THE*GOVERNMENT*OF*A*ROYAL*PROVINCE,*VIRGINIA.=--LODGE,*PP.*43-50.
SPECIAL*REFERENCE:*E.B.*GREENE,*_THE*PROVINCIAL*GOVERNOR_*(HARVARD
STUDIES).

=THE*GOVERNMENT*OF*A*PROPRIETARY*COLONY,*PENNSYLVANIA.=--LODGE,*PP.
230-232.

=GOVERNMENT*IN*NEW*ENGLAND.=--LODGE,*PP.*412-417.

=THE*COLONIAL*PRESS.=--SPECIAL*REFERENCE:*G.H.*PAYNE,*_HISTORY*OF
JOURNALISM*IN*THE*UNITED*STATES_*(1920).

=COLONIAL*LIFE*IN*GENERAL.=--JOHN*FISKE,*_OLD*VIRGINIA*AND*HER
NEIGHBORS_,*VOL.*II,*PP.*174-269;*ELSON,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,
PP.*197-210.

=COLONIAL*GOVERNMENT*IN*GENERAL.=--ELSON,*PP.*210-216.




CHAPTER*IV

THE*DEVELOPMENT*OF*COLONIAL*NATIONALISM


IT*IS*ONE*OF*THE*WELL-KNOWN*FACTS*OF*HISTORY*THAT*A*PEOPLE*LOOSELY
UNITED*BY*DOMESTIC*TIES*OF*A*POLITICAL*AND*ECONOMIC*NATURE,*EVEN*A
PEOPLE*TORN*BY*DOMESTIC*STRIFE,*MAY*BE*WELDED*INTO*A*SOLID*AND*COMPACT
BODY*BY*AN*ATTACK*FROM*A*FOREIGN*POWER.*THE*IMPERATIVE*CALL*TO*COMMON
DEFENSE,*THE*HABIT*OF*SHARING*COMMON*BURDENS,*THE*FUSING*FORCE*OF*COMMON
SERVICE--THESE*THINGS,*INDUCED*BY*THE*NECESSITY*OF*RESISTING*OUTSIDE
INTERFERENCE,*ACT*AS*AN*AMALGAM*DRAWING*TOGETHER*ALL*ELEMENTS,*EXCEPT,
PERHAPS,*THE*MOST*DISCORDANT.*THE*PRESENCE*OF*THE*ENEMY*ALLAYS*THE*MOST
VIRULENT*OF*QUARRELS,*TEMPORARILY*AT*LEAST.*"POLITICS,"*RUNS*AN*OLD
SAYING,*"STOPS*AT*THE*WATER'S*EDGE."

THIS*ANCIENT*POLITICAL*PRINCIPLE,*SO*WELL*UNDERSTOOD*IN*DIPLOMATIC
CIRCLES,*APPLIED*NEARLY*AS*WELL*TO*THE*ORIGINAL*THIRTEEN*AMERICAN
COLONIES*AS*TO*THE*COUNTRIES*OF*EUROPE.*THE*NECESSITY*FOR*COMMON
DEFENSE,*IF*NOT*EQUALLY*GREAT,*WAS*CERTAINLY*ALWAYS*PRESSING.*THOUGH*IT
HAS*LONG*BEEN*THE*PRACTICE*TO*SPEAK*OF*THE*EARLY*SETTLEMENTS*AS*FOUNDED
IN*"A*WILDERNESS,"*THIS*WAS*NOT*ACTUALLY*THE*CASE.*FROM*THE*EARLIEST
DAYS*OF*JAMESTOWN*ON*THROUGH*THE*YEARS,*THE*AMERICAN*PEOPLE*WERE
CONFRONTED*BY*DANGERS*FROM*WITHOUT.*ALL*ABOUT*THEIR*TINY*SETTLEMENTS
WERE*INDIANS,*GROWING*MORE*AND*MORE*HOSTILE*AS*THE*FRONTIER*ADVANCED*AND
AS*SHARP*CONFLICTS*OVER*LAND*AROUSED*ANGRY*PASSIONS.*TO*THE*SOUTH*AND
WEST*WAS*THE*POWER*OF*SPAIN,*HUMILIATED,*IT*IS*TRUE,*BY*THE*DISASTER*TO
THE*ARMADA,*BUT*STILL*PRESENTING*AN*IMPOSING*FRONT*TO*THE*BRITISH
EMPIRE.*TO*THE*NORTH*AND*WEST*WERE*THE*FRENCH,*AMBITIOUS,*ENERGETIC,
IMPERIAL*IN*TEMPER,*AND*PREPARED*TO*CONTEST*ON*LAND*AND*WATER*THE
ADVANCE*OF*BRITISH*DOMINION*IN*AMERICA.


RELATIONS*WITH*THE*INDIANS*AND*THE*FRENCH

=INDIAN*AFFAIRS.=--IT*IS*DIFFICULT*TO*MAKE*GENERAL*STATEMENTS*ABOUT*THE
RELATIONS*OF*THE*COLONISTS*TO*THE*INDIANS.*THE*PROBLEM*WAS*PRESENTED*IN
DIFFERENT*SHAPE*IN*DIFFERENT*SECTIONS*OF*AMERICA.*IT*WAS*NOT*HANDLED
ACCORDING*TO*ANY*COHERENT*OR*UNIFORM*PLAN*BY*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT,
WHICH*ALONE*COULD*SPEAK*FOR*ALL*THE*PROVINCES*AT*THE*SAME*TIME.*NEITHER
DID*THE*PROPRIETORS*AND*THE*GOVERNORS*WHO*SUCCEEDED*ONE*ANOTHER,*IN*AN
IRREGULAR*TRAIN,*HAVE*THE*CONSISTENT*POLICY*OR*THE*MATURED*EXPERIENCE
NECESSARY*FOR*DEALING*WISELY*WITH*INDIAN*MATTERS.*AS*THE*DIFFICULTIES
AROSE*MAINLY*ON*THE*FRONTIERS,*WHERE*THE*RESTLESS*AND*PUSHING*PIONEERS
WERE*MAKING*THEIR*WAY*WITH*GUN*AND*AX,*NEARLY*EVERYTHING*THAT*HAPPENED
WAS*THE*RESULT*OF*CHANCE*RATHER*THAN*OF*CALCULATION.*A*PERSONAL*QUARREL
BETWEEN*TRADERS*AND*AN*INDIAN,*A*JUG*OF*WHISKY,*A*KEG*OF*GUNPOWDER,*THE
EXCHANGE*OF*GUNS*FOR*FURS,*PERSONAL*TREACHERY,*OR*A*FLASH*OF*BAD*TEMPER
OFTEN*SET*IN*MOTION*DESTRUCTIVE*FORCES*OF*THE*MOST*TERRIBLE*CHARACTER.

ON*ONE*SIDE*OF*THE*LEDGER*MAY*BE*SET*INNUMERABLE*GENEROUS*RECORDS--OF
SQUANTO*AND*SAMOSET*TEACHING*THE*PILGRIMS*THE*WAYS*OF*THE*WILDS;*OF
ROGER*WILLIAMS*BUYING*HIS*LANDS*FROM*THE*FRIENDLY*NATIVES;*OR*OF*WILLIAM
PENN*TREATING*WITH*THEM*ON*HIS*ARRIVAL*IN*AMERICA.*ON*THE*OTHER*SIDE*OF
THE*LEDGER*MUST*BE*RECORDED*MANY*A*CRUEL*AND*BLOODY*CONFLICT*AS*THE
FRONTIER*ROLLED*WESTWARD*WITH*DEADLY*PRECISION.*THE*PEQUOTS*ON*THE
CONNECTICUT*BORDER,*SENSING*THEIR*DOOM,*FELL*UPON*THE*TINY*SETTLEMENTS
WITH*AWFUL*FURY*IN*1637*ONLY*TO*MEET*WITH*EQUALLY*TERRIBLE*PUNISHMENT.*A
GENERATION*LATER,*KING*PHILIP,*SON*OF*MASSASOIT,*THE*FRIEND*OF*THE
PILGRIMS,*CALLED*HIS*TRIBESMEN*TO*A*WAR*OF*EXTERMINATION*WHICH*BROUGHT
THE*STRENGTH*OF*ALL*NEW*ENGLAND*TO*THE*FIELD*AND*ENDED*IN*HIS*OWN
DESTRUCTION.*IN*NEW*YORK,*THE*RELATIONS*WITH*THE*INDIANS,*ESPECIALLY
WITH*THE*ALGONQUINS*AND*THE*MOHAWKS,*WERE*MARKED*BY*PERIODIC*AND
DESPERATE*WARS.*VIRGINIA*AND*HER*SOUTHERN*NEIGHBORS*SUFFERED*AS*DID*NEW
ENGLAND.*IN*1622*OPECACANO,*A*BROTHER*OF*POWHATAN,*THE*FRIEND*OF*THE
JAMESTOWN*SETTLERS,*LAUNCHED*A*GENERAL*MASSACRE;*AND*IN*1644*HE
ATTEMPTED*A*WAR*OF*EXTERMINATION.*IN*1675*THE*WHOLE*FRONTIER*WAS*ABLAZE.
NATHANIEL*BACON*VAINLY*ATTEMPTED*TO*STIR*THE*COLONIAL*GOVERNOR*TO*PUT*UP
AN*ADEQUATE*DEFENSE*AND,*FAILING*IN*THAT*PLEA,*HIMSELF*HEADED*A*REVOLT
AND*A*SUCCESSFUL*EXPEDITION*AGAINST*THE*INDIANS.*AS*THE*VIRGINIA
OUTPOSTS*ADVANCED*INTO*THE*KENTUCKY*COUNTRY,*THE*STRIFE*WITH*THE*NATIVES
WAS*TRANSFERRED*TO*THAT*"DARK*AND*BLOODY*GROUND";*WHILE*TO*THE
SOUTHEAST,*A*DESPERATE*STRUGGLE*WITH*THE*TUSCARORAS*CALLED*FORTH*THE
COMBINED*FORCES*OF*THE*TWO*CAROLINAS*AND*VIRGINIA.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT._

VIRGINIANS*DEFENDING*THEMSELVES*AGAINST*THE*INDIANS]

FROM*SUCH*HORRORS*NEW*JERSEY*AND*DELAWARE*WERE*SAVED*ON*ACCOUNT*OF*THEIR
GEOGRAPHICAL*LOCATION.*PENNSYLVANIA,*CONSISTENTLY*FOLLOWING*A*POLICY*OF
CONCILIATION,*WAS*LIKEWISE*SPARED*UNTIL*HER*WESTERN*VANGUARD*CAME*INTO
FULL*CONFLICT*WITH*THE*ALLIED*FRENCH*AND*INDIANS.*GEORGIA,*BY*CLEVER
NEGOTIATIONS*AND*TREATIES*OF*ALLIANCE,*MANAGED*TO*KEEP*ON*FAIR*TERMS
WITH*HER*BELLIGERENT*CHEROKEES*AND*CREEKS.*BUT*NEITHER*DIPLOMACY*NOR
GENEROSITY*COULD*STAY*THE*INEVITABLE*CONFLICT*AS*THE*FRONTIER*ADVANCED,
ESPECIALLY*AFTER*THE*FRENCH*SOLDIERS*ENLISTED*THE*INDIANS*IN*THEIR
IMPERIAL*ENTERPRISES.*IT*WAS*THEN*THAT*DESULTORY*FIGHTING*BECAME*GENERAL
WARFARE.

[ILLUSTRATION:*ENGLISH,*FRENCH,*AND*SPANISH*POSSESSIONS*IN*AMERICA,
1750]

=EARLY*RELATIONS*WITH*THE*FRENCH.=--DURING*THE*FIRST*DECADES*OF*FRENCH
EXPLORATION*AND*SETTLEMENT*IN*THE*ST.*LAWRENCE*COUNTRY,*THE*ENGLISH
COLONIES,*ENGROSSED*WITH*THEIR*OWN*PROBLEMS,*GAVE*LITTLE*OR*NO*THOUGHT
TO*THEIR*DISTANT*NEIGHBORS.*QUEBEC,*FOUNDED*IN*1608,*AND*MONTREAL,*IN
1642,*WERE*TOO*FAR*AWAY,*TOO*SMALL*IN*POPULATION,*AND*TOO*SLIGHT*IN
STRENGTH*TO*BE*MUCH*OF*A*MENACE*TO*BOSTON,*HARTFORD,*OR*NEW*YORK.*IT*WAS
THE*STATESMEN*IN*FRANCE*AND*ENGLAND,*RATHER*THAN*THE*COLONISTS*IN
AMERICA,*WHO*FIRST*GRASPED*THE*SIGNIFICANCE*OF*THE*SLOWLY*CONVERGING
EMPIRES*IN*NORTH*AMERICA.*IT*WAS*THE*AMBITION*OF*LOUIS*XIV*OF*FRANCE,
RATHER*THAN*THE*LABORS*OF*JESUIT*MISSIONARIES*AND*FRENCH*RANGERS,*THAT
SOUNDED*THE*FIRST*NOTE*OF*COLONIAL*ALARM.

EVIDENCE*OF*THIS*LIES*IN*THE*FACT*THAT*THREE*CONFLICTS*BETWEEN*THE
ENGLISH*AND*THE*FRENCH*OCCURRED*BEFORE*THEIR*ADVANCING*FRONTIERS*MET*ON
THE*PENNSYLVANIA*BORDER.*KING*WILLIAM'S*WAR*(1689-1697),*QUEEN*ANNE'S
WAR*(1701-1713),*AND*KING*GEORGE'S*WAR*(1744-1748)*OWED*THEIR*ORIGINS
AND*THEIR*ENDINGS*MAINLY*TO*THE*INTRIGUES*AND*RIVALRIES*OF*EUROPEAN
POWERS,*ALTHOUGH*THEY*ALL*INVOLVED*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES*IN*STRUGGLES
WITH*THE*FRENCH*AND*THEIR*SAVAGE*ALLIES.

=THE*CLASH*IN*THE*OHIO*VALLEY.=--THE*SECOND*OF*THESE*WARS*HAD*HARDLY
CLOSED,*HOWEVER,*BEFORE*THE*ENGLISH*COLONISTS*THEMSELVES*BEGAN*TO*BE
SERIOUSLY*ALARMED*ABOUT*THE*RAPIDLY*EXPANDING*FRENCH*DOMINION*IN*THE
WEST.*MARQUETTE*AND*JOLIET,*WHO*OPENED*THE*LAKE*REGION,*AND*LA*SALLE,
WHO*IN*1682*HAD*GONE*DOWN*THE*MISSISSIPPI*TO*THE*GULF,*HAD*BEEN*FOLLOWED
BY*THE*BUILDERS*OF*FORTS.*IN*1718,*THE*FRENCH*FOUNDED*NEW*ORLEANS,*THUS
TAKING*POSSESSION*OF*THE*GATEWAY*TO*THE*MISSISSIPPI*AS*WELL*AS*THE*ST.
LAWRENCE.*A*FEW*YEARS*LATER*THEY*BUILT*FORT*NIAGARA;*IN*1731*THEY
OCCUPIED*CROWN*POINT;*IN*1749*THEY*FORMALLY*ANNOUNCED*THEIR*DOMINION
OVER*ALL*THE*TERRITORY*DRAINED*BY*THE*OHIO*RIVER.*HAVING*ASSERTED*THIS
LOFTY*CLAIM,*THEY*SET*OUT*TO*MAKE*IT*GOOD*BY*CONSTRUCTING*IN*THE*YEARS
1752-1754*FORT*LE*BOEUF*NEAR*LAKE*ERIE,*FORT*VENANGO*ON*THE*UPPER
WATERS*OF*THE*ALLEGHENY,*AND*FORT*DUQUESNE*AT*THE*JUNCTION*OF*THE
STREAMS*FORMING*THE*OHIO.*THOUGH*THEY*WERE*WARNED*BY*GEORGE*WASHINGTON,
IN*THE*NAME*OF*THE*GOVERNOR*OF*VIRGINIA,*TO*KEEP*OUT*OF*TERRITORY*"SO
NOTORIOUSLY*KNOWN*TO*BE*PROPERTY*OF*THE*CROWN*OF*GREAT*BRITAIN,"*THE
FRENCH*SHOWED*NO*SIGNS*OF*RELINQUISHING*THEIR*PRETENSIONS.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT_

BRADDOCK'S*RETREAT]

=THE*FINAL*PHASE--THE*FRENCH*AND*INDIAN*WAR.=--THUS*IT*HAPPENED*THAT*THE
SHOT*WHICH*OPENED*THE*SEVEN*YEARS'*WAR,*KNOWN*IN*AMERICA*AS*THE*FRENCH
AND*INDIAN*WAR,*WAS*FIRED*IN*THE*WILDS*OF*PENNSYLVANIA.*THERE*BEGAN*THE
CONFLICT*THAT*SPREAD*TO*EUROPE*AND*EVEN*ASIA*AND*FINALLY*INVOLVED
ENGLAND*AND*PRUSSIA,*ON*THE*ONE*SIDE,*AND*FRANCE,*AUSTRIA,*SPAIN,*AND
MINOR*POWERS*ON*THE*OTHER.*ON*AMERICAN*SOIL,*THE*DEFEAT*OF*BRADDOCK*IN
1755*AND*WOLFE'S*EXPLOIT*IN*CAPTURING*QUEBEC*FOUR*YEARS*LATER*WERE*THE
DRAMATIC*FEATURES.*ON*THE*CONTINENT*OF*EUROPE,*ENGLAND*SUBSIDIZED
PRUSSIAN*ARMS*TO*HOLD*FRANCE*AT*BAY.*IN*INDIA,*ON*THE*BANKS*OF*THE
GANGES,*AS*ON*THE*BANKS*OF*THE*ST.*LAWRENCE,*BRITISH*ARMS*WERE
TRIUMPHANT.*WELL*COULD*THE*HISTORIAN*WRITE:*"CONQUESTS*EQUALING*IN
RAPIDITY*AND*FAR*SURPASSING*IN*MAGNITUDE*THOSE*OF*CORTES*AND*PIZARRO*HAD
BEEN*ACHIEVED*IN*THE*EAST."*WELL*COULD*THE*MERCHANTS*OF*LONDON*DECLARE
THAT*UNDER*THE*ADMINISTRATION*OF*WILLIAM*PITT,*THE*IMPERIAL*GENIUS*OF
THIS*WORLD-WIDE*CONFLICT,*COMMERCE*HAD*BEEN*"UNITED*WITH*AND*MADE*TO
FLOURISH*BY*WAR."

FROM*THE*POINT*OF*VIEW*OF*THE*BRITISH*EMPIRE,*THE*RESULTS*OF*THE*WAR
WERE*MOMENTOUS.*BY*THE*PEACE*OF*1763,*CANADA*AND*THE*TERRITORY*EAST*OF
THE*MISSISSIPPI,*EXCEPT*NEW*ORLEANS,*PASSED*UNDER*THE*BRITISH*FLAG.*THE
REMAINDER*OF*THE*LOUISIANA*TERRITORY*WAS*TRANSFERRED*TO*SPAIN*AND*FRENCH
IMPERIAL*AMBITIONS*ON*THE*AMERICAN*CONTINENT*WERE*LAID*TO*REST.*IN
EXCHANGE*FOR*HAVANA,*WHICH*THE*BRITISH*HAD*SEIZED*DURING*THE*WAR,*SPAIN
CEDED*TO*KING*GEORGE*THE*COLONY*OF*FLORIDA.*NOT*WITHOUT*WARRANT*DID
MACAULAY*WRITE*IN*AFTER*YEARS*THAT*PITT*"WAS*THE*FIRST*ENGLISHMAN*OF*HIS
TIME;*AND*HE*HAD*MADE*ENGLAND*THE*FIRST*COUNTRY*IN*THE*WORLD."


THE*EFFECTS*OF*WARFARE*ON*THE*COLONIES

THE*VARIOUS*WARS*WITH*THE*FRENCH*AND*THE*INDIANS,*TRIVIAL*IN*DETAIL*AS
THEY*SEEM*TO-DAY,*HAD*A*PROFOUND*INFLUENCE*ON*COLONIAL*LIFE*AND*ON*THE
DESTINY*OF*AMERICA.*CIRCUMSTANCES*BEYOND*THE*CONTROL*OF*POPULAR
ASSEMBLIES,*JEALOUS*OF*THEIR*INDIVIDUAL*POWERS,*COMPELLED*COOPERATION
AMONG*THEM,*GRUDGING*AND*STINGY*NO*DOUBT,*BUT*STILL*COOPERATION.*THE
AMERICAN*PEOPLE,*MORE*EAGER*TO*BE*BUSY*IN*THEIR*FIELDS*OR*AT*THEIR
TRADES,*WERE*SIMPLY*FORCED*TO*RAISE*AND*SUPPORT*ARMIES,*TO*LEARN*THE
ARTS*OF*WARFARE,*AND*TO*PRACTICE,*IF*IN*A*SMALL*THEATER,*THE*SCIENCE*OF
STATECRAFT.*THESE*FORCES,*ALL*CUMULATIVE,*DROVE*THE*COLONISTS,*SO
TENACIOUSLY*PROVINCIAL*IN*THEIR*HABITS,*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*NATIONALISM.

=THE*NEW*ENGLAND*CONFEDERATION.=--IT*WAS*IN*THEIR*EFFORTS*TO*DEAL*WITH
THE*PROBLEMS*PRESENTED*BY*THE*INDIAN*AND*FRENCH*MENACE*THAT*THE
AMERICANS*TOOK*THE*FIRST*STEPS*TOWARD*UNION.*THOUGH*THERE*WERE*MANY
COMMON*TIES*AMONG*THE*SETTLERS*OF*NEW*ENGLAND,*IT*REQUIRED*A*DEADLY
FEAR*OF*THE*INDIANS*TO*PRODUCE*IN*1643*THE*NEW*ENGLAND*CONFEDERATION,
COMPOSED*OF*MASSACHUSETTS,*PLYMOUTH,*CONNECTICUT,*AND*NEW*HAVEN.*THE
COLONIES*SO*UNITED*WERE*BOUND*TOGETHER*IN*"A*FIRM*AND*PERPETUAL*LEAGUE
OF*FRIENDSHIP*AND*AMITY*FOR*OFFENSE*AND*DEFENSE,*MUTUAL*SERVICE*AND
SUCCOR,*UPON*ALL*JUST*OCCASIONS."*THEY*MADE*PROVISION*FOR*DISTRIBUTING
THE*BURDENS*OF*WARS*AMONG*THE*MEMBERS*AND*PROVIDED*FOR*A*CONGRESS*OF
COMMISSIONERS*FROM*EACH*COLONY*TO*DETERMINE*UPON*COMMON*POLICIES.*FOR
SOME*TWENTY*YEARS*THE*CONFEDERATION*WAS*ACTIVE*AND*IT*CONTINUED*TO*HOLD
MEETINGS*UNTIL*AFTER*THE*EXTINCTION*OF*THE*INDIAN*PERIL*ON*THE*IMMEDIATE
BORDER.

VIRGINIA,*NO*LESS*THAN*MASSACHUSETTS,*WAS*AWARE*OF*THE*IMPORTANCE*OF
INTERCOLONIAL*COOPERATION.*IN*THE*MIDDLE*OF*THE*SEVENTEENTH*CENTURY,*THE
OLD*DOMINION*BEGAN*TREATIES*OF*COMMERCE*AND*AMITY*WITH*NEW*YORK*AND*THE
COLONIES*OF*NEW*ENGLAND.*IN*1684*DELEGATES*FROM*VIRGINIA*MET*AT*ALBANY
WITH*THE*AGENTS*OF*NEW*YORK*AND*MASSACHUSETTS*TO*DISCUSS*PROBLEMS*OF
MUTUAL*DEFENSE.*A*FEW*YEARS*LATER*THE*OLD*DOMINION*COOPERATED*LOYALLY
WITH*THE*CAROLINAS*IN*DEFENDING*THEIR*BORDERS*AGAINST*INDIAN*FORAYS.

=THE*ALBANY*PLAN*OF*UNION.=--AN*ATTEMPT*AT*A*GENERAL*COLONIAL*UNION*WAS
MADE*IN*1754.*ON*THE*SUGGESTION*OF*THE*LORDS*OF*TRADE*IN*ENGLAND,*A
CONFERENCE*WAS*HELD*AT*ALBANY*TO*CONSIDER*INDIAN*RELATIONS,*TO*DEVISE
MEASURES*OF*DEFENSE*AGAINST*THE*FRENCH,*AND*TO*ENTER*INTO*"ARTICLES*OF
UNION*AND*CONFEDERATION*FOR*THE*GENERAL*DEFENSE*OF*HIS*MAJESTY'S
SUBJECTS*AND*INTERESTS*IN*NORTH*AMERICA*AS*WELL*IN*TIME*OF*PEACE*AS*OF
WAR."*NEW*HAMPSHIRE,*MASSACHUSETTS,*CONNECTICUT,*RHODE*ISLAND,*NEW*YORK,
PENNSYLVANIA,*AND*MARYLAND*WERE*REPRESENTED.*AFTER*A*LONG*DISCUSSION,*A
PLAN*OF*UNION,*DRAFTED*MAINLY,*IT*SEEMS,*BY*BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN,*WAS
ADOPTED*AND*SENT*TO*THE*COLONIES*AND*THE*CROWN*FOR*APPROVAL.*THE
COLONIES,*JEALOUS*OF*THEIR*INDIVIDUAL*RIGHTS,*REFUSED*TO*ACCEPT*THE
SCHEME*AND*THE*KING*DISAPPROVED*IT*FOR*THE*REASON,*FRANKLIN*SAID,*THAT
IT*HAD*"TOO*MUCH*WEIGHT*IN*THE*DEMOCRATIC*PART*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION."
THOUGH*THE*ALBANY*UNION*FAILED,*THE*DOCUMENT*IS*STILL*WORTHY*OF*STUDY
BECAUSE*IT*FORECAST*MANY*OF*THE*PERPLEXING*PROBLEMS*THAT*WERE*NOT*SOLVED
UNTIL*THIRTY-THREE*YEARS*AFTERWARD,*WHEN*ANOTHER*CONVENTION*OF*WHICH
ALSO*FRANKLIN*WAS*A*MEMBER*DRAFTED*THE*CONSTITUTION*OF*THE*UNITED
STATES.

[ILLUSTRATION:*BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN]

=THE*MILITARY*EDUCATION*OF*THE*COLONISTS.=--THE*SAME*WARS*THAT*SHOWED
THE*PROVINCIALS*THE*MEANING*OF*UNION*LIKEWISE*INSTRUCTED*THEM*IN*THE*ART
OF*DEFENDING*THEIR*INSTITUTIONS.*PARTICULARLY*WAS*THIS*TRUE*OF*THE*LAST
FRENCH*AND*INDIAN*CONFLICT,*WHICH*STRETCHED*ALL*THE*WAY*FROM*MAINE*TO
THE*CAROLINAS*AND*MADE*HEAVY*CALLS*UPON*THEM*ALL*FOR*TROOPS.*THE*ANSWER,
IT*IS*ADMITTED,*WAS*FAR*FROM*SATISFACTORY*TO*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT*AND
THE*CONDUCT*OF*THE*MILITIAMEN*WAS*FAR*FROM*PROFESSIONAL;*BUT*THOUSANDS
OF*AMERICANS*GOT*A*TASTE,*A*STRONG*TASTE,*OF*ACTUAL*FIGHTING*IN*THE
FIELD.*MEN*LIKE*GEORGE*WASHINGTON*AND*DANIEL*MORGAN*LEARNED*LESSONS*THAT
WERE*NOT*FORGOTTEN*IN*AFTER*YEARS.*THEY*SAW*WHAT*AMERICAN*MILITIAMEN
COULD*DO*UNDER*FAVORABLE*CIRCUMSTANCES*AND*THEY*WATCHED*BRITISH*REGULARS
OPERATING*ON*AMERICAN*SOIL.*"THIS*WHOLE*TRANSACTION,"*SHREWDLY*REMARKED
FRANKLIN*OF*BRADDOCK'S*CAMPAIGN,*"GAVE*US*AMERICANS*THE*FIRST*SUSPICION
THAT*OUR*EXALTED*IDEAS*OF*THE*PROWESS*OF*BRITISH*REGULAR*TROOPS*HAD*NOT
BEEN*WELL*FOUNDED."*IT*WAS*NO*MERE*ACCIDENT*THAT*THE*VIRGINIA*COLONEL
WHO*DREW*HIS*SWORD*UNDER*THE*ELM*AT*CAMBRIDGE*AND*TOOK*COMMAND*OF*THE
ARMY*OF*THE*REVOLUTION*WAS*THE*BRAVE*OFFICER*WHO*HAD*"SPURNED*THE
WHISTLE*OF*BULLETS"*AT*THE*MEMORABLE*BATTLE*IN*WESTERN*PENNSYLVANIA.

=FINANCIAL*BURDENS*AND*COMMERCIAL*DISORDER.=--WHILE*THE*PROVINCIALS*WERE
LEARNING*LESSONS*IN*WARFARE*THEY*WERE*ALSO*PAYING*THE*BILLS.*ALL*THE
CONFLICTS*WERE*COSTLY*IN*TREASURE*AS*IN*BLOOD.*KING*PHILIP'S*WAR*LEFT
NEW*ENGLAND*WEAK*AND*ALMOST*BANKRUPT.*THE*FRENCH*AND*INDIAN*STRUGGLE*WAS
ESPECIALLY*EXPENSIVE.*THE*TWENTY-FIVE*THOUSAND*MEN*PUT*IN*THE*FIELD*BY
THE*COLONIES*WERE*SUSTAINED*ONLY*BY*HUGE*OUTLAYS*OF*MONEY.*PAPER
CURRENCY*STREAMED*FROM*THE*PRESS*AND*DEBTS*WERE*ACCUMULATED.*COMMERCE
WAS*DRIVEN*FROM*ITS*USUAL*CHANNELS*AND*PRICES*WERE*ENHANCED.*WHEN*THE
END*CAME,*BOTH*ENGLAND*AND*AMERICA*WERE*STAGGERING*UNDER*HEAVY
LIABILITIES,*AND*TO*MAKE*MATTERS*WORSE*THERE*WAS*A*FALL*OF*PRICES
ACCOMPANIED*BY*A*COMMERCIAL*DEPRESSION*WHICH*EXTENDED*OVER*A*PERIOD*OF
TEN*YEARS.*IT*WAS*IN*THE*MIDST*OF*THIS*CRISIS*THAT*MEASURES*OF*TAXATION
HAD*TO*BE*DEVISED*TO*PAY*THE*COST*OF*THE*WAR,*PRECIPITATING*THE*QUARREL
WHICH*LED*TO*AMERICAN*INDEPENDENCE.

=THE*EXPULSION*OF*FRENCH*POWER*FROM*NORTH*AMERICA.=--THE*EFFECTS*OF*THE
DEFEAT*ADMINISTERED*TO*FRANCE,*AS*TIME*PROVED,*WERE*DIFFICULT*TO
ESTIMATE.*SOME*BRITISH*STATESMEN*REGARDED*IT*AS*A*HAPPY*CIRCUMSTANCE
THAT*THE*COLONISTS,*ALREADY*RESTIVE*UNDER*THEIR*ADMINISTRATION,*HAD*NO
FOREIGN*POWER*AT*HAND*TO*AID*THEM*IN*CASE*THEY*STRUCK*FOR*INDEPENDENCE.
AMERICAN*LEADERS,*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*NOW*THAT*THE*SOLDIERS*OF*KING*LOUIS
WERE*DRIVEN*FROM*THE*CONTINENT,*THOUGHT*THAT*THEY*HAD*NO*OTHER*COUNTRY
TO*FEAR*IF*THEY*CAST*OFF*BRITISH*SOVEREIGNTY.*AT*ALL*EVENTS,*FRANCE,
THOUGH*DEFEATED,*WAS*NOT*OUT*OF*THE*SPHERE*OF*AMERICAN*INFLUENCE;*FOR,
AS*EVENTS*PROVED,*IT*WAS*THE*FORTUNATE*FRENCH*ALLIANCE*NEGOTIATED*BY
FRANKLIN*THAT*ASSURED*THE*TRIUMPH*OF*AMERICAN*ARMS*IN*THE*WAR*OF*THE
REVOLUTION.


COLONIAL*RELATIONS*WITH*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT

IT*WAS*NEITHER*THE*INDIAN*WARS*NOR*THE*FRENCH*WARS*THAT*FINALLY*BROUGHT
FORTH*AMERICAN*NATIONALITY.*THAT*WAS*THE*PRODUCT*OF*THE*LONG*STRIFE
WITH*THE*MOTHER*COUNTRY*WHICH*CULMINATED*IN*UNION*FOR*THE*WAR*OF
INDEPENDENCE.*THE*FORCES*THAT*CREATED*THIS*NATION*DID*NOT*OPERATE*IN*THE
COLONIES*ALONE.*THE*CHARACTER*OF*THE*ENGLISH*SOVEREIGNS,*THE*COURSE*OF
EVENTS*IN*ENGLISH*DOMESTIC*POLITICS,*AND*ENGLISH*MEASURES*OF*CONTROL
OVER*THE*COLONIES--EXECUTIVE,*LEGISLATIVE,*AND*JUDICIAL--MUST*ALL*BE
TAKEN*INTO*ACCOUNT.

=THE*LAST*OF*THE*STUARTS.=--THE*STRUGGLES*BETWEEN*CHARLES*I*(1625-49)
AND*THE*PARLIAMENTARY*PARTY*AND*THE*TURMOIL*OF*THE*PURITAN*REGIME
(1649-60)*SO*ENGROSSED*THE*ATTENTION*OF*ENGLISHMEN*AT*HOME*THAT*THEY*HAD
LITTLE*TIME*TO*THINK*OF*COLONIAL*POLICIES*OR*TO*INTERFERE*WITH*COLONIAL
AFFAIRS.*THE*RESTORATION*OF*THE*MONARCHY*IN*1660,*ACCOMPANIED*BY
INTERNAL*PEACE*AND*THE*INCREASING*POWER*OF*THE*MERCANTILE*CLASSES*IN*THE
HOUSE*OF*COMMONS,*CHANGED*ALL*THAT.*IN*THE*REIGN*OF*CHARLES*II
(1660-85),*HIMSELF*AN*EASY-GOING*PERSON,*THE*POLICY*OF*REGULATING*TRADE
BY*ACT*OF*PARLIAMENT*WAS*DEVELOPED*INTO*A*CLOSELY*KNIT*SYSTEM*AND
POWERFUL*AGENCIES*TO*SUPERVISE*THE*COLONIES*WERE*CREATED.*AT*THE*SAME
TIME*A*SYSTEM*OF*STRICTER*CONTROL*OVER*THE*DOMINIONS*WAS*USHERED*IN*BY
THE*ANNULMENT*OF*THE*OLD*CHARTER*OF*MASSACHUSETTS*WHICH*CONFERRED*SO
MUCH*SELF-GOVERNMENT*ON*THE*PURITANS.

CHARLES'*SUCCESSOR,*JAMES*II,*A*MAN*OF*STERNER*STUFF*AND*JEALOUS*OF*HIS
AUTHORITY*IN*THE*COLONIES*AS*WELL*AS*AT*HOME,*CONTINUED*THE*POLICY*THUS
INAUGURATED*AND*ENLARGED*UPON*IT.*IF*HE*COULD*HAVE*KEPT*HIS*THRONE,*HE
WOULD*HAVE*BENT*THE*AMERICANS*UNDER*A*HARSH*RULE*OR*BROUGHT*ON*IN*HIS
DOMINIONS*A*REVOLUTION*LIKE*THAT*WHICH*HE*PRECIPITATED*AT*HOME*IN*1688.
HE*DETERMINED*TO*UNITE*THE*NORTHERN*COLONIES*AND*INTRODUCE*A*MORE
EFFICIENT*ADMINISTRATION*BASED*ON*THE*PATTERN*OF*THE*ROYAL*PROVINCES.*HE
MADE*A*MARTINET,*SIR*EDMUND*ANDROS,*GOVERNOR*OF*ALL*NEW*ENGLAND,*NEW
YORK,*AND*NEW*JERSEY.*THE*CHARTER*OF*MASSACHUSETTS,*ANNULLED*IN*THE*LAST
DAYS*OF*HIS*BROTHER'S*REIGN,*HE*CONTINUED*TO*IGNORE,*AND*THAT*OF
CONNECTICUT*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*SEIZED*IF*IT*HAD*NOT*BEEN*SPIRITED*AWAY*AND
HIDDEN,*ACCORDING*TO*TRADITION,*IN*A*HOLLOW*OAK.

FOR*SEVERAL*MONTHS,*ANDROS*GAVE*THE*NORTHERN*COLONIES*A*TASTE*OF
ILL-TEMPERED*DESPOTISM.*HE*WRUNG*QUIT*RENTS*FROM*LAND*OWNERS*NOT
ACCUSTOMED*TO*FEUDAL*DUES;*HE*ABROGATED*TITLES*TO*LAND*WHERE,*IN*HIS
OPINION,*THEY*WERE*UNLAWFUL;*HE*FORCED*THE*EPISCOPAL*SERVICE*UPON*THE
OLD*SOUTH*CHURCH*IN*BOSTON;*AND*HE*DENIED*THE*WRIT*OF*_HABEAS*CORPUS_*TO
A*PREACHER*WHO*DENOUNCED*TAXATION*WITHOUT*REPRESENTATION.*IN*THE*MIDDLE
OF*HIS*ARBITRARY*COURSE,*HOWEVER,*HIS*HAND*WAS*STAYED.*THE*NEWS*CAME
THAT*KING*JAMES*HAD*BEEN*DETHRONED*BY*HIS*ANGRY*SUBJECTS,*AND*THE*PEOPLE
OF*BOSTON,*KINDLING*A*FIRE*ON*BEACON*HILL,*SUMMONED*THE*COUNTRYSIDE*TO
DISPOSE*OF*ANDROS.*THE*RESPONSE*WAS*PROMPT*AND*HEARTY.*THE*HATED
GOVERNOR*WAS*ARRESTED,*IMPRISONED,*AND*SENT*BACK*ACROSS*THE*SEA*UNDER
GUARD.

THE*OVERTHROW*OF*JAMES,*FOLLOWED*BY*THE*ACCESSION*OF*WILLIAM*AND*MARY
AND*BY*ASSURED*PARLIAMENTARY*SUPREMACY,*HAD*AN*IMMEDIATE*EFFECT*IN*THE
COLONIES.*THE*NEW*ORDER*WAS*GREETED*WITH*THANKSGIVING.*MASSACHUSETTS*WAS
GIVEN*ANOTHER*CHARTER*WHICH,*THOUGH*NOT*SO*LIBERAL*AS*THE*FIRST,
RESTORED*THE*SPIRIT*IF*NOT*THE*ENTIRE*LETTER*OF*SELF-GOVERNMENT.*IN*THE
OTHER*COLONIES*WHERE*ANDROS*HAD*BEEN*OPERATING,*THE*OLD*COURSE*OF
AFFAIRS*WAS*RESUMED.

=THE*INDIFFERENCE*OF*THE*FIRST*TWO*GEORGES.=--ON*THE*DEATH*IN*1714*OF
QUEEN*ANNE,*THE*SUCCESSOR*OF*KING*WILLIAM,*THE*THRONE*PASSED*TO*A
HANOVERIAN*PRINCE*WHO,*THOUGH*GRATEFUL*FOR*ENGLISH*HONORS*AND*REVENUES,
WAS*MORE*INTERESTED*IN*HANOVER*THAN*IN*ENGLAND.*GEORGE*I*AND*GEORGE*II,
WHOSE*COMBINED*REIGNS*EXTENDED*FROM*1714*TO*1760,*NEVER*EVEN*LEARNED*TO
SPEAK*THE*ENGLISH*LANGUAGE,*AT*LEAST*WITHOUT*AN*ACCENT.*THE*NECESSITY*OF
TAKING*THOUGHT*ABOUT*COLONIAL*AFFAIRS*BORED*BOTH*OF*THEM*SO*THAT*THE
STOUTEST*DEFENDER*OF*POPULAR*PRIVILEGES*IN*BOSTON*OR*CHARLESTON*HAD*NO
GROUND*TO*COMPLAIN*OF*THE*EXERCISE*OF*PERSONAL*PREROGATIVES*BY*THE*KING.
MOREOVER,*DURING*A*LARGE*PART*OF*THIS*PERIOD,*THE*DIRECTION*OF*AFFAIRS
WAS*IN*THE*HANDS*OF*AN*ASTUTE*LEADER,*SIR*ROBERT*WALPOLE,*WHO*BETRAYED
HIS*SOMEWHAT*CYNICAL*VIEW*OF*POLITICS*BY*ADOPTING*AS*HIS*MOTTO:*"LET
SLEEPING*DOGS*LIE."*HE*REVEALED*HIS*APPRECIATION*OF*POPULAR*SENTIMENT
BY*EXCLAIMING:*"I*WILL*NOT*BE*THE*MINISTER*TO*ENFORCE*TAXES*AT*THE
EXPENSE*OF*BLOOD."*SUCH*KINGS*AND*SUCH*MINISTERS*WERE*NOT*LIKELY*TO
AROUSE*THE*SLUMBERING*RESISTANCE*OF*THE*THIRTEEN*COLONIES*ACROSS*THE
SEA.

=CONTROL*OF*THE*CROWN*OVER*THE*COLONIES.=--WHILE*NO*ENGLISH*RULER*FROM
JAMES*II*TO*GEORGE*III*VENTURED*TO*INTERFERE*WITH*COLONIAL*MATTERS
PERSONALLY,*CONSTANT*CONTROL*OVER*THE*COLONIES*WAS*EXERCISED*BY*ROYAL
OFFICERS*ACTING*UNDER*THE*AUTHORITY*OF*THE*CROWN.*SYSTEMATIC*SUPERVISION
BEGAN*IN*1660,*WHEN*THERE*WAS*CREATED*BY*ROYAL*ORDER*A*COMMITTEE*OF*THE
KING'S*COUNCIL*TO*MEET*ON*MONDAYS*AND*THURSDAYS*OF*EACH*WEEK*TO*CONSIDER
PETITIONS,*MEMORIALS,*AND*ADDRESSES*RESPECTING*THE*PLANTATIONS.*IN*1696
A*REGULAR*BOARD*WAS*ESTABLISHED,*KNOWN*AS*THE*"LORDS*OF*TRADE*AND
PLANTATIONS,"*WHICH*CONTINUED,*UNTIL*THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION,*TO
SCRUTINIZE*CLOSELY*COLONIAL*BUSINESS.*THE*CHIEF*DUTIES*OF*THE*BOARD*WERE
TO*EXAMINE*ACTS*OF*COLONIAL*LEGISLATURES,*TO*RECOMMEND*MEASURES*TO*THOSE
ASSEMBLIES*FOR*ADOPTION,*AND*TO*HEAR*MEMORIALS*AND*PETITIONS*FROM*THE
COLONIES*RELATIVE*TO*THEIR*AFFAIRS.

THE*METHODS*EMPLOYED*BY*THIS*BOARD*WERE*VARIED.*ALL*LAWS*PASSED*BY
AMERICAN*LEGISLATURES*CAME*BEFORE*IT*FOR*REVIEW*AS*A*MATTER*OF*ROUTINE.
IF*IT*FOUND*AN*ACT*UNSATISFACTORY,*IT*RECOMMENDED*TO*THE*KING*THE
EXERCISE*OF*HIS*VETO*POWER,*KNOWN*AS*THE*ROYAL*DISALLOWANCE.*ANY*PERSON
WHO*BELIEVED*HIS*PERSONAL*OR*PROPERTY*RIGHTS*INJURED*BY*A*COLONIAL*LAW
COULD*BE*HEARD*BY*THE*BOARD*IN*PERSON*OR*BY*ATTORNEY;*IN*SUCH*CASES*IT
WAS*THE*PRACTICE*TO*HEAR*AT*THE*SAME*TIME*THE*AGENT*OF*THE*COLONY*SO
INVOLVED.*THE*ROYAL*VETO*POWER*OVER*COLONIAL*LEGISLATION*WAS*NOT,
THEREFORE,*A*FORMAL*AFFAIR,*BUT*WAS*CONSTANTLY*EMPLOYED*ON*THE
SUGGESTION*OF*A*HIGHLY*EFFICIENT*AGENCY*OF*THE*CROWN.*ALL*THIS*WAS*IN
ADDITION*TO*THE*POWERS*EXERCISED*BY*THE*GOVERNORS*IN*THE*ROYAL
PROVINCES.

=JUDICIAL*CONTROL.=--SUPPLEMENTING*THIS*ADMINISTRATIVE*CONTROL*OVER*THE
COLONIES*WAS*A*CONSTANT*SUPERVISION*BY*THE*ENGLISH*COURTS*OF*LAW.*THE
KING,*BY*VIRTUE*OF*HIS*INHERENT*AUTHORITY,*CLAIMED*AND*EXERCISED*HIGH
APPELLATE*POWERS*OVER*ALL*JUDICIAL*TRIBUNALS*IN*THE*EMPIRE.*THE*RIGHT
OF*APPEAL*FROM*LOCAL*COURTS,*EXPRESSLY*SET*FORTH*IN*SOME*CHARTERS,*WAS,
ON*THE*EVE*OF*THE*REVOLUTION,*MAINTAINED*IN*EVERY*COLONY.*ANY*SUBJECT*IN
ENGLAND*OR*AMERICA,*WHO,*IN*THE*REGULAR*LEGAL*COURSE,*WAS*AGGRIEVED*BY
ANY*ACT*OF*A*COLONIAL*LEGISLATURE*OR*ANY*DECISION*OF*A*COLONIAL*COURT,
HAD*THE*RIGHT,*SUBJECT*TO*CERTAIN*REGULATIONS,*TO*CARRY*HIS*CASE*TO*THE
KING*IN*COUNCIL,*FORCING*HIS*OPPONENT*TO*FOLLOW*HIM*ACROSS*THE*SEA.*IN
THE*EXERCISE*OF*APPELLATE*POWER,*THE*KING*IN*COUNCIL*ACTING*AS*A*COURT
COULD,*AND*FREQUENTLY*DID,*DECLARE*ACTS*OF*COLONIAL*LEGISLATURES*DULY
ENACTED*AND*APPROVED,*NULL*AND*VOID,*ON*THE*GROUND*THAT*THEY*WERE
CONTRARY*TO*ENGLISH*LAW.

=IMPERIAL*CONTROL*IN*OPERATION.=--DAY*AFTER*DAY,*WEEK*AFTER*WEEK,*YEAR
AFTER*YEAR,*THE*MACHINERY*FOR*POLITICAL*AND*JUDICIAL*CONTROL*OVER
COLONIAL*AFFAIRS*WAS*IN*OPERATION.*AT*ONE*TIME*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNORS*IN
THE*COLONIES*WERE*ORDERED*NOT*TO*APPROVE*ANY*COLONIAL*LAW*IMPOSING*A
DUTY*ON*EUROPEAN*GOODS*IMPORTED*IN*ENGLISH*VESSELS.*AGAIN,*WHEN*NORTH
CAROLINA*LAID*A*TAX*ON*PEDDLERS,*THE*COUNCIL*OBJECTED*TO*IT*AS
"RESTRICTIVE*UPON*THE*TRADE*AND*DISPERSION*OF*ENGLISH*MANUFACTURES
THROUGHOUT*THE*CONTINENT."*AT*OTHER*TIMES,*INDIAN*TRADE*WAS*REGULATED*IN
THE*INTERESTS*OF*THE*WHOLE*EMPIRE*OR*GRANTS*OF*LANDS*BY*A*COLONIAL
LEGISLATURE*WERE*SET*ASIDE.*VIRGINIA*WAS*FORBIDDEN*TO*CLOSE*HER*PORTS*TO
NORTH*CAROLINA*LEST*THERE*SHOULD*BE*RETALIATION.

IN*SHORT,*FOREIGN*AND*INTERCOLONIAL*TRADE*WERE*SUBJECTED*TO*A*CONTROL
HIGHER*THAN*THAT*OF*THE*COLONY,*FORESHADOWING*A*DAY*WHEN*THE
CONSTITUTION*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES*WAS*TO*COMMIT*TO*CONGRESS*THE*POWER*TO
REGULATE*INTERSTATE*AND*FOREIGN*COMMERCE*AND*COMMERCE*WITH*THE*INDIANS.
A*SUPERIOR*JUDICIAL*POWER,*TOWERING*ABOVE*THAT*OF*THE*COLONIES,*AS*THE
SUPREME*COURT*AT*WASHINGTON*NOW*TOWERS*ABOVE*THE*STATES,*KEPT*THE
COLONIAL*LEGISLATURES*WITHIN*THE*METES*AND*BOUNDS*OF*ESTABLISHED*LAW.*IN
THE*THOUSANDS*OF*APPEALS,*MEMORIALS,*PETITIONS,*AND*COMPLAINTS,*AND*THE
RULINGS*AND*DECISIONS*UPON*THEM,*WERE*WRITTEN*THE*REAL*HISTORY*OF
BRITISH*IMPERIAL*CONTROL*OVER*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES.

SO*GREAT*WAS*THE*BUSINESS*BEFORE*THE*LORDS*OF*TRADE*THAT*THE*COLONIES
HAD*TO*KEEP*SKILLED*AGENTS*IN*LONDON*TO*PROTECT*THEIR*INTERESTS.*AS
COMMON*GRIEVANCES*AGAINST*THE*OPERATION*OF*THIS*MACHINERY*OF*CONTROL
AROSE,*THERE*APPEARED*IN*EACH*COLONY*A*CONSIDERABLE*BODY*OF*MEN,*WITH
THE*MERCHANTS*IN*THE*LEAD,*WHO*CHAFED*AT*THE*RESTRAINTS*IMPOSED*ON*THEIR
ENTERPRISE.*ONLY*A*POWERFUL*BLOW*WAS*NEEDED*TO*WELD*THESE*BODIES*INTO*A
COMMON*MASS*NOURISHING*THE*SPIRIT*OF*COLONIAL*NATIONALISM.*WHEN*TO*THE
REPEATED*MINOR*IRRITATIONS*WERE*ADDED*GENERAL*AND*SWEEPING*MEASURES*OF
PARLIAMENT*APPLYING*TO*EVERY*COLONY,*THE*REBOUND*CAME*IN*THE*REVOLUTION.

=PARLIAMENTARY*CONTROL*OVER*COLONIAL*AFFAIRS.=--AS*SOON*AS*PARLIAMENT
GAINED*IN*POWER*AT*THE*EXPENSE*OF*THE*KING,*IT*REACHED*OUT*TO*BRING*THE
AMERICAN*COLONIES*UNDER*ITS*SWAY*AS*WELL.*BETWEEN*THE*EXECUTION*OF
CHARLES*I*AND*THE*ACCESSION*OF*GEORGE*III,*THERE*WAS*ENACTED*AN*IMMENSE
BODY*OF*LEGISLATION*REGULATING*THE*SHIPPING,*TRADE,*AND*MANUFACTURES*OF
AMERICA.*ALL*OF*IT,*BASED*ON*THE*"MERCANTILE"*THEORY*THEN*PREVALENT*IN
ALL*COUNTRIES*OF*EUROPE,*WAS*DESIGNED*TO*CONTROL*THE*OVERSEAS
PLANTATIONS*IN*SUCH*A*WAY*AS*TO*FOSTER*THE*COMMERCIAL*AND*BUSINESS
INTERESTS*OF*THE*MOTHER*COUNTRY,*WHERE*MERCHANTS*AND*MEN*OF*FINANCE*HAD
GOT*THE*UPPER*HAND.*ACCORDING*TO*THIS*THEORY,*THE*COLONIES*OF*THE
BRITISH*EMPIRE*SHOULD*BE*CONFINED*TO*AGRICULTURE*AND*THE*PRODUCTION*OF
RAW*MATERIALS,*AND*FORCED*TO*BUY*THEIR*MANUFACTURED*GOODS*OF*ENGLAND.

_THE*NAVIGATION*ACTS._--IN*THE*FIRST*RANK*AMONG*THESE*MEASURES*OF
BRITISH*COLONIAL*POLICY*MUST*BE*PLACED*THE*NAVIGATION*LAWS*FRAMED*FOR
THE*PURPOSE*OF*BUILDING*UP*THE*BRITISH*MERCHANT*MARINE*AND*NAVY--ARMS*SO
ESSENTIAL*IN*DEFENDING*THE*COLONIES*AGAINST*THE*SPANISH,*DUTCH,*AND
FRENCH.*THE*BEGINNING*OF*THIS*TYPE*OF*LEGISLATION*WAS*MADE*IN*1651*AND
IT*WAS*WORKED*OUT*INTO*A*SYSTEM*EARLY*IN*THE*REIGN*OF*CHARLES*II
(1660-85).

THE*NAVIGATION*ACTS,*IN*EFFECT,*GAVE*A*MONOPOLY*OF*COLONIAL*COMMERCE*TO
BRITISH*SHIPS.*NO*TRADE*COULD*BE*CARRIED*ON*BETWEEN*GREAT*BRITAIN*AND
HER*DOMINIONS*SAVE*IN*VESSELS*BUILT*AND*MANNED*BY*BRITISH*SUBJECTS.*NO
EUROPEAN*GOODS*COULD*BE*BROUGHT*TO*AMERICA*SAVE*IN*THE*SHIPS*OF*THE
COUNTRY*THAT*PRODUCED*THEM*OR*IN*ENGLISH*SHIPS.*THESE*LAWS,*WHICH*WERE
ALMOST*FATAL*TO*DUTCH*SHIPPING*IN*AMERICA,*FELL*WITH*SEVERITY*UPON*THE
COLONISTS,*COMPELLING*THEM*TO*PAY*HIGHER*FREIGHT*RATES.*THE*ADVERSE
EFFECT,*HOWEVER,*WAS*SHORT-LIVED,*FOR*THE*MEASURES*STIMULATED
SHIPBUILDING*IN*THE*COLONIES,*WHERE*THE*ABUNDANCE*OF*RAW*MATERIALS*GAVE
THE*MASTER*BUILDERS*OF*AMERICA*AN*ADVANTAGE*OVER*THOSE*OF*THE*MOTHER
COUNTRY.*THUS*THE*COLONISTS*IN*THE*END*PROFITED*FROM*THE*RESTRICTIVE
POLICY*WRITTEN*INTO*THE*NAVIGATION*ACTS.

_THE*ACTS*AGAINST*MANUFACTURES._--THE*SECOND*GROUP*OF*LAWS*WAS
DELIBERATELY*AIMED*TO*PREVENT*COLONIAL*INDUSTRIES*FROM*COMPETING*TOO
SHARPLY*WITH*THOSE*OF*ENGLAND.*AMONG*THE*EARLIEST*OF*THESE*MEASURES*MAY
BE*COUNTED*THE*WOOLEN*ACT*OF*1699,*FORBIDDING*THE*EXPORTATION*OF*WOOLEN
GOODS*FROM*THE*COLONIES*AND*EVEN*THE*WOOLEN*TRADE*BETWEEN*TOWNS*AND
COLONIES.*WHEN*PARLIAMENT*LEARNED,*AS*THE*RESULT*OF*AN*INQUIRY,*THAT*NEW
ENGLAND*AND*NEW*YORK*WERE*MAKING*THOUSANDS*OF*HATS*A*YEAR*AND*SENDING
LARGE*NUMBERS*ANNUALLY*TO*THE*SOUTHERN*COLONIES*AND*TO*IRELAND,*SPAIN,
AND*PORTUGAL,*IT*ENACTED*IN*1732*A*LAW*DECLARING*THAT*"NO*HATS*OR*FELTS,
DYED*OR*UNDYED,*FINISHED*OR*UNFINISHED"*SHOULD*BE*"PUT*UPON*ANY*VESSEL
OR*LADEN*UPON*ANY*HORSE*OR*CART*WITH*INTENT*TO*EXPORT*TO*ANY*PLACE
WHATEVER."*THE*EFFECT*OF*THIS*MEASURE*UPON*THE*HAT*INDUSTRY*WAS*ALMOST
RUINOUS.*A*FEW*YEARS*LATER*A*SIMILAR*BLOW*WAS*GIVEN*TO*THE*IRON
INDUSTRY.*BY*AN*ACT*OF*1750,*PIG*AND*BAR*IRON*FROM*THE*COLONIES*WERE
GIVEN*FREE*ENTRY*TO*ENGLAND*TO*ENCOURAGE*THE*PRODUCTION*OF*THE*RAW
MATERIAL;*BUT*AT*THE*SAME*TIME*THE*LAW*PROVIDED*THAT*"NO*MILL*OR*OTHER
ENGINE*FOR*SLITTING*OR*ROLLING*OF*IRON,*NO*PLATING*FORGE*TO*WORK*WITH*A
TILT*HAMMER,*AND*NO*FURNACE*FOR*MAKING*STEEL"*SHOULD*BE*BUILT*IN*THE
COLONIES.*AS*FOR*THOSE*ALREADY*BUILT,*THEY*WERE*DECLARED*PUBLIC
NUISANCES*AND*ORDERED*CLOSED.*THUS*THREE*IMPORTANT*ECONOMIC*INTERESTS*OF
THE*COLONISTS,*THE*WOOLEN,*HAT,*AND*IRON*INDUSTRIES,*WERE*LAID*UNDER*THE
BAN.

_THE*TRADE*LAWS._--THE*THIRD*GROUP*OF*RESTRICTIVE*MEASURES*PASSED*BY*THE
BRITISH*PARLIAMENT*RELATED*TO*THE*SALE*OF*COLONIAL*PRODUCE.*AN*ACT*OF
1663*REQUIRED*THE*COLONIES*TO*EXPORT*CERTAIN*ARTICLES*TO*GREAT*BRITAIN
OR*TO*HER*DOMINIONS*ALONE;*WHILE*SUGAR,*TOBACCO,*AND*GINGER*CONSIGNED*TO
THE*CONTINENT*OF*EUROPE*HAD*TO*PASS*THROUGH*A*BRITISH*PORT*PAYING*CUSTOM
DUTIES*AND*THROUGH*A*BRITISH*MERCHANT'S*HANDS*PAYING*THE*USUAL
COMMISSION.*AT*FIRST*TOBACCO*WAS*THE*ONLY*ONE*OF*THE*"ENUMERATED
ARTICLES"*WHICH*SERIOUSLY*CONCERNED*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES,*THE*REST
COMING*MAINLY*FROM*THE*BRITISH*WEST*INDIES.*IN*THE*COURSE*OF*TIME,
HOWEVER,*OTHER*COMMODITIES*WERE*ADDED*TO*THE*LIST*OF*ENUMERATED
ARTICLES,*UNTIL*BY*1764*IT*EMBRACED*RICE,*NAVAL*STORES,*COPPER,*FURS,
HIDES,*IRON,*LUMBER,*AND*PEARL*ASHES.*THIS*WAS*NOT*ALL.*THE*COLONIES
WERE*COMPELLED*TO*BRING*THEIR*EUROPEAN*PURCHASES*BACK*THROUGH*ENGLISH
PORTS,*PAYING*DUTIES*TO*THE*GOVERNMENT*AND*COMMISSIONS*TO*MERCHANTS
AGAIN.

_THE*MOLASSES*ACT._--NOT*CONTENT*WITH*LAWS*ENACTED*IN*THE*INTEREST*OF
ENGLISH*MERCHANTS*AND*MANUFACTURERS,*PARLIAMENT*SOUGHT*TO*PROTECT*THE
BRITISH*WEST*INDIES*AGAINST*COMPETITION*FROM*THEIR*FRENCH*AND*DUTCH
NEIGHBORS.*NEW*ENGLAND*MERCHANTS*HAD*LONG*CARRIED*ON*A*LUCRATIVE*TRADE
WITH*THE*FRENCH*ISLANDS*IN*THE*WEST*INDIES*AND*DUTCH*GUIANA,*WHERE*SUGAR
AND*MOLASSES*COULD*BE*OBTAINED*IN*LARGE*QUANTITIES*AT*LOW*PRICES.*ACTING
ON*THE*PROTESTS*OF*ENGLISH*PLANTERS*IN*THE*BARBADOES*AND*JAMAICA,
PARLIAMENT,*IN*1733,*PASSED*THE*FAMOUS*MOLASSES*ACT*IMPOSING*DUTIES*ON
SUGAR*AND*MOLASSES*IMPORTED*INTO*THE*COLONIES*FROM*FOREIGN
COUNTRIES--RATES*WHICH*WOULD*HAVE*DESTROYED*THE*AMERICAN*TRADE*WITH*THE
FRENCH*AND*DUTCH*IF*THE*LAW*HAD*BEEN*ENFORCED.*THE*DUTIES,*HOWEVER,*WERE
NOT*COLLECTED.*THE*MOLASSES*AND*SUGAR*TRADE*WITH*THE*FOREIGNERS*WENT*ON
MERRILY,*SMUGGLING*TAKING*THE*PLACE*OF*LAWFUL*TRAFFIC.

=EFFECT*OF*THE*LAWS*IN*AMERICA.=--AS*COMPARED*WITH*THE*STRICT*MONOPOLY
OF*HER*COLONIAL*TRADE*WHICH*SPAIN*CONSISTENTLY*SOUGHT*TO*MAINTAIN,*THE
POLICY*OF*ENGLAND*WAS*BOTH*MODERATE*AND*LIBERAL.*FURTHERMORE,*THE
RESTRICTIVE*LAWS*WERE*SUPPLEMENTED*BY*MANY*MEASURES*INTENDED*TO*BE
FAVORABLE*TO*COLONIAL*PROSPERITY.*THE*NAVIGATION*ACTS,*FOR*EXAMPLE,
REDOUNDED*TO*THE*ADVANTAGE*OF*AMERICAN*SHIPBUILDERS*AND*THE*PRODUCERS
OF*HEMP,*TAR,*LUMBER,*AND*SHIP*STORES*IN*GENERAL.*FAVORS*IN*BRITISH
PORTS*WERE*GRANTED*TO*COLONIAL*PRODUCERS*AS*AGAINST*FOREIGN*COMPETITORS
AND*IN*SOME*INSTANCES*BOUNTIES*WERE*PAID*BY*ENGLAND*TO*ENCOURAGE
COLONIAL*ENTERPRISE.*TAKEN*ALL*IN*ALL,*THERE*IS*MUCH*JUSTIFICATION*IN
THE*ARGUMENT*ADVANCED*BY*SOME*MODERN*SCHOLARS*TO*THE*EFFECT*THAT*THE
COLONISTS*GAINED*MORE*THAN*THEY*LOST*BY*BRITISH*TRADE*AND*INDUSTRIAL
LEGISLATION.*CERTAINLY*AFTER*THE*ESTABLISHMENT*OF*INDEPENDENCE,*WHEN
FREE*FROM*THESE*OLD*RESTRICTIONS,*THE*AMERICANS*FOUND*THEMSELVES
HANDICAPPED*BY*BEING*TREATED*AS*FOREIGNERS*RATHER*THAN*FAVORED*TRADERS
AND*THE*RECIPIENTS*OF*BOUNTIES*IN*ENGLISH*MARKETS.

BE*THAT*AS*IT*MAY,*IT*APPEARS*THAT*THE*COLONISTS*FELT*LITTLE*IRRITATION
AGAINST*THE*MOTHER*COUNTRY*ON*ACCOUNT*OF*THE*TRADE*AND*NAVIGATION*LAWS
ENACTED*PREVIOUS*TO*THE*CLOSE*OF*THE*FRENCH*AND*INDIAN*WAR.*RELATIVELY
FEW*WERE*ENGAGED*IN*THE*HAT*AND*IRON*INDUSTRIES*AS*COMPARED*WITH*THOSE
IN*FARMING*AND*PLANTING,*SO*THAT*ENGLAND'S*POLICY*OF*RESTRICTING*AMERICA
TO*AGRICULTURE*DID*NOT*CONFLICT*WITH*THE*INTERESTS*OF*THE*MAJORITY*OF
THE*INHABITANTS.*THE*WOOLEN*INDUSTRY*WAS*LARGELY*IN*THE*HANDS*OF*WOMEN
AND*CARRIED*ON*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*THEIR*DOMESTIC*DUTIES,*SO*THAT*IT*WAS
NOT*THE*SOLE*SUPPORT*OF*ANY*CONSIDERABLE*NUMBER*OF*PEOPLE.

AS*A*MATTER*OF*FACT,*MOREOVER,*THE*RESTRICTIVE*LAWS,*ESPECIALLY*THOSE
RELATING*TO*TRADE,*WERE*NOT*RIGIDLY*ENFORCED.*CARGOES*OF*TOBACCO*WERE
BOLDLY*SENT*TO*CONTINENTAL*PORTS*WITHOUT*EVEN*SO*MUCH*AS*A*BOW*TO*THE
ENGLISH*GOVERNMENT,*TO*WHICH*DUTIES*SHOULD*HAVE*BEEN*PAID.*SUGAR*AND
MOLASSES*FROM*THE*FRENCH*AND*DUTCH*COLONIES*WERE*SHIPPED*INTO*NEW
ENGLAND*IN*SPITE*OF*THE*LAW.*ROYAL*OFFICERS*SOMETIMES*PROTESTED*AGAINST
SMUGGLING*AND*SOMETIMES*CONNIVED*AT*IT;*BUT*AT*NO*TIME*DID*THEY*SUCCEED
IN*STOPPING*IT.*TAKEN*ALL*IN*ALL,*VERY*LITTLE*WAS*HEARD*OF*"THE*GALLING
RESTRAINTS*OF*TRADE"*UNTIL*AFTER*THE*FRENCH*WAR,*WHEN*THE*BRITISH
GOVERNMENT*SUDDENLY*ENTERED*UPON*A*NEW*COURSE.


SUMMARY*OF*THE*COLONIAL*PERIOD

IN*THE*PERIOD*BETWEEN*THE*LANDING*OF*THE*ENGLISH*AT*JAMESTOWN,*VIRGINIA,
IN*1607,*AND*THE*CLOSE*OF*THE*FRENCH*AND*INDIAN*WAR*IN*1763--A*PERIOD*OF
A*CENTURY*AND*A*HALF--A*NEW*NATION*WAS*BEING*PREPARED*ON*THIS*CONTINENT
TO*TAKE*ITS*PLACE*AMONG*THE*POWERS*OF*THE*EARTH.*IT*WAS*AN*EPOCH*OF
MIGRATION.*WESTERN*EUROPE*CONTRIBUTED*EMIGRANTS*OF*MANY*RACES*AND
NATIONALITIES.*THE*ENGLISH*LED*THE*WAY.*NEXT*TO*THEM*IN*NUMERICAL
IMPORTANCE*WERE*THE*SCOTCH-IRISH*AND*THE*GERMANS.*INTO*THE*MELTING*POT
WERE*ALSO*CAST*DUTCH,*SWEDES,*FRENCH,*JEWS,*WELSH,*AND*IRISH.*THOUSANDS
OF*NEGROES*WERE*BROUGHT*FROM*AFRICA*TO*TILL*SOUTHERN*FIELDS*OR*LABOR*AS
DOMESTIC*SERVANTS*IN*THE*NORTH.

WHY*DID*THEY*COME?*THE*REASONS*ARE*VARIOUS.*SOME*OF*THEM,*THE*PILGRIMS
AND*PURITANS*OF*NEW*ENGLAND,*THE*FRENCH*HUGUENOTS,*SCOTCH-IRISH*AND
IRISH,*AND*THE*CATHOLICS*OF*MARYLAND,*FLED*FROM*INTOLERANT*GOVERNMENTS
THAT*DENIED*THEM*THE*RIGHT*TO*WORSHIP*GOD*ACCORDING*TO*THE*DICTATES*OF
THEIR*CONSCIENCES.*THOUSANDS*CAME*TO*ESCAPE*THE*BONDAGE*OF*POVERTY*IN
THE*OLD*WORLD*AND*TO*FIND*FREE*HOMES*IN*AMERICA.*THOUSANDS,*LIKE*THE
NEGROES*FROM*AFRICA,*WERE*DRAGGED*HERE*AGAINST*THEIR*WILL.*THE*LURE*OF
ADVENTURE*APPEALED*TO*THE*RESTLESS*AND*THE*LURE*OF*PROFITS*TO*THE
ENTERPRISING*MERCHANTS.

HOW*DID*THEY*COME?*IN*SOME*CASES*RELIGIOUS*BROTHERHOODS*BANDED*TOGETHER
AND*BORROWED*OR*FURNISHED*THE*FUNDS*NECESSARY*TO*PAY*THE*WAY.*IN*OTHER
CASES*GREAT*TRADING*COMPANIES*WERE*ORGANIZED*TO*FOUND*COLONIES.*AGAIN*IT
WAS*THE*WEALTHY*PROPRIETOR,*LIKE*LORD*BALTIMORE*OR*WILLIAM*PENN,*WHO
UNDERTOOK*TO*PLANT*SETTLEMENTS.*MANY*IMMIGRANTS*WERE*ABLE*TO*PAY*THEIR
OWN*WAY*ACROSS*THE*SEA.*OTHERS*BOUND*THEMSELVES*OUT*FOR*A*TERM*OF*YEARS
IN*EXCHANGE*FOR*THE*COST*OF*THE*PASSAGE.*NEGROES*WERE*BROUGHT*ON*ACCOUNT
OF*THE*PROFITS*DERIVED*FROM*THEIR*SALE*AS*SLAVES.

WHATEVER*THE*MOTIVE*FOR*THEIR*COMING,*HOWEVER,*THEY*MANAGED*TO*GET
ACROSS*THE*SEA.*THE*IMMIGRANTS*SET*TO*WORK*WITH*A*WILL.*THEY*CUT*DOWN
FORESTS,*BUILT*HOUSES,*AND*LAID*OUT*FIELDS.*THEY*FOUNDED*CHURCHES,
SCHOOLS,*AND*COLLEGES.*THEY*SET*UP*FORGES*AND*WORKSHOPS.*THEY*SPUN*AND
WOVE.*THEY*FASHIONED*SHIPS*AND*SAILED*THE*SEAS.*THEY*BARTERED*AND
TRADED.*HERE*AND*THERE*ON*FAVORABLE*HARBORS*THEY*ESTABLISHED*CENTERS*OF
COMMERCE--BOSTON,*PROVIDENCE,*NEW*YORK,*PHILADELPHIA,*BALTIMORE,*AND
CHARLESTON.*AS*SOON*AS*A*FIRM*FOOTHOLD*WAS*SECURED*ON*THE*SHORE*LINE
THEY*PRESSED*WESTWARD*UNTIL,*BY*THE*CLOSE*OF*THE*COLONIAL*PERIOD,*THEY
WERE*ALREADY*ON*THE*CREST*OF*THE*ALLEGHANIES.

THOUGH*THEY*WERE*WIDELY*SCATTERED*ALONG*A*THOUSAND*MILES*OF*SEACOAST,
THE*COLONISTS*WERE*UNITED*IN*SPIRIT*BY*MANY*COMMON*TIES.*THE*MAJOR
PORTION*OF*THEM*WERE*PROTESTANTS.*THE*LANGUAGE,*THE*LAW,*AND*THE
LITERATURE*OF*ENGLAND*FURNISHED*THE*BASIS*OF*NATIONAL*UNITY.*MOST*OF*THE
COLONISTS*WERE*ENGAGED*IN*THE*SAME*HARD*TASK;*THAT*OF*CONQUERING*A
WILDERNESS.*TO*TIES*OF*KINSHIP*AND*LANGUAGE*WERE*ADDED*TIES*CREATED*BY
NECESSITY.*THEY*HAD*TO*UNITE*IN*DEFENSE;*FIRST,*AGAINST*THE*INDIANS*AND
LATER*AGAINST*THE*FRENCH.*THEY*WERE*ALL*SUBJECTS*OF*THE*SAME
SOVEREIGN--THE*KING*OF*ENGLAND.*THE*ENGLISH*PARLIAMENT*MADE*LAWS*FOR
THEM*AND*THE*ENGLISH*GOVERNMENT*SUPERVISED*THEIR*LOCAL*AFFAIRS,*THEIR
TRADE,*AND*THEIR*MANUFACTURES.*COMMON*FORCES*ASSAILED*THEM.*COMMON
GRIEVANCES*VEXED*THEM.*COMMON*HOPES*INSPIRED*THEM.

MANY*OF*THE*THINGS*WHICH*TENDED*TO*UNITE*THEM*LIKEWISE*TENDED*TO*THROW
THEM*INTO*OPPOSITION*TO*THE*BRITISH*CROWN*AND*PARLIAMENT.*MOST*OF*THEM
WERE*FREEHOLDERS;*THAT*IS,*FARMERS*WHO*OWNED*THEIR*OWN*LAND*AND*TILLED
IT*WITH*THEIR*OWN*HANDS.*A*FREE*SOIL*NOURISHED*THE*SPIRIT*OF*FREEDOM.
THE*MAJORITY*OF*THEM*WERE*DISSENTERS,*CRITICS,*NOT*FRIENDS,*OF*THE
CHURCH*OF*ENGLAND,*THAT*STANCH*DEFENDER*OF*THE*BRITISH*MONARCHY.*EACH
COLONY*IN*TIME*DEVELOPED*ITS*OWN*LEGISLATURE*ELECTED*BY*THE*VOTERS;*IT
GREW*ACCUSTOMED*TO*MAKING*LAWS*AND*LAYING*TAXES*FOR*ITSELF.*HERE*WAS*A
PEOPLE*LEARNING*SELF-RELIANCE*AND*SELF-GOVERNMENT.*THE*ATTEMPTS*TO
STRENGTHEN*THE*CHURCH*OF*ENGLAND*IN*AMERICA*AND*THE*TRANSFORMATION*OF
COLONIES*INTO*ROYAL*PROVINCES*ONLY*FANNED*THE*SPIRIT*OF*INDEPENDENCE
WHICH*THEY*WERE*DESIGNED*TO*QUENCH.

NEVERTHELESS,*THE*AMERICANS*OWED*MUCH*OF*THEIR*PROSPERITY*TO*THE
ASSISTANCE*OF*THE*GOVERNMENT*THAT*IRRITATED*THEM.*IT*WAS*THE*PROTECTION
OF*THE*BRITISH*NAVY*THAT*PREVENTED*HOLLAND,*SPAIN,*AND*FRANCE*FROM
WIPING*OUT*THEIR*SETTLEMENTS.*THOUGH*THEIR*MANUFACTURE*AND*TRADE*WERE
CONTROLLED*IN*THE*INTERESTS*OF*THE*MOTHER*COUNTRY,*THEY*ALSO*ENJOYED
GREAT*ADVANTAGES*IN*HER*MARKETS.*FREE*TRADE*EXISTED*NOWHERE*UPON*THE
EARTH;*BUT*THE*BROAD*EMPIRE*OF*BRITAIN*WAS*OPEN*TO*AMERICAN*SHIPS*AND
MERCHANDISE.*IT*COULD*BE*SAID,*WITH*GOOD*REASON,*THAT*THE*DISADVANTAGES
WHICH*THE*COLONISTS*SUFFERED*THROUGH*BRITISH*REGULATION*OF*THEIR
INDUSTRY*AND*TRADE*WERE*MORE*THAN*OFFSET*BY*THE*PRIVILEGES*THEY*ENJOYED.
STILL*THAT*IS*SOMEWHAT*BESIDE*THE*POINT,*FOR*MERE*ECONOMIC*ADVANTAGE*IS
NOT*NECESSARILY*THE*DETERMINING*FACTOR*IN*THE*FATE*OF*PEOPLES.*A
THOUSAND*CIRCUMSTANCES*HAD*HELPED*TO*DEVELOP*ON*THIS*CONTINENT*A*NATION,
TO*INSPIRE*IT*WITH*A*PASSION*FOR*INDEPENDENCE,*AND*TO*PREPARE*IT*FOR*A
DESTINY*GREATER*THAN*THAT*OF*A*PROSPEROUS*DOMINION*OF*THE*BRITISH
EMPIRE.*THE*ECONOMISTS,*WHO*TRIED*TO*PROVE*BY*LOGIC*UNASSAILABLE*THAT
AMERICA*WOULD*BE*RICHER*UNDER*THE*BRITISH*FLAG,*COULD*NOT*CHANGE*THE
SPIRIT*OF*PATRICK*HENRY,*SAMUEL*ADAMS,*BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN,*OR*GEORGE
WASHINGTON.


=REFERENCES=

G.L.*BEER,*_ORIGIN*OF*THE*BRITISH*COLONIAL*SYSTEM_*AND*_THE*OLD*COLONIAL
SYSTEM_.

A.*BRADLEY,*_THE*FIGHT*FOR*CANADA*IN*NORTH*AMERICA_.

C.M.*ANDREWS,*_COLONIAL*SELF-GOVERNMENT_*(AMERICAN*NATION*SERIES).

H.*EGERTON,*_SHORT*HISTORY*OF*BRITISH*COLONIAL*POLICY_.

F.*PARKMAN,*_FRANCE*AND*ENGLAND*IN*NORTH*AMERICA_*(12*VOLS.).

R.*THWAITES,*_FRANCE*IN*AMERICA_*(AMERICAN*NATION*SERIES).

J.*WINSOR,*_THE*MISSISSIPPI*VALLEY_*AND*_CARTIER*TO*FRONTENAC_.


=QUESTIONS=

1.*HOW*WOULD*YOU*DEFINE*"NATIONALISM"?

2.*CAN*YOU*GIVE*ANY*ILLUSTRATIONS*OF*THE*WAY*THAT*WAR*PROMOTES
NATIONALISM?

3.*WHY*WAS*IT*IMPOSSIBLE*TO*ESTABLISH*AND*MAINTAIN*A*UNIFORM*POLICY*IN
DEALING*WITH*THE*INDIANS?

4.*WHAT*WAS*THE*OUTCOME*OF*THE*FINAL*CLASH*WITH*THE*FRENCH?

5.*ENUMERATE*THE*FIVE*CHIEF*RESULTS*OF*THE*WARS*WITH*THE*FRENCH*AND*THE
INDIANS.*DISCUSS*EACH*IN*DETAIL.

6.*EXPLAIN*WHY*IT*WAS*THAT*THE*CHARACTER*OF*THE*ENGLISH*KING*MATTERED*TO
THE*COLONISTS.

7.*CONTRAST*ENGLAND*UNDER*THE*STUARTS*WITH*ENGLAND*UNDER*THE
HANOVERIANS.

8.*EXPLAIN*HOW*THE*ENGLISH*CROWN,*COURTS,*AND*PARLIAMENT*CONTROLLED*THE
COLONIES.

9.*NAME*THE*THREE*IMPORTANT*CLASSES*OF*ENGLISH*LEGISLATION*AFFECTING*THE
COLONIES.*EXPLAIN*EACH.

10.*DO*YOU*THINK*THE*ENGLISH*LEGISLATION*WAS*BENEFICIAL*OR*INJURIOUS*TO
THE*COLONIES?*WHY?


=RESEARCH*TOPICS=

=RISE*OF*FRENCH*POWER*IN*NORTH*AMERICA.=--SPECIAL*REFERENCE:*FRANCIS
PARKMAN,*_STRUGGLE*FOR*A*CONTINENT_.

=THE*FRENCH*AND*INDIAN*WARS.=--SPECIAL*REFERENCE:*W.M.*SLOANE,*_FRENCH
WAR*AND*THE*REVOLUTION_,*CHAPS.*VI-IX.*PARKMAN,*_MONTCALM*AND*WOLFE_,
VOL.*II,*PP.*195-299.*ELSON,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,*PP.
171-196.

=ENGLISH*NAVIGATION*ACTS.=--MACDONALD,*_DOCUMENTARY*SOURCE*BOOK_,*PP.
55,*72,*78,*90,*103.*COMAN,*_INDUSTRIAL*HISTORY_,*PP.*79-85.

=BRITISH*COLONIAL*POLICY.=--CALLENDER,*_ECONOMIC*HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED
STATES_,*PP.*102-108.

=THE*NEW*ENGLAND*CONFEDERATION.=--ANALYZE*THE*DOCUMENT*IN*MACDONALD,
_SOURCE*BOOK_,*P.*45.*SPECIAL*REFERENCE:*FISKE,*_BEGINNINGS*OF*NEW
ENGLAND_,*PP.*140-198.

=THE*ADMINISTRATION*OF*ANDROS.=--FISKE,*_BEGINNINGS_,*PP.*242-278.

=BIOGRAPHICAL*STUDIES.=--WILLIAM*PITT*AND*SIR*ROBERT*WALPOLE.*CONSULT
GREEN,*_SHORT*HISTORY*OF*ENGLAND_,*ON*THEIR*POLICIES,*USING*THE*INDEX.




PART*II.*CONFLICT*AND*INDEPENDENCE




CHAPTER*V

THE*NEW*COURSE*IN*BRITISH*IMPERIAL*POLICY


ON*OCTOBER*25,*1760,*KING*GEORGE*II*DIED*AND*THE*BRITISH*CROWN*PASSED*TO
HIS*YOUNG*GRANDSON.*THE*FIRST*GEORGE,*THE*SON*OF*THE*ELECTOR*OF*HANOVER
AND*SOPHIA*THE*GRANDDAUGHTER*OF*JAMES*I,*WAS*A*THOROUGH*GERMAN*WHO*NEVER
EVEN*LEARNED*TO*SPEAK*THE*LANGUAGE*OF*THE*LAND*OVER*WHICH*HE*REIGNED.
THE*SECOND*GEORGE*NEVER*SAW*ENGLAND*UNTIL*HE*WAS*A*MAN.*HE*SPOKE*ENGLISH
WITH*AN*ACCENT*AND*UNTIL*HIS*DEATH*PREFERRED*HIS*GERMAN*HOME.*DURING
THEIR*REIGN,*THE*PRINCIPLE*HAD*BECOME*WELL*ESTABLISHED*THAT*THE*KING*DID
NOT*GOVERN*BUT*ACTED*ONLY*THROUGH*MINISTERS*REPRESENTING*THE*MAJORITY*IN
PARLIAMENT.


GEORGE*III*AND*HIS*SYSTEM

=THE*CHARACTER*OF*THE*NEW*KING.=--THE*THIRD*GEORGE*RUDELY*BROKE*THE
GERMAN*TRADITION*OF*HIS*FAMILY.*HE*RESENTED*THE*IMPUTATION*THAT*HE*WAS*A
FOREIGNER*AND*ON*ALL*OCCASIONS*MADE*A*DISPLAY*OF*HIS*BRITISH*SYMPATHIES.
TO*THE*DRAFT*OF*HIS*FIRST*SPEECH*TO*PARLIAMENT,*HE*ADDED*THE*POPULAR
PHRASE:*"BORN*AND*EDUCATED*IN*THIS*COUNTRY,*I*GLORY*IN*THE*NAME*OF
BRITON."*MACAULAY,*THE*ENGLISH*HISTORIAN,*CERTAINLY*OF*NO*LIKING*FOR
HIGH*ROYAL*PREROGATIVE,*SAID*OF*GEORGE:*"THE*YOUNG*KING*WAS*A*BORN
ENGLISHMAN.*ALL*HIS*TASTES*AND*HABITS,*GOOD*AND*BAD,*WERE*ENGLISH.*NO
PORTION*OF*HIS*SUBJECTS*HAD*ANYTHING*TO*REPROACH*HIM*WITH....*HIS*AGE,
HIS*APPEARANCE,*AND*ALL*THAT*WAS*KNOWN*OF*HIS*CHARACTER*CONCILIATED
PUBLIC*FAVOR.*HE*WAS*IN*THE*BLOOM*OF*YOUTH;*HIS*PERSON*AND*ADDRESS*WERE
PLEASING;*SCANDAL*IMPUTED*TO*HIM*NO*VICE;*AND*FLATTERY*MIGHT*WITHOUT
GLARING*ABSURDITY*ASCRIBE*TO*HIM*MANY*PRINCELY*VIRTUES."

NEVERTHELESS*GEORGE*III*HAD*BEEN*SPOILED*BY*HIS*MOTHER,*HIS*TUTORS,*AND
HIS*COURTIERS.*UNDER*THEIR*INFLUENCE*HE*DEVELOPED*HIGH*AND*MIGHTY
NOTIONS*ABOUT*THE*SACREDNESS*OF*ROYAL*AUTHORITY*AND*HIS*DUTY*TO*CHECK
THE*PRETENSIONS*OF*PARLIAMENT*AND*THE*MINISTERS*DEPENDENT*UPON*IT.*HIS
MOTHER*HAD*DINNED*INTO*HIS*EARS*THE*SLOGAN:*"GEORGE,*BE*KING!"*LORD
BUTE,*HIS*TEACHER*AND*ADVISER,*HAD*TOLD*HIM*THAT*HIS*HONOR*REQUIRED*HIM
TO*TAKE*AN*ACTIVE*PART*IN*THE*SHAPING*OF*PUBLIC*POLICY*AND*THE*MAKING*OF
LAWS.*THUS*EDUCATED,*HE*SURROUNDED*HIMSELF*WITH*COURTIERS*WHO*ENCOURAGED
HIM*IN*THE*DETERMINATION*TO*RULE*AS*WELL*AS*REIGN,*TO*SUBDUE*ALL
PARTIES,*AND*TO*PLACE*HIMSELF*AT*THE*HEAD*OF*THE*NATION*AND*EMPIRE.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT._

GEORGE*III]

=POLITICAL*PARTIES*AND*GEORGE*III.=--THE*STATE*OF*THE*POLITICAL*PARTIES
FAVORED*THE*PLANS*OF*THE*KING*TO*RESTORE*SOME*OF*THE*ANCIENT*LUSTER*OF
THE*CROWN.*THE*WHIGS,*WHO*WERE*COMPOSED*MAINLY*OF*THE*SMALLER
FREEHOLDERS,*MERCHANTS,*INHABITANTS*OF*TOWNS,*AND*PROTESTANT
NON-CONFORMISTS,*HAD*GROWN*HAUGHTY*AND*OVERBEARING*THROUGH*LONG
CONTINUANCE*IN*POWER*AND*HAD*AS*A*CONSEQUENCE*RAISED*UP*MANY*ENEMIES*IN
THEIR*OWN*RANKS.*THEIR*OPPONENTS,*THE*TORIES,*HAD*BY*THIS*TIME*GIVEN*UP
ALL*HOPE*OF*RESTORING*TO*THE*THRONE*THE*DIRECT*STUART*LINE;*BUT*THEY
STILL*CHERISHED*THEIR*OLD*NOTIONS*ABOUT*DIVINE*RIGHT.*WITH*THE
ACCESSION*OF*GEORGE*III*THE*COVETED*OPPORTUNITY*CAME*TO*THEM*TO*RALLY
AROUND*THE*THRONE*AGAIN.*GEORGE*RECEIVED*HIS*TORY*FRIENDS*WITH*OPEN
ARMS,*GAVE*THEM*OFFICES,*AND*BOUGHT*THEM*SEATS*IN*THE*HOUSE*OF*COMMONS.

=THE*BRITISH*PARLIAMENTARY*SYSTEM.=--THE*PECULIARITIES*OF*THE*BRITISH
PARLIAMENT*AT*THE*TIME*MADE*SMOOTH*THE*WAY*FOR*THE*KING*AND*HIS*ALLIES
WITH*THEIR*DESIGNS*FOR*CONTROLLING*THE*ENTIRE*GOVERNMENT.*IN*THE*FIRST
PLACE,*THE*HOUSE*OF*LORDS*WAS*COMPOSED*MAINLY*OF*HEREDITARY*NOBLES*WHOSE
NUMBER*THE*KING*COULD*INCREASE*BY*THE*APPOINTMENT*OF*HIS*FAVORITES,*AS
OF*OLD.*THOUGH*THE*MEMBERS*OF*THE*HOUSE*OF*COMMONS*WERE*ELECTED*BY
POPULAR*VOTE,*THEY*DID*NOT*SPEAK*FOR*THE*MASS*OF*ENGLISH*PEOPLE.*GREAT
TOWNS*LIKE*LEEDS,*MANCHESTER,*AND*BIRMINGHAM,*FOR*EXAMPLE,*HAD*NO
REPRESENTATIVES*AT*ALL.*WHILE*THERE*WERE*ABOUT*EIGHT*MILLION*INHABITANTS
IN*GREAT*BRITAIN,*THERE*WERE*IN*1768*ONLY*ABOUT*160,000*VOTERS;*THAT*IS
TO*SAY,*ONLY*ABOUT*ONE*IN*EVERY*TEN*ADULT*MALES*HAD*A*VOICE*IN*THE
GOVERNMENT.*MANY*BOROUGHS*RETURNED*ONE*OR*MORE*MEMBERS*TO*THE*COMMONS
ALTHOUGH*THEY*HAD*MERELY*A*HANDFUL*OF*VOTERS*OR*IN*SOME*INSTANCES*NO
VOTERS*AT*ALL.*FURTHERMORE,*THESE*TINY*BOROUGHS*WERE*OFTEN*CONTROLLED*BY
LORDS*WHO*OPENLY*SOLD*THE*RIGHT*OF*REPRESENTATION*TO*THE*HIGHEST*BIDDER.
THE*"ROTTEN-BOROUGHS,"*AS*THEY*WERE*CALLED*BY*REFORMERS,*WERE*A*PUBLIC
SCANDAL,*BUT*GEORGE*III*READILY*MADE*USE*OF*THEM*TO*GET*HIS*FRIENDS*INTO
THE*HOUSE*OF*COMMONS.


GEORGE*III'S*MINISTERS*AND*THEIR*COLONIAL*POLICIES

=GRENVILLE*AND*THE*WAR*DEBT.=--WITHIN*A*YEAR*AFTER*THE*ACCESSION*OF
GEORGE*III,*WILLIAM*PITT*WAS*TURNED*OUT*OF*OFFICE,*THE*KING*TREATING*HIM
WITH*"GROSS*INCIVILITY"*AND*THE*CROWDS*SHOUTING*"PITT*FOREVER!"*THE
DIRECTION*OF*AFFAIRS*WAS*ENTRUSTED*TO*MEN*ENJOYING*THE*KING'S
CONFIDENCE.*LEADERSHIP*IN*THE*HOUSE*OF*COMMONS*FELL*TO*GEORGE*GRENVILLE,
A*GRAVE*AND*LABORIOUS*MAN*WHO*FOR*YEARS*HAD*GROANED*OVER*THE*INCREASING
COST*OF*GOVERNMENT.

THE*FIRST*TASK*AFTER*THE*CONCLUSION*OF*PEACE*IN*1763*WAS*THE*ADJUSTMENT
OF*THE*DISORDERED*FINANCES*OF*THE*KINGDOM.*THE*DEBT*STOOD*AT*THE*HIGHEST
POINT*IN*THE*HISTORY*OF*THE*COUNTRY.*MORE*REVENUE*WAS*ABSOLUTELY
NECESSARY*AND*GRENVILLE*BEGAN*TO*SEARCH*FOR*IT,*TURNING*HIS*ATTENTION
FINALLY*TO*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES.*IN*THIS*QUEST*HE*HAD*THE*AID*OF*A
ZEALOUS*COLLEAGUE,*CHARLES*TOWNSHEND,*WHO*HAD*LONG*BEEN*IN*PUBLIC
SERVICE*AND*WAS*FAMILIAR*WITH*THE*DIFFICULTIES*ENCOUNTERED*BY*ROYAL
GOVERNORS*IN*AMERICA.*THESE*TWO*MEN,*WITH*THE*SUPPORT*OF*THE*ENTIRE
MINISTRY,*INAUGURATED*IN*FEBRUARY,*1763,*"A*NEW*SYSTEM*OF*COLONIAL
GOVERNMENT.*IT*WAS*ANNOUNCED*BY*AUTHORITY*THAT*THERE*WERE*TO*BE*NO*MORE
REQUISITIONS*FROM*THE*KING*TO*THE*COLONIAL*ASSEMBLIES*FOR*SUPPLIES,*BUT
THAT*THE*COLONIES*WERE*TO*BE*TAXED*INSTEAD*BY*ACT*OF*PARLIAMENT.
COLONIAL*GOVERNORS*AND*JUDGES*WERE*TO*BE*PAID*BY*THE*CROWN;*THEY*WERE*TO
BE*SUPPORTED*BY*A*STANDING*ARMY*OF*TWENTY*REGIMENTS;*AND*ALL*THE
EXPENSES*OF*THIS*FORCE*WERE*TO*BE*MET*BY*PARLIAMENTARY*TAXATION."

=RESTRICTION*OF*PAPER*MONEY*(1763).=--AMONG*THE*MANY*COMPLAINTS*FILED
BEFORE*THE*BOARD*OF*TRADE*WERE*VIGOROUS*PROTESTS*AGAINST*THE*ISSUANCE*OF
PAPER*MONEY*BY*THE*COLONIAL*LEGISLATURES.*THE*NEW*MINISTRY*PROVIDED*A
REMEDY*IN*THE*ACT*OF*1763,*WHICH*DECLARED*VOID*ALL*COLONIAL*LAWS
AUTHORIZING*PAPER*MONEY*OR*EXTENDING*THE*LIFE*OF*OUTSTANDING*BILLS.*THIS
LAW*WAS*AIMED*AT*THE*"CHEAP*MONEY"*WHICH*THE*AMERICANS*WERE*FOND*OF
MAKING*WHEN*SPECIE*WAS*SCARCE--MONEY*WHICH*THEY*TRIED*TO*FORCE*ON*THEIR
ENGLISH*CREDITORS*IN*RETURN*FOR*GOODS*AND*IN*PAYMENT*OF*THE*INTEREST*AND
PRINCIPAL*OF*DEBTS.*THUS*THE*FIRST*CHAPTER*WAS*WRITTEN*IN*THE*LONG
BATTLE*OVER*SOUND*MONEY*ON*THIS*CONTINENT.

=LIMITATION*ON*WESTERN*LAND*SALES.=--LATER*IN*THE*SAME*YEAR*(1763)
GEORGE*III*ISSUED*A*ROYAL*PROCLAMATION*PROVIDING,*AMONG*OTHER*THINGS,
FOR*THE*GOVERNMENT*OF*THE*TERRITORY*RECENTLY*ACQUIRED*BY*THE*TREATY*OF
PARIS*FROM*THE*FRENCH.*ONE*OF*THE*PROVISIONS*IN*THIS*ROYAL*DECREE
TOUCHED*FRONTIERSMEN*TO*THE*QUICK.*THE*CONTESTS*BETWEEN*THE*KING'S
OFFICERS*AND*THE*COLONISTS*OVER*THE*DISPOSITION*OF*WESTERN*LANDS*HAD
BEEN*LONG*AND*SHARP.*THE*AMERICANS*CHAFED*AT*RESTRICTIONS*ON
SETTLEMENT.*THE*MORE*ADVENTUROUS*WERE*CONTINUALLY*MOVING*WEST*AND
"SQUATTING"*ON*LAND*PURCHASED*FROM*THE*INDIANS*OR*SIMPLY*SEIZED*WITHOUT
AUTHORITY.*TO*PUT*AN*END*TO*THIS,*THE*KING*FORBADE*ALL*FURTHER*PURCHASES
FROM*THE*INDIANS,*RESERVING*TO*THE*CROWN*THE*RIGHT*TO*ACQUIRE*SUCH*LANDS
AND*DISPOSE*OF*THEM*FOR*SETTLEMENT.*A*SECOND*PROVISION*IN*THE*SAME
PROCLAMATION*VESTED*THE*POWER*OF*LICENSING*TRADE*WITH*THE*INDIANS,
INCLUDING*THE*LUCRATIVE*FUR*BUSINESS,*IN*THE*HANDS*OF*ROYAL*OFFICERS*IN
THE*COLONIES.*THESE*TWO*LIMITATIONS*ON*AMERICAN*FREEDOM*AND*ENTERPRISE
WERE*DECLARED*TO*BE*IN*THE*INTEREST*OF*THE*CROWN*AND*FOR*THE
PRESERVATION*OF*THE*RIGHTS*OF*THE*INDIANS*AGAINST*FRAUD*AND*ABUSES.

=THE*SUGAR*ACT*OF*1764.=--KING*GEORGE'S*MINISTERS*NEXT*TURNED*THEIR
ATTENTION*TO*MEASURES*OF*TAXATION*AND*TRADE.*SINCE*THE*HEAVY*DEBT*UNDER
WHICH*ENGLAND*WAS*LABORING*HAD*BEEN*LARGELY*INCURRED*IN*THE*DEFENSE*OF
AMERICA,*NOTHING*SEEMED*MORE*REASONABLE*TO*THEM*THAN*THE*PROPOSITION
THAT*THE*COLONIES*SHOULD*HELP*TO*BEAR*THE*BURDEN*WHICH*FELL*SO*HEAVILY
UPON*THE*ENGLISH*TAXPAYER.*THE*SUGAR*ACT*OF*1764*WAS*THE*RESULT*OF*THIS
REASONING.*THERE*WAS*NO*DOUBT*ABOUT*THE*PURPOSE*OF*THIS*LAW,*FOR*IT*WAS
SET*FORTH*CLEARLY*IN*THE*TITLE:*"AN*ACT*FOR*GRANTING*CERTAIN*DUTIES*IN
THE*BRITISH*COLONIES*AND*PLANTATIONS*IN*AMERICA*...*FOR*APPLYING*THE
PRODUCE*OF*SUCH*DUTIES*...*TOWARDS*DEFRAYING*THE*EXPENSES*OF*DEFENDING,
PROTECTING*AND*SECURING*THE*SAID*COLONIES*AND*PLANTATIONS*...*AND*FOR
MORE*EFFECTUALLY*PREVENTING*THE*CLANDESTINE*CONVEYANCE*OF*GOODS*TO*AND
FROM*THE*SAID*COLONIES*AND*PLANTATIONS*AND*IMPROVING*AND*SECURING*THE
TRADE*BETWEEN*THE*SAME*AND*GREAT*BRITAIN."*THE*OLD*MOLASSES*ACT*HAD*BEEN
PROHIBITIVE;*THE*SUGAR*ACT*OF*1764*WAS*CLEARLY*INTENDED*AS*A*REVENUE
MEASURE.*SPECIFIED*DUTIES*WERE*LAID*UPON*SUGAR,*INDIGO,*CALICO,*SILKS,
AND*MANY*OTHER*COMMODITIES*IMPORTED*INTO*THE*COLONIES.*THE*ENFORCEMENT
OF*THE*MOLASSES*ACT*HAD*BEEN*UTTERLY*NEGLECTED;*BUT*THIS*SUGAR*ACT*HAD
"TEETH*IN*IT."*SPECIAL*PRECAUTIONS*AS*TO*BONDS,*SECURITY,*AND
REGISTRATION*OF*SHIP*MASTERS,*ACCOMPANIED*BY*HEAVY*PENALTIES,*PROMISED
A*VIGOROUS*EXECUTION*OF*THE*NEW*REVENUE*LAW.

THE*STRICT*TERMS*OF*THE*SUGAR*ACT*WERE*STRENGTHENED*BY*ADMINISTRATIVE
MEASURES.*UNDER*A*LAW*OF*THE*PREVIOUS*YEAR*THE*COMMANDERS*OF*ARMED
VESSELS*STATIONED*ALONG*THE*AMERICAN*COAST*WERE*AUTHORIZED*TO*STOP,
SEARCH,*AND,*ON*SUSPICION,*SEIZE*MERCHANT*SHIPS*APPROACHING*COLONIAL
PORTS.*BY*SUPPLEMENTARY*ORDERS,*THE*ENTIRE*BRITISH*OFFICIAL*FORCE*IN
AMERICA*WAS*INSTRUCTED*TO*BE*DILIGENT*IN*THE*EXECUTION*OF*ALL*TRADE*AND
NAVIGATION*LAWS.*REVENUE*COLLECTORS,*OFFICERS*OF*THE*ARMY*AND*NAVY,*AND
ROYAL*GOVERNORS*WERE*CURTLY*ORDERED*TO*THE*FRONT*TO*DO*THEIR*FULL*DUTY
IN*THE*MATTER*OF*LAW*ENFORCEMENT.*THE*ORDINARY*MOTIVES*FOR*THE*DISCHARGE
OF*OFFICIAL*OBLIGATIONS*WERE*SHARPENED*BY*AN*APPEAL*TO*AVARICE,*FOR
NAVAL*OFFICERS*WHO*SEIZED*OFFENDERS*AGAINST*THE*LAW*WERE*REWARDED*BY
LARGE*PRIZES*OUT*OF*THE*FORFEITURES*AND*PENALTIES.

=THE*STAMP*ACT*(1765).=--THE*GRENVILLE-TOWNSHEND*COMBINATION*MOVED
STEADILY*TOWARDS*ITS*GOAL.*WHILE*THE*SUGAR*ACT*WAS*UNDER*CONSIDERATION
IN*PARLIAMENT,*GRENVILLE*ANNOUNCED*A*PLAN*FOR*A*STAMP*BILL.*THE*NEXT
YEAR*IT*WENT*THROUGH*BOTH*HOUSES*WITH*A*SPEED*THAT*MUST*HAVE*ASTOUNDED
ITS*AUTHORS.*THE*VOTE*IN*THE*COMMONS*STOOD*205*IN*FAVOR*TO*49*AGAINST;
WHILE*IN*THE*LORDS*IT*WAS*NOT*EVEN*NECESSARY*TO*GO*THROUGH*THE*FORMALITY
OF*A*COUNT.*AS*GEORGE*III*WAS*TEMPORARILY*INSANE,*THE*MEASURE*RECEIVED
ROYAL*ASSENT*BY*A*COMMISSION*ACTING*AS*A*BOARD*OF*REGENCY.*PROTESTS*OF
COLONIAL*AGENTS*IN*LONDON*WERE*FUTILE.*"WE*MIGHT*AS*WELL*HAVE*HINDERED
THE*SUN'S*PROGRESS!"*EXCLAIMED*FRANKLIN.*PROTESTS*OF*A*FEW*OPPONENTS*IN
THE*COMMONS*WERE*EQUALLY*VAIN.*THE*MINISTRY*WAS*FIRM*IN*ITS*COURSE*AND
FROM*ALL*APPEARANCES*THE*STAMP*ACT*HARDLY*ROUSED*AS*MUCH*AS*A*LANGUID
INTEREST*IN*THE*CITY*OF*LONDON.*IN*FACT,*IT*IS*RECORDED*THAT*THE*FATEFUL
MEASURE*ATTRACTED*LESS*NOTICE*THAN*A*BILL*PROVIDING*FOR*A*COMMISSION*TO
ACT*FOR*THE*KING*WHEN*HE*WAS*INCAPACITATED.

THE*STAMP*ACT,*LIKE*THE*SUGAR*ACT,*DECLARED*THE*PURPOSE*OF*THE*BRITISH
GOVERNMENT*TO*RAISE*REVENUE*IN*AMERICA*"TOWARDS*DEFRAYING*THE*EXPENSES
OF*DEFENDING,*PROTECTING,*AND*SECURING*THE*BRITISH*COLONIES*AND
PLANTATIONS*IN*AMERICA."*IT*WAS*A*LONG*MEASURE*OF*MORE*THAN*FIFTY
SECTIONS,*CAREFULLY*PLANNED*AND*SKILLFULLY*DRAWN.*BY*ITS*PROVISIONS
DUTIES*WERE*IMPOSED*ON*PRACTICALLY*ALL*PAPERS*USED*IN*LEGAL
TRANSACTIONS,--DEEDS,*MORTGAGES,*INVENTORIES,*WRITS,*BAIL*BONDS,--ON
LICENSES*TO*PRACTICE*LAW*AND*SELL*LIQUOR,*ON*COLLEGE*DIPLOMAS,*PLAYING
CARDS,*DICE,*PAMPHLETS,*NEWSPAPERS,*ALMANACS,*CALENDARS,*AND
ADVERTISEMENTS.*THE*DRAG*NET*WAS*CLOSELY*KNIT,*FOR*SCARCELY*ANYTHING
ESCAPED.

=THE*QUARTERING*ACT*(1765).=--THE*MINISTERS*WERE*AWARE*THAT*THE*STAMP
ACT*WOULD*ROUSE*OPPOSITION*IN*AMERICA--HOW*GREAT*THEY*COULD*NOT
CONJECTURE.*WHILE*THE*MEASURE*WAS*BEING*DEBATED,*A*FRIEND*OF*GENERAL
WOLFE,*COLONEL*BARRE,*WHO*KNEW*AMERICA*WELL,*GAVE*THEM*AN*OMINOUS
WARNING*IN*THE*COMMONS.*"BELIEVE*ME--REMEMBER*I*THIS*DAY*TOLD*YOU*SO--"
HE*EXCLAIMED,*"THE*SAME*SPIRIT*OF*FREEDOM*WHICH*ACTUATED*THAT*PEOPLE*AT
FIRST*WILL*ACCOMPANY*THEM*STILL*...*A*PEOPLE*JEALOUS*OF*THEIR*LIBERTIES
AND*WHO*WILL*VINDICATE*THEM,*IF*EVER*THEY*SHOULD*BE*VIOLATED."*THE
ANSWER*OF*THE*MINISTRY*TO*A*PROPHECY*OF*FORCE*WAS*A*THREAT*OF*FORCE.
PREPARATIONS*WERE*ACCORDINGLY*MADE*TO*DISPATCH*A*LARGER*NUMBER*OF
SOLDIERS*THAN*USUAL*TO*THE*COLONIES,*AND*THE*INK*WAS*HARDLY*DRY*ON*THE
STAMP*ACT*WHEN*PARLIAMENT*PASSED*THE*QUARTERING*ACT*ORDERING*THE
COLONISTS*TO*PROVIDE*ACCOMMODATIONS*FOR*THE*SOLDIERS*WHO*WERE*TO*ENFORCE
THE*NEW*LAWS.*"WE*HAVE*THE*POWER*TO*TAX*THEM,"*SAID*ONE*OF*THE*MINISTRY,
"AND*WE*WILL*TAX*THEM."


COLONIAL*RESISTANCE*FORCES*REPEAL

=POPULAR*OPPOSITION.=--THE*STAMP*ACT*WAS*GREETED*IN*AMERICA*BY*AN
OUTBURST*OF*DENUNCIATION.*THE*MERCHANTS*OF*THE*SEABOARD*CITIES*TOOK*THE
LEAD*IN*MAKING*A*DIGNIFIED*BUT*UNMISTAKABLE*PROTEST,*AGREEING*NOT*TO
IMPORT*BRITISH*GOODS*WHILE*THE*HATED*LAW*STOOD*UPON*THE*BOOKS.*LAWYERS,
SOME*OF*THEM*INCENSED*AT*THE*HEAVY*TAXES*ON*THEIR*OPERATIONS*AND*OTHERS
INTIMIDATED*BY*PATRIOTS*WHO*REFUSED*TO*PERMIT*THEM*TO*USE*STAMPED
PAPERS,*JOINED*WITH*THE*MERCHANTS.*ARISTOCRATIC*COLONIAL*WHIGS,*WHO*HAD
LONG*GRUMBLED*AT*THE*ADMINISTRATION*OF*ROYAL*GOVERNORS,*PROTESTED
AGAINST*TAXATION*WITHOUT*THEIR*CONSENT,*AS*THE*WHIGS*HAD*DONE*IN*OLD
ENGLAND.*THERE*WERE*TORIES,*HOWEVER,*IN*THE*COLONIES*AS*IN*ENGLAND--MANY
OF*THEM*OF*THE*OFFICIAL*CLASS--WHO*DENOUNCED*THE*MERCHANTS,*LAWYERS,*AND
WHIG*ARISTOCRATS*AS*"SEDITIOUS,*FACTIOUS*AND*REPUBLICAN."*YET*THE
OPPOSITION*TO*THE*STAMP*ACT*AND*ITS*ACCOMPANYING*MEASURE,*THE*QUARTERING
ACT,*GREW*STEADILY*ALL*THROUGH*THE*SUMMER*OF*1765.

IN*A*LITTLE*WHILE*IT*WAS*TAKEN*UP*IN*THE*STREETS*AND*ALONG*THE
COUNTRYSIDE.*ALL*THROUGH*THE*NORTH*AND*IN*SOME*OF*THE*SOUTHERN*COLONIES,
THERE*SPRANG*UP,*AS*IF*BY*MAGIC,*COMMITTEES*AND*SOCIETIES*PLEDGED*TO
RESIST*THE*STAMP*ACT*TO*THE*BITTER*END.*THESE*POPULAR*SOCIETIES*WERE
KNOWN*AS*SONS*OF*LIBERTY*AND*DAUGHTERS*OF*LIBERTY:*THE*FORMER*INCLUDING
ARTISANS,*MECHANICS,*AND*LABORERS;*AND*THE*LATTER,*PATRIOTIC*WOMEN.*BOTH
GROUPS*WERE*ALIKE*IN*THAT*THEY*HAD*AS*YET*TAKEN*LITTLE*PART*IN*PUBLIC
AFFAIRS.*MANY*ARTISANS,*AS*WELL*AS*ALL*THE*WOMEN,*WERE*EXCLUDED*FROM*THE
RIGHT*TO*VOTE*FOR*COLONIAL*ASSEMBLYMEN.

WHILE*THE*MERCHANTS*AND*WHIG*GENTLEMEN*CONFINED*THEIR*EFFORTS*CHIEFLY*TO
DRAFTING*WELL-PHRASED*PROTESTS*AGAINST*BRITISH*MEASURES,*THE*SONS*OF
LIBERTY*OPERATED*IN*THE*STREETS*AND*CHOSE*ROUGHER*MEASURES.*THEY*STIRRED
UP*RIOTS*IN*BOSTON,*NEW*YORK,*PHILADELPHIA,*AND*CHARLESTON*WHEN*ATTEMPTS
WERE*MADE*TO*SELL*THE*STAMPS.*THEY*SACKED*AND*BURNED*THE*RESIDENCES*OF
HIGH*ROYAL*OFFICERS.*THEY*ORGANIZED*COMMITTEES*OF*INQUISITION*WHO*BY
THREATS*AND*INTIMIDATION*CURTAILED*THE*SALE*OF*BRITISH*GOODS*AND*THE*USE
OF*STAMPED*PAPERS.*IN*FACT,*THE*SONS*OF*LIBERTY*CARRIED*THEIR*OPERATIONS
TO*SUCH*EXCESSES*THAT*MANY*MILD*OPPONENTS*OF*THE*STAMP*TAX*WERE
FRIGHTENED*AND*DREW*BACK*IN*ASTONISHMENT*AT*THE*FORCES*THEY*HAD
UNLOOSED.*THE*DAUGHTERS*OF*LIBERTY*IN*A*QUIETER*WAY*WERE*MAKING*A*VERY
EFFECTIVE*RESISTANCE*TO*THE*SALE*OF*THE*HATED*GOODS*BY*SPURRING*ON
DOMESTIC*INDUSTRIES,*THEIR*OWN*PARTICULAR*PROVINCE*BEING*THE*MANUFACTURE
OF*CLOTHING,*AND*DEVISING*SUBSTITUTES*FOR*TAXED*FOODS.*THEY*HELPED*TO
FEED*AND*CLOTHE*THEIR*FAMILIES*WITHOUT*BUYING*BRITISH*GOODS.

=LEGISLATIVE*ACTION*AGAINST*THE*STAMP*ACT.=--LEADERS*IN*THE*COLONIAL
ASSEMBLIES,*ACCUSTOMED*TO*BATTLE*AGAINST*BRITISH*POLICIES,*SUPPORTED*THE
POPULAR*PROTEST.*THE*STAMP*ACT*WAS*SIGNED*ON*MARCH*22,*1765.*ON*MAY*30,
THE*VIRGINIA*HOUSE*OF*BURGESSES*PASSED*A*SET*OF*RESOLUTIONS*DECLARING
THAT*THE*GENERAL*ASSEMBLY*OF*THE*COLONY*ALONE*HAD*THE*RIGHT*TO*LAY*TAXES
UPON*THE*INHABITANTS*AND*THAT*ATTEMPTS*TO*IMPOSE*THEM*OTHERWISE*WERE
"ILLEGAL,*UNCONSTITUTIONAL,*AND*UNJUST."*IT*WAS*IN*SUPPORT*OF*THESE
RESOLUTIONS*THAT*PATRICK*HENRY*UTTERED*THE*IMMORTAL*CHALLENGE:*"CAESAR
HAD*HIS*BRUTUS,*CHARLES*I*HIS*CROMWELL,*AND*GEORGE*III...."*CRIES*OF
"TREASON"*WERE*CALMLY*MET*BY*THE*ORATOR*WHO*FINISHED:*"GEORGE*III*MAY
PROFIT*BY*THEIR*EXAMPLE.*IF*THAT*BE*TREASON,*MAKE*THE*MOST*OF*IT."

[ILLUSTRATION:*PATRICK*HENRY]

=THE*STAMP*ACT*CONGRESS.=--THE*MASSACHUSETTS*ASSEMBLY*ANSWERED*THE*CALL
OF*VIRGINIA*BY*INVITING*THE*COLONIES*TO*ELECT*DELEGATES*TO*A*CONGRESS*TO
BE*HELD*IN*NEW*YORK*TO*DISCUSS*THE*SITUATION.*NINE*COLONIES*RESPONDED
AND*SENT*REPRESENTATIVES.*THE*DELEGATES,*WHILE*PROFESSING*THE*WARMEST
AFFECTION*FOR*THE*KING'S*PERSON*AND*GOVERNMENT,*FIRMLY*SPREAD*ON*RECORD
A*SERIES*OF*RESOLUTIONS*THAT*ADMITTED*OF*NO*DOUBLE*MEANING.*THEY
DECLARED*THAT*TAXES*COULD*NOT*BE*IMPOSED*WITHOUT*THEIR*CONSENT,*GIVEN
THROUGH*THEIR*RESPECTIVE*COLONIAL*ASSEMBLIES;*THAT*THE*STAMP*ACT*SHOWED
A*TENDENCY*TO*SUBVERT*THEIR*RIGHTS*AND*LIBERTIES;*THAT*THE*RECENT*TRADE
ACTS*WERE*BURDENSOME*AND*GRIEVOUS;*AND*THAT*THE*RIGHT*TO*PETITION*THE
KING*AND*PARLIAMENT*WAS*THEIR*HERITAGE.*THEY*THEREUPON*MADE*"HUMBLE
SUPPLICATION"*FOR*THE*REPEAL*OF*THE*STAMP*ACT.

THE*STAMP*ACT*CONGRESS*WAS*MORE*THAN*AN*ASSEMBLY*OF*PROTEST.*IT*MARKED
THE*RISE*OF*A*NEW*AGENCY*OF*GOVERNMENT*TO*EXPRESS*THE*WILL*OF*AMERICA.
IT*WAS*THE*GERM*OF*A*GOVERNMENT*WHICH*IN*TIME*WAS*TO*SUPERSEDE*THE
GOVERNMENT*OF*GEORGE*III*IN*THE*COLONIES.*IT*FORESHADOWED*THE*CONGRESS
OF*THE*UNITED*STATES*UNDER*THE*CONSTITUTION.*IT*WAS*A*SUCCESSFUL*ATTEMPT
AT*UNION.*"THERE*OUGHT*TO*BE*NO*NEW*ENGLAND*MEN,"*DECLARED*CHRISTOPHER
GADSDEN,*IN*THE*STAMP*ACT*CONGRESS,*"NO*NEW*YORKERS*KNOWN*ON*THE
CONTINENT,*BUT*ALL*OF*US*AMERICANS."

=THE*REPEAL*OF*THE*STAMP*ACT*AND*THE*SUGAR*ACT.=--THE*EFFECT*OF*AMERICAN
RESISTANCE*ON*OPINION*IN*ENGLAND*WAS*TELLING.*COMMERCE*WITH*THE*COLONIES
HAD*BEEN*EFFECTIVELY*BOYCOTTED*BY*THE*AMERICANS;*SHIPS*LAY*IDLY*SWINGING
AT*THE*WHARVES;*BANKRUPTCY*THREATENED*HUNDREDS*OF*MERCHANTS*IN*LONDON,
BRISTOL,*AND*LIVERPOOL.*WORKINGMEN*IN*THE*MANUFACTURING*TOWNS*OF*ENGLAND
WERE*THROWN*OUT*OF*EMPLOYMENT.*THE*GOVERNMENT*HAD*SOWN*FOLLY*AND*WAS
REAPING,*IN*PLACE*OF*THE*COVETED*REVENUE,*REBELLION.

PERPLEXED*BY*THE*STORM*THEY*HAD*RAISED,*THE*MINISTERS*SUMMONED*TO*THE
BAR*OF*THE*HOUSE*OF*COMMONS,*BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN,*THE*AGENT*FOR
PENNSYLVANIA,*WHO*WAS*IN*LONDON.*"DO*YOU*THINK*IT*RIGHT,"*ASKED
GRENVILLE,*"THAT*AMERICA*SHOULD*BE*PROTECTED*BY*THIS*COUNTRY*AND*PAY*NO
PART*OF*THE*EXPENSES?"*THE*ANSWER*WAS*BRIEF:*"THAT*IS*NOT*THE*CASE;*THE
COLONIES*RAISED,*CLOTHED,*AND*PAID*DURING*THE*LAST*WAR*TWENTY-FIVE
THOUSAND*MEN*AND*SPENT*MANY*MILLIONS."*THEN*CAME*AN*INQUIRY*WHETHER*THE
COLONISTS*WOULD*ACCEPT*A*MODIFIED*STAMP*ACT.*"NO,*NEVER,"*REPLIED
FRANKLIN,*"NEVER!*THEY*WILL*NEVER*SUBMIT*TO*IT!"*IT*WAS*NEXT*SUGGESTED
THAT*MILITARY*FORCE*MIGHT*COMPEL*OBEDIENCE*TO*LAW.*FRANKLIN*HAD*A*READY
ANSWER.*"THEY*CANNOT*FORCE*A*MAN*TO*TAKE*STAMPS....*THEY*MAY*NOT*FIND*A
REBELLION;*THEY*MAY,*INDEED,*MAKE*ONE."

THE*REPEAL*OF*THE*STAMP*ACT*WAS*MOVED*IN*THE*HOUSE*OF*COMMONS*A*FEW*DAYS
LATER.*THE*SPONSOR*FOR*THE*REPEAL*SPOKE*OF*COMMERCE*INTERRUPTED,*DEBTS
DUE*BRITISH*MERCHANTS*PLACED*IN*JEOPARDY,*MANCHESTER*INDUSTRIES*CLOSED,
WORKINGMEN*UNEMPLOYED,*OPPRESSION*INSTITUTED,*AND*THE*LOSS*OF*THE
COLONIES*THREATENED.*PITT*AND*EDMUND*BURKE,*THE*FORMER*NEAR*THE*CLOSE
OF*HIS*CAREER,*THE*LATTER*JUST*BEGINNING*HIS,*ARGUED*COGENTLY*IN*FAVOR
OF*RETRACING*THE*STEPS*TAKEN*THE*YEAR*BEFORE.*GRENVILLE*REFUSED.
"AMERICA*MUST*LEARN,"*HE*WAILED,*"THAT*PRAYERS*ARE*NOT*TO*BE*BROUGHT*TO
CAESAR*THROUGH*RIOT*AND*SEDITION."*HIS*PROTESTS*WERE*IDLE.*THE*COMMONS
AGREED*TO*THE*REPEAL*ON*FEBRUARY*22,*1766,*AMID*THE*CHEERS*OF*THE
VICTORIOUS*MAJORITY.*IT*WAS*CARRIED*THROUGH*THE*LORDS*IN*THE*FACE*OF
STRONG*OPPOSITION*AND,*ON*MARCH*18,*RELUCTANTLY*SIGNED*BY*THE*KING,*NOW
RESTORED*TO*HIS*RIGHT*MIND.

IN*RESCINDING*THE*STAMP*ACT,*PARLIAMENT*DID*NOT*ADMIT*THE*CONTENTION*OF
THE*AMERICANS*THAT*IT*WAS*WITHOUT*POWER*TO*TAX*THEM.*ON*THE*CONTRARY,*IT
ACCOMPANIED*THE*REPEAL*WITH*A*DECLARATORY*ACT.*IT*ANNOUNCED*THAT*THE
COLONIES*WERE*SUBORDINATE*TO*THE*CROWN*AND*PARLIAMENT*OF*GREAT*BRITAIN;
THAT*THE*KING*AND*PARLIAMENT*THEREFORE*HAD*UNDOUBTED*AUTHORITY*TO*MAKE
LAWS*BINDING*THE*COLONIES*IN*ALL*CASES*WHATSOEVER;*AND*THAT*THE
RESOLUTIONS*AND*PROCEEDINGS*OF*THE*COLONISTS*DENYING*SUCH*AUTHORITY*WERE
NULL*AND*VOID.

THE*REPEAL*WAS*GREETED*BY*THE*COLONISTS*WITH*GREAT*POPULAR
DEMONSTRATIONS.*BELLS*WERE*RUNG;*TOASTS*TO*THE*KING*WERE*DRUNK;*AND
TRADE*RESUMED*ITS*NORMAL*COURSE.*THE*DECLARATORY*ACT,*AS*A*MERE*PAPER
RESOLUTION,*DID*NOT*DISTURB*THE*GOOD*HUMOR*OF*THOSE*WHO*AGAIN*CHEERED
THE*NAME*OF*KING*GEORGE.*THEIR*CONFIDENCE*WAS*SOON*STRENGTHENED*BY*THE
NEWS*THAT*EVEN*THE*SUGAR*ACT*HAD*BEEN*REPEALED,*THUS*PRACTICALLY
RESTORING*THE*CONDITION*OF*AFFAIRS*BEFORE*GRENVILLE*AND*TOWNSHEND
INAUGURATED*THEIR*POLICY*OF*"THOROUGHNESS."


RESUMPTION*OF*BRITISH*REVENUE*AND*COMMERCIAL*POLICIES

=THE*TOWNSHEND*ACTS*(1767).=--THE*TRIUMPH*OF*THE*COLONISTS*WAS*BRIEF.
THOUGH*PITT,*THE*FRIEND*OF*AMERICA,*WAS*ONCE*MORE*PRIME*MINISTER,*AND
SEATED*IN*THE*HOUSE*OF*LORDS*AS*THE*EARL*OF*CHATHAM,*HIS*SEVERE*ILLNESS
GAVE*TO*TOWNSHEND*AND*THE*TORY*PARTY*PRACTICAL*CONTROL*OVER*PARLIAMENT.
UNCONVINCED*BY*THE*EXPERIENCE*WITH*THE*STAMP*ACT,*TOWNSHEND*BROUGHT
FORWARD*AND*PUSHED*THROUGH*BOTH*HOUSES*OF*PARLIAMENT*THREE*MEASURES,
WHICH*TO*THIS*DAY*ARE*ASSOCIATED*WITH*HIS*NAME.*FIRST*AMONG*HIS
RESTRICTIVE*LAWS*WAS*THAT*OF*JUNE*29,*1767,*WHICH*PLACED*THE*ENFORCEMENT
OF*THE*COLLECTION*OF*DUTIES*AND*CUSTOMS*ON*COLONIAL*IMPORTS*AND*EXPORTS
IN*THE*HANDS*OF*BRITISH*COMMISSIONERS*APPOINTED*BY*THE*KING,*RESIDENT*IN
THE*COLONIES,*PAID*FROM*THE*BRITISH*TREASURY,*AND*INDEPENDENT*OF*ALL
CONTROL*BY*THE*COLONISTS.*THE*SECOND*MEASURE*OF*THE*SAME*DATE*IMPOSED*A
TAX*ON*LEAD,*GLASS,*PAINT,*TEA,*AND*A*FEW*OTHER*ARTICLES*IMPORTED*INTO
THE*COLONIES,*THE*REVENUE*DERIVED*FROM*THE*DUTIES*TO*BE*APPLIED*TOWARD
THE*PAYMENT*OF*THE*SALARIES*AND*OTHER*EXPENSES*OF*ROYAL*COLONIAL
OFFICIALS.*A*THIRD*MEASURE*WAS*THE*TEA*ACT*OF*JULY*2,*1767,*AIMED*AT*THE
TEA*TRADE*WHICH*THE*AMERICANS*CARRIED*ON*ILLEGALLY*WITH*FOREIGNERS.*THIS
LAW*ABOLISHED*THE*DUTY*WHICH*THE*EAST*INDIA*COMPANY*HAD*TO*PAY*IN
ENGLAND*ON*TEA*EXPORTED*TO*AMERICA,*FOR*IT*WAS*THOUGHT*THAT*ENGLISH*TEA
MERCHANTS*MIGHT*THUS*FIND*IT*POSSIBLE*TO*UNDERSELL*AMERICAN*TEA
SMUGGLERS.

=WRITS*OF*ASSISTANCE*LEGALIZED*BY*PARLIAMENT.=--HAD*PARLIAMENT*BEEN
CONTENT*WITH*LAYING*DUTIES,*JUST*AS*A*MANIFESTATION*OF*POWER*AND*RIGHT,
AND*NEGLECTED*THEIR*COLLECTION,*PERHAPS*LITTLE*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*HEARD*OF
THE*TOWNSHEND*ACTS.*IT*PROVIDED,*HOWEVER,*FOR*THE*STRICT,*EVEN*THE
HARSH,*ENFORCEMENT*OF*THE*LAW.*IT*ORDERED*CUSTOMS*OFFICERS*TO*REMAIN*AT
THEIR*POSTS*AND*PUT*AN*END*TO*SMUGGLING.*IN*THE*REVENUE*ACT*OF*JUNE*29,
1767,*IT*EXPRESSLY*AUTHORIZED*THE*SUPERIOR*COURTS*OF*THE*COLONIES*TO
ISSUE*"WRITS*OF*ASSISTANCE,"*EMPOWERING*CUSTOMS*OFFICERS*TO*ENTER*"ANY
HOUSE,*WAREHOUSE,*SHOP,*CELLAR,*OR*OTHER*PLACE*IN*THE*BRITISH*COLONIES
OR*PLANTATIONS*IN*AMERICA*TO*SEARCH*FOR*AND*SEIZE"*PROHIBITED*OR
SMUGGLED*GOODS.

THE*WRIT*OF*ASSISTANCE,*WHICH*WAS*A*GENERAL*SEARCH*WARRANT*ISSUED*TO
REVENUE*OFFICERS,*WAS*AN*ANCIENT*DEVICE*HATEFUL*TO*A*PEOPLE*WHO
CHERISHED*THE*SPIRIT*OF*PERSONAL*INDEPENDENCE*AND*WHO*HAD*MADE*ACTUAL
GAINS*IN*THE*PRACTICE*OF*CIVIL*LIBERTY.*TO*ALLOW*A*"MINION*OF*THE*LAW"
TO*ENTER*A*MAN'S*HOUSE*AND*SEARCH*HIS*PAPERS*AND*PREMISES,*WAS*TOO*MUCH
FOR*THE*EMOTIONS*OF*PEOPLE*WHO*HAD*FLED*TO*AMERICA*IN*A*QUEST*FOR
SELF-GOVERNMENT*AND*FREE*HOMES,*WHO*HAD*BRAVED*SUCH*HARDSHIPS*TO
ESTABLISH*THEM,*AND*WHO*WANTED*TO*TRADE*WITHOUT*OFFICIAL*INTERFERENCE.

THE*WRIT*OF*ASSISTANCE*HAD*BEEN*USED*IN*MASSACHUSETTS*IN*1755*TO*PREVENT
ILLICIT*TRADE*WITH*CANADA*AND*HAD*AROUSED*A*VIOLENT*HOSTILITY*AT*THAT
TIME.*IN*1761*IT*WAS*AGAIN*THE*SUBJECT*OF*A*BITTER*CONTROVERSY*WHICH
AROSE*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*THE*APPLICATION*OF*A*CUSTOMS*OFFICER*TO*A
MASSACHUSETTS*COURT*FOR*WRITS*OF*ASSISTANCE*"AS*USUAL."*THIS*APPLICATION
WAS*VAINLY*OPPOSED*BY*JAMES*OTIS*IN*A*SPEECH*OF*FIVE*HOURS'*DURATION--A
SPEECH*OF*SUCH*FIRE*AND*ELOQUENCE*THAT*IT*SENT*EVERY*MAN*WHO*HEARD*IT
AWAY*"READY*TO*TAKE*UP*ARMS*AGAINST*WRITS*OF*ASSISTANCE."*OTIS*DENOUNCED
THE*PRACTICE*AS*AN*EXERCISE*OF*ARBITRARY*POWER*WHICH*HAD*COST*ONE*KING
HIS*HEAD*AND*ANOTHER*HIS*THRONE,*A*TYRANT'S*DEVICE*WHICH*PLACED*THE
LIBERTY*OF*EVERY*MAN*IN*JEOPARDY,*ENABLING*ANY*PETTY*OFFICER*TO*WORK
POSSIBLE*MALICE*ON*ANY*INNOCENT*CITIZEN*ON*THE*MEREST*SUSPICION,*AND*TO
SPREAD*TERROR*AND*DESOLATION*THROUGH*THE*LAND.*"WHAT*A*SCENE,"*HE
EXCLAIMED,*"DOES*THIS*OPEN!*EVERY*MAN,*PROMPTED*BY*REVENGE,*ILL-HUMOR,
OR*WANTONNESS*TO*INSPECT*THE*INSIDE*OF*HIS*NEIGHBOR'S*HOUSE,*MAY*GET*A
WRIT*OF*ASSISTANCE.*OTHERS*WILL*ASK*IT*FROM*SELF-DEFENSE;*ONE*ARBITRARY
EXERTION*WILL*PROVOKE*ANOTHER*UNTIL*SOCIETY*IS*INVOLVED*IN*TUMULT*AND
BLOOD."*HE*DID*MORE*THAN*ATTACK*THE*WRIT*ITSELF.*HE*SAID*THAT*PARLIAMENT
COULD*NOT*ESTABLISH*IT*BECAUSE*IT*WAS*AGAINST*THE*BRITISH*CONSTITUTION.
THIS*WAS*AN*ASSERTION*RESTING*ON*SLENDER*FOUNDATION,*BUT*IT*WAS*QUICKLY
ECHOED*BY*THE*PEOPLE.*THEN*AND*THERE*JAMES*OTIS*SOUNDED*THE*CALL*TO
AMERICA*TO*RESIST*THE*EXERCISE*OF*ARBITRARY*POWER*BY*ROYAL*OFFICERS.
"THEN*AND*THERE,"*WROTE*JOHN*ADAMS,*"THE*CHILD*INDEPENDENCE*WAS*BORN."
SUCH*WAS*THE*HATED*WRIT*THAT*TOWNSHEND*PROPOSED*TO*PUT*INTO*THE*HANDS*OF
CUSTOMS*OFFICERS*IN*HIS*GRIM*DETERMINATION*TO*ENFORCE*THE*LAW.

=THE*NEW*YORK*ASSEMBLY*SUSPENDED.=--IN*THE*VERY*MONTH*THAT*TOWNSHEND'S
ACTS*WERE*SIGNED*BY*THE*KING,*PARLIAMENT*TOOK*A*STILL*MORE*DRASTIC*STEP.
THE*ASSEMBLY*OF*NEW*YORK,*PROTESTING*AGAINST*THE*"RUINOUS*AND
INSUPPORTABLE"*EXPENSE*INVOLVED,*HAD*FAILED*TO*MAKE*PROVISION*FOR*THE
CARE*OF*BRITISH*TROOPS*IN*ACCORDANCE*WITH*THE*TERMS*OF*THE*QUARTERING
ACT.*PARLIAMENT*THEREFORE*SUSPENDED*THE*ASSEMBLY*UNTIL*IT*PROMISED*TO
OBEY*THE*LAW.*IT*WAS*NOT*UNTIL*A*THIRD*ELECTION*WAS*HELD*THAT*COMPLIANCE
WITH*THE*QUARTERING*ACT*WAS*WRUNG*FROM*THE*RELUCTANT*PROVINCE.*IN*THE
MEANTIME,*ALL*THE*COLONIES*HAD*LEARNED*ON*HOW*FRAIL*A*FOUNDATION*THEIR
REPRESENTATIVE*BODIES*RESTED.


RENEWED*RESISTANCE*IN*AMERICA

=THE*MASSACHUSETTS*CIRCULAR*(1768).=--MASSACHUSETTS,*UNDER*THE
LEADERSHIP*OF*SAMUEL*ADAMS,*RESOLVED*TO*RESIST*THE*POLICY*OF*RENEWED
INTERVENTION*IN*AMERICA.*AT*HIS*SUGGESTION*THE*ASSEMBLY*ADOPTED*A
CIRCULAR*LETTER*ADDRESSED*TO*THE*ASSEMBLIES*OF*THE*OTHER*COLONIES
INFORMING*THEM*OF*THE*STATE*OF*AFFAIRS*IN*MASSACHUSETTS*AND*ROUNDLY
CONDEMNING*THE*WHOLE*BRITISH*PROGRAM.*THE*CIRCULAR*LETTER*DECLARED*THAT
PARLIAMENT*HAD*NO*RIGHT*TO*LAY*TAXES*ON*AMERICANS*WITHOUT*THEIR*CONSENT
AND*THAT*THE*COLONISTS*COULD*NOT,*FROM*THE*NATURE*OF*THE*CASE,*BE
REPRESENTED*IN*PARLIAMENT.*IT*WENT*ON*SHREWDLY*TO*SUBMIT*TO
CONSIDERATION*THE*QUESTION*AS*TO*WHETHER*ANY*PEOPLE*COULD*BE*CALLED*FREE
WHO*WERE*SUBJECTED*TO*GOVERNORS*AND*JUDGES*APPOINTED*BY*THE*CROWN*AND
PAID*OUT*OF*FUNDS*RAISED*INDEPENDENTLY.*IT*INVITED*THE*OTHER*COLONIES,
IN*THE*MOST*TEMPERATE*TONES,*TO*TAKE*THOUGHT*ABOUT*THE*COMMON
PREDICAMENT*IN*WHICH*THEY*WERE*ALL*PLACED.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT._

SAMUEL*ADAMS]

=THE*DISSOLUTION*OF*ASSEMBLIES.=--THE*GOVERNOR*OF*MASSACHUSETTS,*HEARING
OF*THE*CIRCULAR*LETTER,*ORDERED*THE*ASSEMBLY*TO*RESCIND*ITS*APPEAL.*ON
MEETING*REFUSAL,*HE*PROMPTLY*DISSOLVED*IT.*THE*MARYLAND,*GEORGIA,*AND
SOUTH*CAROLINA*ASSEMBLIES*INDORSED*THE*CIRCULAR*LETTER*AND*WERE*ALSO
DISSOLVED*AT*ONCE.*THE*VIRGINIA*HOUSE*OF*BURGESSES,*THOROUGHLY*AROUSED,
PASSED*RESOLUTIONS*ON*MAY*16,*1769,*DECLARING*THAT*THE*SOLE*RIGHT*OF
IMPOSING*TAXES*IN*VIRGINIA*WAS*VESTED*IN*ITS*LEGISLATURE,*ASSERTING*ANEW
THE*RIGHT*OF*PETITION*TO*THE*CROWN,*CONDEMNING*THE*TRANSPORTATION*OF
PERSONS*ACCUSED*OF*CRIMES*OR*TRIAL*BEYOND*THE*SEAS,*AND*BESEECHING*THE
KING*FOR*A*REDRESS*OF*THE*GENERAL*GRIEVANCES.*THE*IMMEDIATE*DISSOLUTION
OF*THE*VIRGINIA*ASSEMBLY,*IN*ITS*TURN,*WAS*THE*ANSWER*OF*THE*ROYAL
GOVERNOR.

=THE*BOSTON*MASSACRE.=--AMERICAN*OPPOSITION*TO*THE*BRITISH*AUTHORITIES
KEPT*STEADILY*RISING*AS*ASSEMBLIES*WERE*DISSOLVED,*THE*HOUSES*OF
CITIZENS*SEARCHED,*AND*TROOPS*DISTRIBUTED*IN*INCREASING*NUMBERS*AMONG
THE*CENTERS*OF*DISCONTENT.*MERCHANTS*AGAIN*AGREED*NOT*TO*IMPORT*BRITISH
GOODS,*THE*SONS*OF*LIBERTY*RENEWED*THEIR*AGITATION,*AND*WOMEN*SET*ABOUT
THE*PATRONAGE*OF*HOME*PRODUCTS*STILL*MORE*LOYALLY.

ON*THE*NIGHT*OF*MARCH*5,*1770,*A*CROWD*ON*THE*STREETS*OF*BOSTON*BEGAN*TO
JOSTLE*AND*TEASE*SOME*BRITISH*REGULARS*STATIONED*IN*THE*TOWN.*THINGS
WENT*FROM*BAD*TO*WORSE*UNTIL*SOME*"BOYS*AND*YOUNG*FELLOWS"*BEGAN*TO
THROW*SNOWBALLS*AND*STONES.*THEN*THE*EXASPERATED*SOLDIERS*FIRED*INTO*THE
CROWD,*KILLING*FIVE*AND*WOUNDING*HALF*A*DOZEN*MORE.*THE*DAY*AFTER*THE
"MASSACRE,"*A*MASS*MEETING*WAS*HELD*IN*THE*TOWN*AND*SAMUEL*ADAMS*WAS
SENT*TO*DEMAND*THE*WITHDRAWAL*OF*THE*SOLDIERS.*THE*GOVERNOR*HESITATED
AND*TRIED*TO*COMPROMISE.*FINDING*ADAMS*RELENTLESS,*THE*GOVERNOR*YIELDED
AND*ORDERED*THE*REGULARS*AWAY.

THE*BOSTON*MASSACRE*STIRRED*THE*COUNTRY*FROM*NEW*HAMPSHIRE*TO*GEORGIA.
POPULAR*PASSIONS*RAN*HIGH.*THE*GUILTY*SOLDIERS*WERE*CHARGED*WITH*MURDER.
THEIR*DEFENSE*WAS*UNDERTAKEN,*IN*SPITE*OF*THE*WRATH*OF*THE*POPULACE,*BY
JOHN*ADAMS*AND*JOSIAH*QUINCY,*WHO*AS*LAWYERS*THOUGHT*EVEN*THE*WORST

OFFENDERS*ENTITLED*TO*THEIR*FULL*RIGHTS*IN*LAW.*IN*HIS*SPEECH*TO*THE
JURY,*HOWEVER,*ADAMS*WARNED*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT*AGAINST*ITS*COURSE,
SAYING,*THAT*"FROM*THE*NATURE*OF*THINGS*SOLDIERS*QUARTERED*IN*A*POPULOUS
TOWN*WILL*ALWAYS*OCCASION*TWO*MOBS*WHERE*THEY*WILL*PREVENT*ONE."*TWO*OF
THE*SOLDIERS*WERE*CONVICTED*AND*LIGHTLY*PUNISHED.

=RESISTANCE*IN*THE*SOUTH.=--THE*YEAR*FOLLOWING*THE*BOSTON*MASSACRE*SOME
CITIZENS*OF*NORTH*CAROLINA,*GOADED*BY*THE*CONDUCT*OF*THE*ROYAL*GOVERNOR,
OPENLY*RESISTED*HIS*AUTHORITY.*MANY*WERE*KILLED*AS*A*RESULT*AND*SEVEN
WHO*WERE*TAKEN*PRISONERS*WERE*HANGED*AS*TRAITORS.*A*LITTLE*LATER*ROYAL
TROOPS*AND*LOCAL*MILITIA*MET*IN*A*PITCHED*BATTLE*NEAR*ALAMANCE*RIVER,
CALLED*THE*"LEXINGTON*OF*THE*SOUTH."

=THE*_GASPEE_*AFFAIR*AND*THE*VIRGINIA*RESOLUTIONS*OF*1773.=--ON*SEA*AS
WELL*AS*ON*LAND,*FRICTION*BETWEEN*THE*ROYAL*OFFICERS*AND*THE*COLONISTS
BROKE*OUT*INTO*OVERT*ACTS.*WHILE*PATROLLING*NARRAGANSETT*BAY*LOOKING*FOR
SMUGGLERS*ONE*DAY*IN*1772,*THE*ARMED*SHIP,*_GASPEE_,*RAN*ASHORE*AND*WAS
CAUGHT*FAST.*DURING*THE*NIGHT*SEVERAL*MEN*FROM*PROVIDENCE*BOARDED*THE
VESSEL*AND,*AFTER*SEIZING*THE*CREW,*SET*IT*ON*FIRE.*A*ROYAL*COMMISSION,
SENT*TO*RHODE*ISLAND*TO*DISCOVER*THE*OFFENDERS*AND*BRING*THEM*TO
ACCOUNT,*FAILED*BECAUSE*IT*COULD*NOT*FIND*A*SINGLE*INFORMER.*THE*VERY
APPOINTMENT*OF*SUCH*A*COMMISSION*AROUSED*THE*PATRIOTS*OF*VIRGINIA*TO
ACTION;*AND*IN*MARCH,*1773,*THE*HOUSE*OF*BURGESSES*PASSED*A*RESOLUTION
CREATING*A*STANDING*COMMITTEE*OF*CORRESPONDENCE*TO*DEVELOP*COOPERATION
AMONG*THE*COLONIES*IN*RESISTANCE*TO*BRITISH*MEASURES.

=THE*BOSTON*TEA*PARTY.=--ALTHOUGH*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT,*FINDING*THE
TOWNSHEND*REVENUE*ACT*A*FAILURE,*REPEALED*IN*1770*ALL*THE*DUTIES*EXCEPT
THAT*ON*TEA,*IT*IN*NO*WAY*RELAXED*ITS*RESOLVE*TO*ENFORCE*THE*OTHER
COMMERCIAL*REGULATIONS*IT*HAD*IMPOSED*ON*THE*COLONIES.*MOREOVER,
PARLIAMENT*DECIDED*TO*RELIEVE*THE*BRITISH*EAST*INDIA*COMPANY*OF*THE
FINANCIAL*DIFFICULTIES*INTO*WHICH*IT*HAD*FALLEN*PARTLY*BY*REASON*OF*THE
TEA*ACT*AND*THE*COLONIAL*BOYCOTT*THAT*FOLLOWED.*IN*1773*IT*AGREED*TO
RETURN*TO*THE*COMPANY*THE*REGULAR*IMPORT*DUTIES,*LEVIED*IN*ENGLAND,*ON
ALL*TEA*TRANSSHIPPED*TO*AMERICA.*A*SMALL*IMPOST*OF*THREE*PENCE,*TO*BE
COLLECTED*IN*AMERICA,*WAS*LEFT*AS*A*REMINDER*OF*THE*PRINCIPLE*LAID*DOWN
IN*THE*DECLARATORY*ACT*THAT*PARLIAMENT*HAD*THE*RIGHT*TO*TAX*THE
COLONISTS.

THIS*ARRANGEMENT*WITH*THE*EAST*INDIA*COMPANY*WAS*OBNOXIOUS*TO*THE
COLONISTS*FOR*SEVERAL*REASONS.*IT*WAS*AN*ACT*OF*FAVORITISM*FOR*ONE
THING,*IN*THE*INTEREST*OF*A*GREAT*MONOPOLY.*FOR*ANOTHER*THING,*IT
PROMISED*TO*DUMP*ON*THE*AMERICAN*MARKET,*SUDDENLY,*AN*IMMENSE*AMOUNT*OF
CHEAP*TEA*AND*SO*CAUSE*HEAVY*LOSSES*TO*AMERICAN*MERCHANTS*WHO*HAD*LARGE
STOCKS*ON*HAND.*IT*THREATENED*WITH*RUIN*THE*BUSINESS*OF*ALL*THOSE*WHO
WERE*ENGAGED*IN*CLANDESTINE*TRADE*WITH*THE*DUTCH.*IT*CARRIED*WITH*IT*AN
IRRITATING*TAX*OF*THREE*PENCE*ON*IMPORTS.*IN*CHARLESTON,*ANNAPOLIS,*NEW
YORK,*AND*BOSTON,*CAPTAINS*OF*SHIPS*WHO*BROUGHT*TEA*UNDER*THIS*ACT*WERE
ROUGHLY*HANDLED.*ONE*NIGHT*IN*DECEMBER,*1773,*A*BAND*OF*BOSTON*CITIZENS,
DISGUISED*AS*INDIANS,*BOARDED*THE*HATED*TEA*SHIPS*AND*DUMPED*THE*CARGO
INTO*THE*HARBOR.*THIS*WAS*SERIOUS*BUSINESS,*FOR*IT*WAS*OPEN,*FLAGRANT,
DETERMINED*VIOLATION*OF*THE*LAW.*AS*SUCH*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT*VIEWED
IT.


RETALIATION*BY*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT

=RECEPTION*OF*THE*NEWS*OF*THE*TEA*RIOT.=--THE*NEWS*OF*THE*TEA*RIOT*IN
BOSTON*CONFIRMED*KING*GEORGE*IN*HIS*CONVICTION*THAT*THERE*SHOULD*BE*NO
SOFT*POLICY*IN*DEALING*WITH*HIS*AMERICAN*SUBJECTS.*"THE*DIE*IS*CAST,"*HE
STATED*WITH*EVIDENT*SATISFACTION.*"THE*COLONIES*MUST*EITHER*TRIUMPH*OR
SUBMIT....*IF*WE*TAKE*THE*RESOLUTE*PART,*THEY*WILL*UNDOUBTEDLY*BE*VERY
MEEK."*LORD*GEORGE*GERMAIN*CHARACTERIZED*THE*TEA*PARTY*AS*"THE
PROCEEDINGS*OF*A*TUMULTUOUS*AND*RIOTOUS*RABBLE*WHO*OUGHT,*IF*THEY*HAD
THE*LEAST*PRUDENCE,*TO*FOLLOW*THEIR*MERCANTILE*EMPLOYMENTS*AND*NOT
TROUBLE*THEMSELVES*WITH*POLITICS*AND*GOVERNMENT,*WHICH*THEY*DO*NOT
UNDERSTAND."*THIS*EXPRESSED,*IN*CONCISE*FORM,*EXACTLY*THE*SENTIMENTS*OF
LORD*NORTH,*WHO*HAD*THEN*FOR*THREE*YEARS*BEEN*THE*KING'S*CHIEF*MINISTER.
EVEN*PITT,*LORD*CHATHAM,*WAS*PREPARED*TO*SUPPORT*THE*GOVERNMENT*IN
UPHOLDING*ITS*AUTHORITY.

=THE*FIVE*INTOLERABLE*ACTS.=--PARLIAMENT,*BEGINNING*ON*MARCH*31,*1774,
PASSED*FIVE*STRINGENT*MEASURES,*KNOWN*IN*AMERICAN*HISTORY*AS*THE*FIVE
"INTOLERABLE*ACTS."*THEY*WERE*AIMED*AT*CURING*THE*UNREST*IN*AMERICA.*THE
_FIRST_*OF*THEM*WAS*A*BILL*ABSOLUTELY*SHUTTING*THE*PORT*OF*BOSTON*TO
COMMERCE*WITH*THE*OUTSIDE*WORLD.*THE*_SECOND_,*FOLLOWING*CLOSELY,
REVOKED*THE*MASSACHUSETTS*CHARTER*OF*1691*AND*PROVIDED*FURTHERMORE*THAT
THE*COUNCILORS*SHOULD*BE*APPOINTED*BY*THE*KING,*THAT*ALL*JUDGES*SHOULD
BE*NAMED*BY*THE*ROYAL*GOVERNOR,*AND*THAT*TOWN*MEETINGS*(EXCEPT*TO*ELECT
CERTAIN*OFFICERS)*COULD*NOT*BE*HELD*WITHOUT*THE*GOVERNOR'S*CONSENT.*A
_THIRD_*MEASURE,*AFTER*DENOUNCING*THE*"UTTER*SUBVERSION*OF*ALL*LAWFUL
GOVERNMENT"*IN*THE*PROVINCES,*AUTHORIZED*ROYAL*AGENTS*TO*TRANSFER*TO
GREAT*BRITAIN*OR*TO*OTHER*COLONIES*THE*TRIALS*OF*OFFICERS*OR*OTHER
PERSONS*ACCUSED*OF*MURDER*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*THE*ENFORCEMENT*OF*THE*LAW.
THE*_FOURTH_*ACT*LEGALIZED*THE*QUARTERING*OF*TROOPS*IN*MASSACHUSETTS
TOWNS.*THE*_FIFTH_*OF*THE*MEASURES*WAS*THE*QUEBEC*ACT,*WHICH*GRANTED
RELIGIOUS*TOLERATION*TO*THE*CATHOLICS*IN*CANADA,*EXTENDED*THE*BOUNDARIES
OF*QUEBEC*SOUTHWARD*TO*THE*OHIO*RIVER,*AND*ESTABLISHED,*IN*THIS*WESTERN
REGION,*GOVERNMENT*BY*A*VICEROY.

THE*INTOLERABLE*ACTS*WENT*THROUGH*PARLIAMENT*WITH*EXTRAORDINARY
CELERITY.*THERE*WAS*AN*OPPOSITION,*ALERT*AND*INFORMED;*BUT*IT*WAS
INEFFECTIVE.*BURKE*SPOKE*ELOQUENTLY*AGAINST*THE*BOSTON*PORT*BILL,
CONDEMNING*IT*ROUNDLY*FOR*PUNISHING*THE*INNOCENT*WITH*THE*GUILTY,*AND
SHOWING*HOW*LIKELY*IT*WAS*TO*BRING*GRAVE*CONSEQUENCES*IN*ITS*TRAIN.*HE
WAS*HEARD*WITH*RESPECT*AND*HIS*PLEAS*WERE*REJECTED.*THE*BILL*PASSED*BOTH
HOUSES*WITHOUT*A*DIVISION,*THE*ENTRY*"UNANIMOUS"*BEING*MADE*UPON*THEIR
JOURNALS*ALTHOUGH*IT*DID*NOT*ACCURATELY*REPRESENT*THE*STATE*OF*OPINION.
THE*LAW*DESTROYING*THE*CHARTER*OF*MASSACHUSETTS*PASSED*THE*COMMONS*BY*A
VOTE*OF*THREE*TO*ONE;*AND*THE*THIRD*INTOLERABLE*ACT*BY*A*VOTE*OF*FOUR*TO
ONE.*THE*TRIUMPH*OF*THE*MINISTRY*WAS*COMPLETE.*"WHAT*PASSED*IN*BOSTON,"
EXCLAIMED*THE*GREAT*JURIST,*LORD*MANSFIELD,*"IS*THE*OVERT*ACT*OF*HIGH
TREASON*PROCEEDING*FROM*OUR*OVER*LENITY*AND*WANT*OF*FORESIGHT."*THE
CROWN*AND*PARLIAMENT*WERE*UNITED*IN*RESORTING*TO*PUNITIVE*MEASURES.

IN*THE*COLONIES*THE*LAWS*WERE*RECEIVED*WITH*CONSTERNATION.*TO*THE
AMERICAN*PROTESTANTS,*THE*QUEBEC*ACT*WAS*THE*MOST*OFFENSIVE.*THAT
PROJECT*THEY*VIEWED*NOT*AS*AN*ACT*OF*GRACE*OR*OF*MERCY*BUT*AS*A*DIRECT
ATTEMPT*TO*ENLIST*FRENCH*CANADIANS*ON*THE*SIDE*OF*GREAT*BRITAIN.*THE
BRITISH*GOVERNMENT*DID*NOT*GRANT*RELIGIOUS*TOLERATION*TO*CATHOLICS
EITHER*AT*HOME*OR*IN*IRELAND*AND*THE*AMERICANS*COULD*SEE*NO*GOOD*MOTIVE
IN*GRANTING*IT*IN*NORTH*AMERICA.*THE*ACT*WAS*ALSO*OFFENSIVE*BECAUSE
MASSACHUSETTS,*CONNECTICUT,*AND*VIRGINIA*HAD,*UNDER*THEIR*CHARTERS,
LARGE*CLAIMS*IN*THE*TERRITORY*THUS*ANNEXED*TO*QUEBEC.

TO*ENFORCE*THESE*INTOLERABLE*ACTS*THE*MILITARY*ARM*OF*THE*BRITISH
GOVERNMENT*WAS*BROUGHT*INTO*PLAY.*THE*COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF*OF*THE*ARMED
FORCES*IN*AMERICA,*GENERAL*GAGE,*WAS*APPOINTED*GOVERNOR*OF
MASSACHUSETTS.*REINFORCEMENTS*WERE*BROUGHT*TO*THE*COLONIES,*FOR*NOW*KING
GEORGE*WAS*TO*GIVE*"THE*REBELS,"*AS*HE*CALLED*THEM,*A*TASTE*OF*STRONG
MEDICINE.*THE*MAJESTY*OF*HIS*LAW*WAS*TO*BE*VINDICATED*BY*FORCE.


FROM*REFORM*TO*REVOLUTION*IN*AMERICA

=THE*DOCTRINE*OF*NATURAL*RIGHTS.=--THE*DISSOLUTION*OF*ASSEMBLIES,*THE
DESTRUCTION*OF*CHARTERS,*AND*THE*USE*OF*TROOPS*PRODUCED*IN*THE*COLONIES
A*NEW*PHASE*IN*THE*STRUGGLE.*IN*THE*EARLY*DAYS*OF*THE*CONTEST*WITH*THE
BRITISH*MINISTRY,*THE*AMERICANS*SPOKE*OF*THEIR*"RIGHTS*AS*ENGLISHMEN"
AND*CONDEMNED*THE*ACTS*OF*PARLIAMENT*AS*UNLAWFUL,*AS*VIOLATING*THE
PRINCIPLES*OF*THE*ENGLISH*CONSTITUTION*UNDER*WHICH*THEY*ALL*LIVED.*WHEN
THEY*SAW*THAT*SUCH*ARGUMENTS*HAD*NO*EFFECT*ON*PARLIAMENT,*THEY*TURNED
FOR*SUPPORT*TO*THEIR*"NATURAL*RIGHTS."*THE*LATTER*DOCTRINE,*IN*THE*FORM
IN*WHICH*IT*WAS*EMPLOYED*BY*THE*COLONISTS,*WAS*AS*ENGLISH*AS*THE
CONSTITUTIONAL*ARGUMENT.*JOHN*LOCKE*HAD*USED*IT*WITH*GOOD*EFFECT*IN
DEFENSE*OF*THE*ENGLISH*REVOLUTION*IN*THE*SEVENTEENTH*CENTURY.*AMERICAN
LEADERS,*FAMILIAR*WITH*THE*WRITINGS*OF*LOCKE,*ALSO*TOOK*UP*HIS*THESIS*IN
THE*HOUR*OF*THEIR*DISTRESS.*THEY*OPENLY*DECLARED*THAT*THEIR*RIGHTS*DID
NOT*REST*AFTER*ALL*UPON*THE*ENGLISH*CONSTITUTION*OR*A*CHARTER*FROM*THE
CROWN.*"OLD*MAGNA*CARTA*WAS*NOT*THE*BEGINNING*OF*ALL*THINGS,"*RETORTED
OTIS*WHEN*THE*CONSTITUTIONAL*ARGUMENT*FAILED.*"A*TIME*MAY*COME*WHEN
PARLIAMENT*SHALL*DECLARE*EVERY*AMERICAN*CHARTER*VOID,*BUT*THE*NATURAL,
INHERENT,*AND*INSEPARABLE*RIGHTS*OF*THE*COLONISTS*AS*MEN*AND*AS*CITIZENS
WOULD*REMAIN*AND*WHATEVER*BECAME*OF*CHARTERS*CAN*NEVER*BE*ABOLISHED
UNTIL*THE*GENERAL*CONFLAGRATION."*OF*THE*SAME*OPINION*WAS*THE*YOUNG*AND
IMPETUOUS*ALEXANDER*HAMILTON.*"THE*SACRED*RIGHTS*OF*MANKIND,"*HE
EXCLAIMED,*"ARE*NOT*TO*BE*RUMMAGED*FOR*AMONG*OLD*PARCHMENTS*OR*MUSTY
RECORDS.*THEY*ARE*WRITTEN*AS*WITH*A*SUNBEAM*IN*THE*WHOLE*VOLUME*OF*HUMAN
DESTINY*BY*THE*HAND*OF*DIVINITY*ITSELF,*AND*CAN*NEVER*BE*ERASED*OR
OBSCURED*BY*MORTAL*POWER."

FIRM*AS*THE*AMERICAN*LEADERS*WERE*IN*THE*STATEMENT*AND*DEFENSE*OF*THEIR
RIGHTS,*THERE*IS*EVERY*REASON*FOR*BELIEVING*THAT*IN*THE*BEGINNING*THEY
HOPED*TO*CONFINE*THE*CONFLICT*TO*THE*REALM*OF*OPINION.*THEY*CONSTANTLY
AVOWED*THAT*THEY*WERE*LOYAL*TO*THE*KING*WHEN*PROTESTING*IN*THE*STRONGEST
LANGUAGE*AGAINST*HIS*POLICIES.*EVEN*OTIS,*REGARDED*BY*THE*LOYALISTS*AS*A
FIREBRAND,*WAS*IN*FACT*ATTEMPTING*TO*AVERT*REVOLUTION*BY*WINNING
CONCESSIONS*FROM*ENGLAND.*"I*ARGUE*THIS*CAUSE*WITH*THE*GREATER
PLEASURE,"*HE*SOLEMNLY*URGED*IN*HIS*SPEECH*AGAINST*THE*WRITS*OF
ASSISTANCE,*"AS*IT*IS*IN*FAVOR*OF*BRITISH*LIBERTY*...*AND*AS*IT*IS*IN
OPPOSITION*TO*A*KIND*OF*POWER,*THE*EXERCISE*OF*WHICH*IN*FORMER*PERIODS
COST*ONE*KING*OF*ENGLAND*HIS*HEAD*AND*ANOTHER*HIS*THRONE."

=BURKE*OFFERS*THE*DOCTRINE*OF*CONCILIATION.=--THE*FLOODING*TIDE*OF
AMERICAN*SENTIMENT*WAS*CORRECTLY*MEASURED*BY*ONE*ENGLISHMAN*AT*LEAST,
EDMUND*BURKE,*WHO*QUICKLY*SAW*THAT*ATTEMPTS*TO*RESTRAIN*THE*RISE*OF
AMERICAN*DEMOCRACY*WERE*EFFORTS*TO*REVERSE*THE*PROCESSES*OF*NATURE.*HE
SAW*HOW*FIXED*AND*ROOTED*IN*THE*NATURE*OF*THINGS*WAS*THE*AMERICAN
SPIRIT--HOW*INEVITABLE,*HOW*IRRESISTIBLE.*HE*WARNED*HIS*COUNTRYMEN*THAT
THERE*WERE*THREE*WAYS*OF*HANDLING*THE*DELICATE*SITUATION--AND*ONLY
THREE.*ONE*WAS*TO*REMOVE*THE*CAUSE*OF*FRICTION*BY*CHANGING*THE*SPIRIT*OF
THE*COLONISTS--AN*UTTER*IMPOSSIBILITY*BECAUSE*THAT*SPIRIT*WAS*GROUNDED
IN*THE*ESSENTIAL*CIRCUMSTANCES*OF*AMERICAN*LIFE.*THE*SECOND*WAS*TO
PROSECUTE*AMERICAN*LEADERS*AS*CRIMINALS;*OF*THIS*HE*BEGGED*HIS
COUNTRYMEN*TO*BEWARE*LEST*THE*COLONISTS*DECLARE*THAT*"A*GOVERNMENT
AGAINST*WHICH*A*CLAIM*OF*LIBERTY*IS*TANTAMOUNT*TO*HIGH*TREASON*IS*A
GOVERNMENT*TO*WHICH*SUBMISSION*IS*EQUIVALENT*TO*SLAVERY."*THE*THIRD*AND
RIGHT*WAY*TO*MEET*THE*PROBLEM,*BURKE*CONCLUDED,*WAS*TO*ACCEPT*THE
AMERICAN*SPIRIT,*REPEAL*THE*OBNOXIOUS*MEASURES,*AND*RECEIVE*THE*COLONIES
INTO*EQUAL*PARTNERSHIP.

=EVENTS*PRODUCE*THE*GREAT*DECISION.=--THE*RIGHT*WAY,*INDICATED*BY*BURKE,
WAS*EQUALLY*IMPOSSIBLE*TO*GEORGE*III*AND*THE*MAJORITY*IN*PARLIAMENT.*TO
THEIR*NARROW*MINDS,*AMERICAN*OPINION*WAS*CONTEMPTIBLE*AND*AMERICAN
RESISTANCE*UNLAWFUL,*RIOTOUS,*AND*TREASONABLE.*THE*CORRECT*WAY,*IN*THEIR
VIEW,*WAS*TO*DISPATCH*MORE*TROOPS*TO*CRUSH*THE*"REBELS";*AND*THAT*VERY
ACT*TOOK*THE*CONTEST*FROM*THE*REALM*OF*OPINION.*AS*JOHN*ADAMS*SAID:
"FACTS*ARE*STUBBORN*THINGS."*OPINIONS*WERE*UNSEEN,*BUT*MARCHING*SOLDIERS
WERE*VISIBLE*TO*THE*VERIEST*STREET*URCHIN.*"NOW,"*SAID*GOUVERNEUR
MORRIS,*"THE*SHEEP,*SIMPLE*AS*THEY*ARE,*CANNOT*BE*GULLED*AS*HERETOFORE."
IT*WAS*TOO*LATE*TO*TALK*ABOUT*THE*EXCELLENCE*OF*THE*BRITISH
CONSTITUTION.*IF*ANY*ONE*IS*BEWILDERED*BY*THE*CONTROVERSIES*OF*MODERN
HISTORIANS*AS*TO*WHY*THE*CRISIS*CAME*AT*LAST,*HE*CAN*CLARIFY*HIS
UNDERSTANDING*BY*READING*AGAIN*EDMUND*BURKE'S*STATELY*ORATION,*_ON
CONCILIATION*WITH*AMERICA_.


=REFERENCES=

G.L.*BEER,*_BRITISH*COLONIAL*POLICY_*(1754-63).

E.*CHANNING,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,*VOL.*III.

R.*FROTHINGHAM,*_RISE*OF*THE*REPUBLIC_.

G.E.*HOWARD,*_PRELIMINARIES*OF*THE*REVOLUTION_*(AMERICAN*NATION*SERIES).

J.K.*HOSMER,*_SAMUEL*ADAMS_.

J.T.*MORSE,*_BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN_.

M.C.*TYLER,*_PATRICK*HENRY_.

J.A.*WOODBURN*(EDITOR),*_THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION_*(SELECTIONS*FROM*THE
ENGLISH*WORK*BY*LECKY).


=QUESTIONS=

1.*SHOW*HOW*THE*CHARACTER*OF*GEORGE*III*MADE*FOR*TROUBLE*WITH*THE
COLONIES.

2.*EXPLAIN*WHY*THE*PARTY*AND*PARLIAMENTARY*SYSTEMS*OF*ENGLAND*FAVORED
THE*PLANS*OF*GEORGE*III.

3.*HOW*DID*THE*STATE*OF*ENGLISH*FINANCES*AFFECT*ENGLISH*POLICY?

4.*ENUMERATE*FIVE*IMPORTANT*MEASURES*OF*THE*ENGLISH*GOVERNMENT*AFFECTING
THE*COLONIES*BETWEEN*1763*AND*1765.*EXPLAIN*EACH*IN*DETAIL.

5.*DESCRIBE*AMERICAN*RESISTANCE*TO*THE*STAMP*ACT.*WHAT*WAS*THE*OUTCOME?

6.*SHOW*HOW*ENGLAND*RENEWED*HER*POLICY*OF*REGULATION*IN*1767.

7.*SUMMARIZE*THE*EVENTS*CONNECTED*WITH*AMERICAN*RESISTANCE.

8.*WITH*WHAT*MEASURES*DID*GREAT*BRITAIN*RETALIATE?

9.*CONTRAST*"CONSTITUTIONAL"*WITH*"NATURAL"*RIGHTS.

10.*WHAT*SOLUTION*DID*BURKE*OFFER?*WHY*WAS*IT*REJECTED?


=RESEARCH*TOPICS=

=POWERS*CONFERRED*ON*REVENUE*OFFICERS*BY*WRITS*OF*ASSISTANCE.=--SEE*A
WRIT*IN*MACDONALD,*_SOURCE*BOOK_,*P.*109.

=THE*ACTS*OF*PARLIAMENT*RESPECTING*AMERICA.=--MACDONALD,*PP.*117-146.
ASSIGN*ONE*TO*EACH*STUDENT*FOR*REPORT*AND*COMMENT.

=SOURCE*STUDIES*ON*THE*STAMP*ACT.=--HART,*_AMERICAN*HISTORY*TOLD*BY
CONTEMPORARIES_,*VOL.*II,*PP.*394-412.

=SOURCE*STUDIES*OF*THE*TOWNSHEND*ACTS.=--HART,*VOL.*II,*PP.*413-433.

=AMERICAN*PRINCIPLES.=--PREPARE*A*TABLE*OF*THEM*FROM*THE*RESOLUTIONS*OF
THE*STAMP*ACT*CONGRESS*AND*THE*MASSACHUSETTS*CIRCULAR.*MACDONALD,*PP.
136-146.

=AN*ENGLISH*HISTORIAN'S*VIEW*OF*THE*PERIOD.=--GREEN,*_SHORT*HISTORY*OF
ENGLAND_,*CHAP.*X.

=ENGLISH*POLICY*NOT*INJURIOUS*TO*AMERICA.=--CALLENDER,*_ECONOMIC
HISTORY_,*PP.*85-121.

=A*REVIEW*OF*ENGLISH*POLICY.=--WOODROW*WILSON,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*AMERICAN
PEOPLE_,*VOL.*II,*PP.*129-170.

=THE*OPENING*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.=--ELSON,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,
PP.*220-235.




CHAPTER*VI

THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION


RESISTANCE*AND*RETALIATION

=THE*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS.=--WHEN*THE*NEWS*OF*THE*"INTOLERABLE*ACTS"
REACHED*AMERICA,*EVERY*ONE*KNEW*WHAT*STRONG*MEDICINE*PARLIAMENT*WAS
PREPARED*TO*ADMINISTER*TO*ALL*THOSE*WHO*RESISTED*ITS*AUTHORITY.*THE
CAUSE*OF*MASSACHUSETTS*BECAME*THE*CAUSE*OF*ALL*THE*COLONIES.*OPPOSITION
TO*BRITISH*POLICY,*HITHERTO*LOCAL*AND*SPASMODIC,*NOW*TOOK*ON*A*NATIONAL
CHARACTER.*TO*LOCAL*COMMITTEES*AND*PROVINCIAL*CONVENTIONS*WAS*ADDED*A
CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS,*APPROPRIATELY*CALLED*BY*MASSACHUSETTS*ON*JUNE*17,
1774,*AT*THE*INSTIGATION*OF*SAMUEL*ADAMS.*THE*RESPONSE*TO*THE*SUMMONS
WAS*ELECTRIC.*BY*HURRIED*AND*IRREGULAR*METHODS*DELEGATES*WERE*ELECTED
DURING*THE*SUMMER,*AND*ON*SEPTEMBER*5*THE*CONGRESS*DULY*ASSEMBLED*IN
CARPENTER'S*HALL*IN*PHILADELPHIA.*MANY*OF*THE*GREATEST*MEN*IN*AMERICA
WERE*THERE--GEORGE*WASHINGTON*AND*PATRICK*HENRY*FROM*VIRGINIA*AND*JOHN
AND*SAMUEL*ADAMS*FROM*MASSACHUSETTS.*EVERY*SHADE*OF*OPINION*WAS
REPRESENTED.*SOME*WERE*IMPATIENT*WITH*MILD*DEVICES;*THE*MAJORITY*FAVORED
MODERATION.

THE*CONGRESS*DREW*UP*A*DECLARATION*OF*AMERICAN*RIGHTS*AND*STATED*IN
CLEAR*AND*DIGNIFIED*LANGUAGE*THE*GRIEVANCES*OF*THE*COLONISTS.*IT
APPROVED*THE*RESISTANCE*TO*BRITISH*MEASURES*OFFERED*BY*MASSACHUSETTS*AND
PROMISED*THE*UNITED*SUPPORT*OF*ALL*SECTIONS.*IT*PREPARED*AN*ADDRESS*TO
KING*GEORGE*AND*ANOTHER*TO*THE*PEOPLE*OF*ENGLAND,*DISAVOWING*THE*IDEA*OF
INDEPENDENCE*BUT*FIRMLY*ATTACKING*THE*POLICIES*PURSUED*BY*THE*BRITISH
GOVERNMENT.

=THE*NON-IMPORTATION*AGREEMENT.=--THE*CONGRESS*WAS*NOT*CONTENT,*HOWEVER,
WITH*PROFESSIONS*OF*FAITH*AND*WITH*PETITIONS.*IT*TOOK*ONE*REVOLUTIONARY
STEP.*IT*AGREED*TO*STOP*THE*IMPORTATION*OF*BRITISH*GOODS*INTO*AMERICA,
AND*THE*ENFORCEMENT*OF*THIS*AGREEMENT*IT*PLACED*IN*THE*HANDS*OF*LOCAL
"COMMITTEES*OF*SAFETY*AND*INSPECTION,"*TO*BE*ELECTED*BY*THE*QUALIFIED
VOTERS.*THE*SIGNIFICANCE*OF*THIS*ACTION*IS*OBVIOUS.*CONGRESS*THREW
ITSELF*ATHWART*BRITISH*LAW.*IT*MADE*A*RULE*TO*BIND*AMERICAN*CITIZENS*AND
TO*BE*CARRIED*INTO*EFFECT*BY*AMERICAN*OFFICERS.*IT*SET*UP*A*STATE*WITHIN
THE*BRITISH*STATE*AND*LAID*DOWN*A*TEST*OF*ALLEGIANCE*TO*THE*NEW*ORDER.
THE*COLONISTS,*WHO*UP*TO*THIS*MOMENT*HAD*BEEN*WAVERING,*HAD*TO*CHOOSE
ONE*AUTHORITY*OR*THE*OTHER.*THEY*WERE*FOR*THE*ENFORCEMENT*OF*THE
NON-IMPORTATION*AGREEMENT*OR*THEY*WERE*AGAINST*IT.*THEY*EITHER*BOUGHT
ENGLISH*GOODS*OR*THEY*DID*NOT.*IN*THE*SPIRIT*OF*THE*TOAST--"MAY*BRITAIN
BE*WISE*AND*AMERICA*BE*FREE"--THE*FIRST*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS*ADJOURNED
IN*OCTOBER,*HAVING*APPOINTED*THE*TENTH*OF*MAY*FOLLOWING*FOR*THE*MEETING
OF*A*SECOND*CONGRESS,*SHOULD*NECESSITY*REQUIRE.

=LORD*NORTH'S*"OLIVE*BRANCH."=--WHEN*THE*NEWS*OF*THE*ACTION*OF*THE
AMERICAN*CONGRESS*REACHED*ENGLAND,*PITT*AND*BURKE*WARMLY*URGED*A*REPEAL
OF*THE*OBNOXIOUS*LAWS,*BUT*IN*VAIN.*ALL*THEY*COULD*WRING*FROM*THE*PRIME
MINISTER,*LORD*NORTH,*WAS*A*SET*OF*"CONCILIATORY*RESOLUTIONS"*PROPOSING
TO*RELIEVE*FROM*TAXATION*ANY*COLONY*THAT*WOULD*ASSUME*ITS*SHARE*OF
IMPERIAL*DEFENSE*AND*MAKE*PROVISION*FOR*SUPPORTING*THE*LOCAL*OFFICERS*OF
THE*CROWN.*THIS*"OLIVE*BRANCH"*WAS*ACCOMPANIED*BY*A*RESOLUTION*ASSURING
THE*KING*OF*SUPPORT*AT*ALL*HAZARDS*IN*SUPPRESSING*THE*REBELLION*AND*BY
THE*RESTRAINING*ACT*OF*MARCH*30,*1775,*WHICH*IN*EFFECT*DESTROYED*THE
COMMERCE*OF*NEW*ENGLAND.

=BLOODSHED*AT*LEXINGTON*AND*CONCORD*(APRIL*19,*1775).=--MEANWHILE*THE
BRITISH*AUTHORITIES*IN*MASSACHUSETTS*RELAXED*NONE*OF*THEIR*EFFORTS*IN
UPHOLDING*BRITISH*SOVEREIGNTY.*GENERAL*GAGE,*HEARING*THAT*MILITARY
STORES*HAD*BEEN*COLLECTED*AT*CONCORD,*DISPATCHED*A*SMALL*FORCE*TO*SEIZE
THEM.*BY*THIS*ACT*HE*PRECIPITATED*THE*CONFLICT*HE*HAD*SOUGHT*TO*AVOID.
AT*LEXINGTON,*ON*THE*ROAD*TO*CONCORD,*OCCURRED*"THE*LITTLE*THING"*THAT
PRODUCED*"THE*GREAT*EVENT."*AN*UNEXPECTED*COLLISION*BEYOND*THE*THOUGHT
OR*PURPOSE*OF*ANY*MAN*HAD*TRANSFERRED*THE*CONTEST*FROM*THE*FORUM*TO*THE
BATTLE*FIELD.

=THE*SECOND*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS.=--THOUGH*BLOOD*HAD*BEEN*SHED*AND*WAR
WAS*ACTUALLY*AT*HAND,*THE*SECOND*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS,*WHICH*MET*AT
PHILADELPHIA*IN*MAY,*1775,*WAS*NOT*YET*CONVINCED*THAT*CONCILIATION*WAS
BEYOND*HUMAN*POWER.*IT*PETITIONED*THE*KING*TO*INTERPOSE*ON*BEHALF*OF*THE
COLONISTS*IN*ORDER*THAT*THE*EMPIRE*MIGHT*AVOID*THE*CALAMITIES*OF*CIVIL
WAR.*ON*THE*LAST*DAY*OF*JULY,*IT*MADE*A*TEMPERATE*BUT*FIRM*ANSWER*TO
LORD*NORTH'S*OFFER*OF*CONCILIATION,*STATING*THAT*THE*PROPOSAL*WAS
UNSATISFACTORY*BECAUSE*IT*DID*NOT*RENOUNCE*THE*RIGHT*TO*TAX*OR*REPEAL
THE*OFFENSIVE*ACTS*OF*PARLIAMENT.

=FORCE,*THE*BRITISH*ANSWER.=--JUST*AS*THE*REPRESENTATIVES*OF*AMERICA
WERE*ABOUT*TO*PRESENT*THE*LAST*PETITION*OF*CONGRESS*TO*THE*KING*ON
AUGUST*23,*1775,*GEORGE*III*ISSUED*A*PROCLAMATION*OF*REBELLION.*THIS
ANNOUNCEMENT*DECLARED*THAT*THE*COLONISTS,*"MISLED*BY*DANGEROUS*AND
ILL-DESIGNING*MEN,"*WERE*IN*A*STATE*OF*INSURRECTION;*IT*CALLED*ON*THE
CIVIL*AND*MILITARY*POWERS*TO*BRING*"THE*TRAITORS*TO*JUSTICE";*AND*IT
THREATENED*WITH*"CONDIGN*PUNISHMENT*THE*AUTHORS,*PERPETRATORS,*AND
ABETTORS*OF*SUCH*TRAITOROUS*DESIGNS."*IT*CLOSED*WITH*THE*USUAL*PRAYER:
"GOD,*SAVE*THE*KING."*LATER*IN*THE*YEAR,*PARLIAMENT*PASSED*A*SWEEPING
ACT*DESTROYING*ALL*TRADE*AND*INTERCOURSE*WITH*AMERICA.*CONGRESS*WAS
SILENT*AT*LAST.*FORCE*WAS*ALSO*AMERICA'S*ANSWER.


AMERICAN*INDEPENDENCE

=DRIFTING*INTO*WAR.=--ALTHOUGH*THE*CONGRESS*HAD*NOT*GIVEN*UP*ALL*HOPE*OF
RECONCILIATION*IN*THE*SPRING*AND*SUMMER*OF*1775,*IT*HAD*FIRMLY*RESOLVED
TO*DEFEND*AMERICAN*RIGHTS*BY*ARMS*IF*NECESSARY.*IT*TRANSFORMED*THE
MILITIAMEN*WHO*HAD*ASSEMBLED*NEAR*BOSTON,*AFTER*THE*BATTLE*OF*LEXINGTON,
INTO*A*CONTINENTAL*ARMY*AND*SELECTED*WASHINGTON*AS*COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.
IT*ASSUMED*THE*POWERS*OF*A*GOVERNMENT*AND*PREPARED*TO*RAISE*MONEY,*WAGE
WAR,*AND*CARRY*ON*DIPLOMATIC*RELATIONS*WITH*FOREIGN*COUNTRIES.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT_

SPIRIT*OF*1776]

EVENTS*FOLLOWED*THICK*AND*FAST.*ON*JUNE*17,*THE*AMERICAN*MILITIA,*BY
THE*STUBBORN*DEFENSE*OF*BUNKER*HILL,*SHOWED*THAT*IT*COULD*MAKE*BRITISH
REGULARS*PAY*DEARLY*FOR*ALL*THEY*GOT.*ON*JULY*3,*WASHINGTON*TOOK*COMMAND
OF*THE*ARMY*AT*CAMBRIDGE.*IN*JANUARY,*1776,*AFTER*BITTER*DISAPPOINTMENTS
IN*DRUMMING*UP*RECRUITS*FOR*ITS*ARMY*IN*ENGLAND,*SCOTLAND,*AND*IRELAND,
THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT*CONCLUDED*A*TREATY*WITH*THE*LANDGRAVE*OF
HESSE-CASSEL*IN*GERMANY*CONTRACTING,*AT*A*HANDSOME*FIGURE,*FOR*THOUSANDS
OF*SOLDIERS*AND*MANY*PIECES*OF*CANNON.*THIS*WAS*THE*CROWNING*INSULT*TO
AMERICA.*SUCH*WAS*THE*VIEW*OF*ALL*FRIENDS*OF*THE*COLONIES*ON*BOTH*SIDES
OF*THE*WATER.*SUCH*WAS,*LONG*AFTERWARD,*THE*JUDGMENT*OF*THE*CONSERVATIVE
HISTORIAN*LECKY:*"THE*CONDUCT*OF*ENGLAND*IN*HIRING*GERMAN*MERCENARIES*TO
SUBDUE*THE*ESSENTIALLY*ENGLISH*POPULATION*BEYOND*THE*ATLANTIC*MADE
RECONCILIATION*HOPELESS*AND*INDEPENDENCE*INEVITABLE."*THE*NEWS*OF*THIS
WRETCHED*TRANSACTION*IN*GERMAN*SOLDIERS*HAD*HARDLY*REACHED*AMERICA
BEFORE*THERE*RAN*ALL*DOWN*THE*COAST*THE*THRILLING*STORY*THAT*WASHINGTON
HAD*TAKEN*BOSTON,*ON*MARCH*17,*1776,*COMPELLING*LORD*HOWE*TO*SAIL*WITH
HIS*ENTIRE*ARMY*FOR*HALIFAX.

=THE*GROWTH*OF*PUBLIC*SENTIMENT*IN*FAVOR*OF*INDEPENDENCE.=--EVENTS*WERE
BEARING*THE*AMERICANS*AWAY*FROM*THEIR*OLD*POSITION*UNDER*THE*BRITISH
CONSTITUTION*TOWARD*A*FINAL*SEPARATION.*SLOWLY*AND*AGAINST*THEIR
DESIRES,*PRUDENT*AND*HONORABLE*MEN,*WHO*CHERISHED*THE*TIES*THAT*UNITED
THEM*TO*THE*OLD*ORDER*AND*DREADED*WITH*GENUINE*HORROR*ALL*THOUGHT*OF
REVOLUTION,*WERE*DRAWN*INTO*THE*PATH*THAT*LED*TO*THE*GREAT*DECISION.*IN
ALL*PARTS*OF*THE*COUNTRY*AND*AMONG*ALL*CLASSES,*THE*QUESTION*OF*THE*HOUR
WAS*BEING*DEBATED.*"AMERICAN*INDEPENDENCE,"*AS*THE*HISTORIAN*BANCROFT
SAYS,*"WAS*NOT*AN*ACT*OF*SUDDEN*PASSION*NOR*THE*WORK*OF*ONE*MAN*OR*ONE
ASSEMBLY.*IT*HAD*BEEN*DISCUSSED*IN*EVERY*PART*OF*THE*COUNTRY*BY*FARMERS
AND*MERCHANTS,*BY*MECHANICS*AND*PLANTERS,*BY*THE*FISHERMEN*ALONG*THE
COAST*AND*THE*BACKWOODSMEN*OF*THE*WEST;*IN*TOWN*MEETINGS*AND*FROM*THE
PULPIT;*AT*SOCIAL*GATHERINGS*AND*AROUND*THE*CAMP*FIRES;*IN*COUNTY
CONVENTIONS*AND*CONFERENCES*OR*COMMITTEES;*IN*COLONIAL*CONGRESSES*AND
ASSEMBLIES."

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT_

THOMAS*PAINE]

=PAINE'S*"COMMONSENSE."=--IN*THE*MIDST*OF*THIS*FERMENT*OF*AMERICAN
OPINION,*A*BOLD*AND*ELOQUENT*PAMPHLETEER*BROKE*IN*UPON*THE*HESITATING
PUBLIC*WITH*A*PROGRAM*FOR*ABSOLUTE*INDEPENDENCE,*WITHOUT*FEARS*AND
WITHOUT*APOLOGIES.*IN*THE*EARLY*DAYS*OF*1776,*THOMAS*PAINE*ISSUED*THE
FIRST*OF*HIS*FAMOUS*TRACTS,*"COMMONSENSE,"*A*PASSIONATE*ATTACK*UPON*THE
BRITISH*MONARCHY*AND*AN*EQUALLY*PASSIONATE*PLEA*FOR*AMERICAN*LIBERTY.
CASTING*ASIDE*THE*LANGUAGE*OF*PETITION*WITH*WHICH*AMERICANS*HAD*HITHERTO
ADDRESSED*GEORGE*III,*PAINE*WENT*TO*THE*OTHER*EXTREME*AND*ASSAILED*HIM
WITH*MANY*A*VIOLENT*EPITHET.*HE*CONDEMNED*MONARCHY*ITSELF*AS*A*SYSTEM
WHICH*HAD*LAID*THE*WORLD*"IN*BLOOD*AND*ASHES."*INSTEAD*OF*PRAISING*THE
BRITISH*CONSTITUTION*UNDER*WHICH*COLONISTS*HAD*BEEN*CLAIMING*THEIR
RIGHTS,*HE*BRUSHED*IT*ASIDE*AS*RIDICULOUS,*PROTESTING*THAT*IT*WAS*"OWING
TO*THE*CONSTITUTION*OF*THE*PEOPLE,*NOT*TO*THE*CONSTITUTION*OF*THE
GOVERNMENT,*THAT*THE*CROWN*IS*NOT*AS*OPPRESSIVE*IN*ENGLAND*AS*IN
TURKEY."

HAVING*THUS*SUMMARILY*SWEPT*AWAY*THE*GROUNDS*OF*ALLEGIANCE*TO*THE*OLD
ORDER,*PAINE*PROCEEDED*RELENTLESSLY*TO*AN*ARGUMENT*FOR*IMMEDIATE
SEPARATION*FROM*GREAT*BRITAIN.*THERE*WAS*NOTHING*IN*THE*SPHERE*OF
PRACTICAL*INTEREST,*HE*INSISTED,*WHICH*SHOULD*BIND*THE*COLONIES*TO*THE
MOTHER*COUNTRY.*ALLEGIANCE*TO*HER*HAD*BEEN*RESPONSIBLE*FOR*THE*MANY*WARS
IN*WHICH*THEY*HAD*BEEN*INVOLVED.*REASONS*OF*TRADE*WERE*NOT*LESS*WEIGHTY
IN*BEHALF*OF*INDEPENDENCE.*"OUR*CORN*WILL*FETCH*ITS*PRICE*IN*ANY*MARKET
IN*EUROPE*AND*OUR*IMPORTED*GOODS*MUST*BE*PAID*FOR,*BUY*THEM*WHERE*WE
WILL."*AS*TO*MATTERS*OF*GOVERNMENT,*"IT*IS*NOT*IN*THE*POWER*OF*BRITAIN
TO*DO*THIS*CONTINENT*JUSTICE;*THE*BUSINESS*OF*IT*WILL*SOON*BE*TOO
WEIGHTY*AND*INTRICATE*TO*BE*MANAGED*WITH*ANY*TOLERABLE*DEGREE*OF
CONVENIENCE*BY*A*POWER*SO*DISTANT*FROM*US*AND*SO*VERY*IGNORANT*OF*US."

THERE*IS*ACCORDINGLY*NO*ALTERNATIVE*TO*INDEPENDENCE*FOR*AMERICA.
"EVERYTHING*THAT*IS*RIGHT*OR*NATURAL*PLEADS*FOR*SEPARATION.*THE*BLOOD*OF
THE*SLAIN,*THE*WEEPING*VOICE*OF*NATURE*CRIES*''TIS*TIME*TO*PART.'*...
ARMS,*THE*LAST*RESORT,*MUST*DECIDE*THE*CONTEST;*THE*APPEAL*WAS*THE
CHOICE*OF*THE*KING*AND*THE*CONTINENT*HATH*ACCEPTED*THE*CHALLENGE....*THE
SUN*NEVER*SHONE*ON*A*CAUSE*OF*GREATER*WORTH.*'TIS*NOT*THE*AFFAIR*OF*A
CITY,*A*COUNTY,*A*PROVINCE*OR*A*KINGDOM,*BUT*OF*A*CONTINENT....*'TIS*NOT
THE*CONCERN*OF*A*DAY,*A*YEAR*OR*AN*AGE;*POSTERITY*IS*INVOLVED*IN*THE
CONTEST*AND*WILL*BE*MORE*OR*LESS*AFFECTED*TO*THE*END*OF*TIME*BY*THE
PROCEEDINGS*NOW.*NOW*IS*THE*SEED-TIME*OF*CONTINENTAL*UNION,*FAITH,*AND
HONOR....*O!*YE*THAT*LOVE*MANKIND!*YE*THAT*DARE*OPPOSE*NOT*ONLY*THE
TYRANNY,*BUT*THE*TYRANT,*STAND*FORTH....*LET*NAMES*OF*WHIG*AND*TORY*BE
EXTINCT.*LET*NONE*OTHER*BE*HEARD*AMONG*US*THAN*THOSE*OF*A*GOOD*CITIZEN,
AN*OPEN*AND*RESOLUTE*FRIEND,*AND*A*VIRTUOUS*SUPPORTER*OF*THE*RIGHTS*OF
MANKIND*AND*OF*THE*FREE*AND*INDEPENDENT*STATES*OF*AMERICA."*AS*MORE*THAN
100,000*COPIES*WERE*SCATTERED*BROADCAST*OVER*THE*COUNTRY,*PATRIOTS
EXCLAIMED*WITH*WASHINGTON:*"SOUND*DOCTRINE*AND*UNANSWERABLE*REASON!"

=THE*DRIFT*OF*EVENTS*TOWARD*INDEPENDENCE.=--OFFICIAL*SUPPORT*FOR*THE
IDEA*OF*INDEPENDENCE*BEGAN*TO*COME*FROM*MANY*QUARTERS.*ON*THE*TENTH*OF
FEBRUARY,*1776,*GADSDEN,*IN*THE*PROVINCIAL*CONVENTION*OF*SOUTH*CAROLINA,
ADVOCATED*A*NEW*CONSTITUTION*FOR*THE*COLONY*AND*ABSOLUTE*INDEPENDENCE
FOR*ALL*AMERICA.*THE*CONVENTION*BALKED*AT*THE*LATTER*BUT*WENT*HALF*WAY
BY*ABOLISHING*THE*SYSTEM*OF*ROYAL*ADMINISTRATION*AND*ESTABLISHING*A
COMPLETE*PLAN*OF*SELF-GOVERNMENT.*A*MONTH*LATER,*ON*APRIL*12,*THE
NEIGHBORING*STATE*OF*NORTH*CAROLINA*UTTERED*THE*DARING*PHRASE*FROM*WHICH
OTHERS*SHRANK.*IT*EMPOWERED*ITS*REPRESENTATIVES*IN*THE*CONGRESS*TO
CONCUR*WITH*THE*DELEGATES*OF*THE*OTHER*COLONIES*IN*DECLARING
INDEPENDENCE.*RHODE*ISLAND,*MASSACHUSETTS,*AND*VIRGINIA*QUICKLY
RESPONDED*TO*THE*CHALLENGE.*THE*CONVENTION*OF*THE*OLD*DOMINION,*ON*MAY
15,*INSTRUCTED*ITS*DELEGATES*AT*PHILADELPHIA*TO*PROPOSE*THE*INDEPENDENCE
OF*THE*UNITED*COLONIES*AND*TO*GIVE*THE*ASSENT*OF*VIRGINIA*TO*THE*ACT*OF
SEPARATION.*WHEN*THE*RESOLUTION*WAS*CARRIED*THE*BRITISH*FLAG*ON*THE
STATE*HOUSE*WAS*LOWERED*FOR*ALL*TIME.

MEANWHILE*THE*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS*WAS*ALIVE*TO*THE*COURSE*OF*EVENTS
OUTSIDE.*THE*SUBJECT*OF*INDEPENDENCE*WAS*CONSTANTLY*BEING*RAISED.*"ARE
WE*REBELS?"*EXCLAIMED*WYETH*OF*VIRGINIA*DURING*A*DEBATE*IN*FEBRUARY.
"NO:*WE*MUST*DECLARE*OURSELVES*A*FREE*PEOPLE."*OTHERS*HESITATED*AND
SPOKE*OF*WAITING*FOR*THE*ARRIVAL*OF*COMMISSIONERS*OF*CONCILIATION.*"IS
NOT*AMERICA*ALREADY*INDEPENDENT?"*ASKED*SAMUEL*ADAMS*A*FEW*WEEKS*LATER.
"WHY*NOT*THEN*DECLARE*IT?"*STILL*THERE*WAS*UNCERTAINTY*AND*DELEGATES
AVOIDED*THE*DIRECT*WORD.*A*FEW*MORE*WEEKS*ELAPSED.*AT*LAST,*ON*MAY*10,
CONGRESS*DECLARED*THAT*THE*AUTHORITY*OF*THE*BRITISH*CROWN*IN*AMERICA
MUST*BE*SUPPRESSED*AND*ADVISED*THE*COLONIES*TO*SET*UP*GOVERNMENTS*OF
THEIR*OWN.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT_

THOMAS*JEFFERSON*READING*HIS*DRAFT*OF*THE*DECLARATION*OF
INDEPENDENCE*TO*THE*COMMITTEE*OF*CONGRESS]

=INDEPENDENCE*DECLARED.=--THE*WAY*WAS*FULLY*PREPARED,*THEREFORE,*WHEN,
ON*JUNE*7,*THE*VIRGINIA*DELEGATION*IN*THE*CONGRESS*MOVED*THAT*"THESE
UNITED*COLONIES*ARE*AND*OF*RIGHT*OUGHT*TO*BE*FREE*AND*INDEPENDENT
STATES."*A*COMMITTEE*WAS*IMMEDIATELY*APPOINTED*TO*DRAFT*A*FORMAL
DOCUMENT*SETTING*FORTH*THE*REASONS*FOR*THE*ACT,*AND*ON*JULY*2*ALL*THE
STATES*SAVE*NEW*YORK*WENT*ON*RECORD*IN*FAVOR*OF*SEVERING*THEIR*POLITICAL
CONNECTION*WITH*GREAT*BRITAIN.*TWO*DAYS*LATER,*JULY*4,*JEFFERSON'S*DRAFT
OF*THE*DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE,*CHANGED*IN*SOME*SLIGHT*PARTICULARS,
WAS*ADOPTED.*THE*OLD*BELL*IN*INDEPENDENCE*HALL,*AS*IT*IS*NOW*KNOWN,*RANG
OUT*THE*GLAD*TIDINGS;*COURIERS*SWIFTLY*CARRIED*THE*NEWS*TO*THE*UTTERMOST
HAMLET*AND*FARM.*A*NEW*NATION*ANNOUNCED*ITS*WILL*TO*HAVE*A*PLACE*AMONG
THE*POWERS*OF*THE*WORLD.

TO*SOME*DOCUMENTS*IS*GIVEN*IMMORTALITY.*THE*DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE
IS*ONE*OF*THEM.*AMERICAN*PATRIOTISM*IS*FOREVER*ASSOCIATED*WITH*IT;*BUT
PATRIOTISM*ALONE*DOES*NOT*MAKE*IT*IMMORTAL.*NEITHER*DOES*THE*VIGOR*OF
ITS*LANGUAGE*OR*THE*SEVERITY*OF*ITS*INDICTMENT*GIVE*IT*A*SECURE*PLACE*IN
THE*RECORDS*OF*TIME.*THE*SECRET*OF*ITS*GREATNESS*LIES*IN*THE*SIMPLE*FACT
THAT*IT*IS*ONE*OF*THE*MEMORABLE*LANDMARKS*IN*THE*HISTORY*OF*A*POLITICAL
IDEAL*WHICH*FOR*THREE*CENTURIES*HAS*BEEN*TAKING*FORM*AND*SPREADING
THROUGHOUT*THE*EARTH,*CHALLENGING*KINGS*AND*POTENTATES,*SHAKING*DOWN
THRONES*AND*ARISTOCRACIES,*BREAKING*THE*ARMIES*OF*IRRESPONSIBLE*POWER*ON
BATTLE*FIELDS*AS*FAR*APART*AS*MARSTON*MOOR*AND*CHATEAU-THIERRY.*THAT
IDEAL,*NOW*SO*FAMILIAR,*THEN*SO*NOVEL,*IS*SUMMED*UP*IN*THE*SIMPLE
SENTENCE:*"GOVERNMENTS*DERIVE*THEIR*JUST*POWERS*FROM*THE*CONSENT*OF*THE
GOVERNED."

WRITTEN*IN*A*"DECENT*RESPECT*FOR*THE*OPINIONS*OF*MANKIND,"*TO*SET*FORTH
THE*CAUSES*WHICH*IMPELLED*THE*AMERICAN*COLONISTS*TO*SEPARATE*FROM
BRITAIN,*THE*DECLARATION*CONTAINED*A*LONG*LIST*OF*"ABUSES*AND
USURPATIONS"*WHICH*HAD*INDUCED*THEM*TO*THROW*OFF*THE*GOVERNMENT*OF*KING
GEORGE.*THAT*SECTION*OF*THE*DECLARATION*HAS*PASSED*INTO*"ANCIENT"
HISTORY*AND*IS*SELDOM*READ.*IT*IS*THE*PART*LAYING*DOWN*A*NEW*BASIS*FOR
GOVERNMENT*AND*GIVING*A*NEW*DIGNITY*TO*THE*COMMON*MAN*THAT*HAS*BECOME*A
HOUSEHOLD*PHRASE*IN*THE*OLD*WORLD*AS*IN*THE*NEW.

IN*THE*MORE*ENDURING*PASSAGES*THERE*ARE*FOUR*FUNDAMENTAL*IDEAS*WHICH,
FROM*THE*STANDPOINT*OF*THE*OLD*SYSTEM*OF*GOVERNMENT,*WERE*THE*ESSENCE*OF
REVOLUTION:*(1)*ALL*MEN*ARE*CREATED*EQUAL*AND*ARE*ENDOWED*BY*THEIR
CREATOR*WITH*CERTAIN*UNALIENABLE*RIGHTS*INCLUDING*LIFE,*LIBERTY,*AND*THE
PURSUIT*OF*HAPPINESS;*(2)*THE*PURPOSE*OF*GOVERNMENT*IS*TO*SECURE*THESE
RIGHTS;*(3)*GOVERNMENTS*DERIVE*THEIR*JUST*POWERS*FROM*THE*CONSENT*OF*THE
GOVERNED;*(4)*WHENEVER*ANY*FORM*OF*GOVERNMENT*BECOMES*DESTRUCTIVE*OF
THESE*ENDS*IT*IS*THE*RIGHT*OF*THE*PEOPLE*TO*ALTER*OR*ABOLISH*IT*AND
INSTITUTE*NEW*GOVERNMENT,*LAYING*ITS*FOUNDATIONS*ON*SUCH*PRINCIPLES*AND
ORGANIZING*ITS*POWERS*IN*SUCH*FORM*AS*TO*THEM*SHALL*SEEM*MOST*LIKELY*TO
EFFECT*THEIR*SAFETY*AND*HAPPINESS.*HERE*WAS*THE*PRELUDE*TO*THE*HISTORIC
DRAMA*OF*DEMOCRACY--A*CHALLENGE*TO*EVERY*FORM*OF*GOVERNMENT*AND*EVERY
PRIVILEGE*NOT*FOUNDED*ON*POPULAR*ASSENT.


THE*ESTABLISHMENT*OF*GOVERNMENT*AND*THE*NEW*ALLEGIANCE

=THE*COMMITTEES*OF*CORRESPONDENCE.=--AS*SOON*AS*DEBATE*HAD*PASSED*INTO
ARMED*RESISTANCE,*THE*PATRIOTS*FOUND*IT*NECESSARY*TO*CONSOLIDATE*THEIR
FORCES*BY*ORGANIZING*CIVIL*GOVERNMENT.*THIS*WAS*READILY*EFFECTED,*FOR
THE*MEANS*WERE*AT*HAND*IN*TOWN*MEETINGS,*PROVINCIAL*LEGISLATURES,*AND
COMMITTEES*OF*CORRESPONDENCE.*THE*WORKING*TOOLS*OF*THE*REVOLUTION*WERE
IN*FACT*THE*COMMITTEES*OF*CORRESPONDENCE--SMALL,*LOCAL,*UNOFFICIAL
GROUPS*OF*PATRIOTS*FORMED*TO*EXCHANGE*VIEWS*AND*CREATE*PUBLIC*SENTIMENT.
AS*EARLY*AS*NOVEMBER,*1772,*SUCH*A*COMMITTEE*HAD*BEEN*CREATED*IN*BOSTON
UNDER*THE*LEADERSHIP*OF*SAMUEL*ADAMS.*IT*HELD*REGULAR*MEETINGS,*SENT
EMISSARIES*TO*NEIGHBORING*TOWNS,*AND*CARRIED*ON*A*CAMPAIGN*OF*EDUCATION
IN*THE*DOCTRINES*OF*LIBERTY.

[ILLUSTRATION:*THE*COLONIES*OF*NORTH*AMERICA*AT*THE*TIME*OF*THE
DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE]

UPON*LOCAL*ORGANIZATIONS*SIMILAR*IN*CHARACTER*TO*THE*BOSTON*COMMITTEE
WERE*BUILT*COUNTY*COMMITTEES*AND*THEN*THE*LARGER*COLONIAL*COMMITTEES,
CONGRESSES,*AND*CONVENTIONS,*ALL*UNOFFICIAL*AND*REPRESENTING*THE
REVOLUTIONARY*ELEMENTS.*ORDINARILY*THE*PROVINCIAL*CONVENTION*WAS*MERELY
THE*OLD*LEGISLATIVE*ASSEMBLY*FREED*FROM*ALL*ROYALIST*SYMPATHIZERS*AND
CONTROLLED*BY*PATRIOTS.*FINALLY,*UPON*THESE*COLONIAL*ASSEMBLIES*WAS
BUILT*THE*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS,*THE*PRECURSOR*OF*UNION*UNDER*THE
ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION*AND*ULTIMATELY*UNDER*THE*CONSTITUTION*OF*THE
UNITED*STATES.*THIS*WAS*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*GOVERNMENT*SET*UP*WITHIN*THE
BRITISH*EMPIRE*IN*AMERICA.

=STATE*CONSTITUTIONS*FRAMED.=--WITH*THE*RISE*OF*THESE*NEW*ASSEMBLIES*OF
THE*PEOPLE,*THE*OLD*COLONIAL*GOVERNMENTS*BROKE*DOWN.*FROM*THE*ROYAL
PROVINCES*THE*GOVERNOR,*THE*JUDGES,*AND*THE*HIGH*OFFICERS*FLED*IN*HASTE,
AND*IT*BECAME*NECESSARY*TO*SUBSTITUTE*PATRIOT*AUTHORITIES.*THE*APPEAL*TO
THE*COLONIES*ADVISING*THEM*TO*ADOPT*A*NEW*FORM*OF*GOVERNMENT*FOR
THEMSELVES,*ISSUED*BY*THE*CONGRESS*IN*MAY,*1776,*WAS*QUICKLY*ACTED*UPON.
BEFORE*THE*EXPIRATION*OF*A*YEAR,*VIRGINIA,*NEW*JERSEY,*PENNSYLVANIA,
DELAWARE,*MARYLAND,*GEORGIA,*AND*NEW*YORK*HAD*DRAFTED*NEW*CONSTITUTIONS
AS*STATES,*NOT*AS*COLONIES*UNCERTAIN*OF*THEIR*DESTINIES.*CONNECTICUT*AND
RHODE*ISLAND,*HOLDING*THAT*THEIR*ANCIENT*CHARTERS*WERE*EQUAL*TO*THEIR
NEEDS,*MERELY*RENOUNCED*THEIR*ALLEGIANCE*TO*THE*KING*AND*WENT*ON*AS
BEFORE*SO*FAR*AS*THE*FORM*OF*GOVERNMENT*WAS*CONCERNED.*SOUTH*CAROLINA,
WHICH*HAD*DRAFTED*A*TEMPORARY*PLAN*EARLY*IN*1776,*DREW*UP*A*NEW*AND*MORE
COMPLETE*CONSTITUTION*IN*1778.*TWO*YEARS*LATER*MASSACHUSETTS*WITH*MUCH
DELIBERATION*PUT*INTO*FORCE*ITS*FUNDAMENTAL*LAW,*WHICH*IN*MOST*OF*ITS
ESSENTIAL*FEATURES*REMAINS*UNCHANGED*TO-DAY.

THE*NEW*STATE*CONSTITUTIONS*IN*THEIR*BROAD*OUTLINES*FOLLOWED*COLONIAL
MODELS.*FOR*THE*ROYAL*GOVERNOR*WAS*SUBSTITUTED*A*GOVERNOR*OR*PRESIDENT
CHOSEN*USUALLY*BY*THE*LEGISLATURE;*BUT*IN*TWO*INSTANCES,*NEW*YORK*AND
MASSACHUSETTS,*BY*POPULAR*VOTE.*FOR*THE*PROVINCIAL*COUNCIL*THERE*WAS
SUBSTITUTED,*EXCEPT*IN*GEORGIA,*A*SENATE;*WHILE*THE*LOWER*HOUSE,*OR
ASSEMBLY,*WAS*CONTINUED*VIRTUALLY*WITHOUT*CHANGE.*THE*OLD*PROPERTY
RESTRICTION*ON*THE*SUFFRAGE,*THOUGH*LOWERED*SLIGHTLY*IN*SOME*STATES,*WAS
CONTINUED*IN*FULL*FORCE*TO*THE*GREAT*DISCONTENT*OF*THE*MECHANICS*THUS
DEPRIVED*OF*THE*BALLOT.*THE*SPECIAL*QUALIFICATIONS,*LAID*DOWN*IN*SEVERAL
CONSTITUTIONS,*FOR*GOVERNORS,*SENATORS,*AND*REPRESENTATIVES,*INDICATED
THAT*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*LEADERS*WERE*NOT*PREPARED*FOR*ANY*RADICAL
EXPERIMENTS*IN*DEMOCRACY.*THE*PROTESTS*OF*A*FEW*WOMEN,*LIKE*MRS.*JOHN
ADAMS*OF*MASSACHUSETTS*AND*MRS.*HENRY*CORBIN*OF*VIRGINIA,*AGAINST*A
GOVERNMENT*WHICH*EXCLUDED*THEM*FROM*POLITICAL*RIGHTS*WERE*TREATED*AS
MILD*CURIOSITIES*OF*NO*SIGNIFICANCE,*ALTHOUGH*IN*NEW*JERSEY*WOMEN*WERE
ALLOWED*TO*VOTE*FOR*MANY*YEARS*ON*THE*SAME*TERMS*AS*MEN.

BY*THE*NEW*STATE*CONSTITUTIONS*THE*SIGNS*AND*SYMBOLS*OF*ROYAL*POWER,*OF
AUTHORITY*DERIVED*FROM*ANY*SOURCE*SAVE*"THE*PEOPLE,"*WERE*SWEPT*ASIDE
AND*REPUBLICAN*GOVERNMENTS*ON*AN*IMPOSING*SCALE*PRESENTED*FOR*THE*FIRST
TIME*TO*THE*MODERN*WORLD.*COPIES*OF*THESE*REMARKABLE*DOCUMENTS*PREPARED
BY*PLAIN*CITIZENS*WERE*TRANSLATED*INTO*FRENCH*AND*WIDELY*CIRCULATED*IN
EUROPE.*THERE*THEY*WERE*DESTINED*TO*SERVE*AS*A*GUIDE*AND*INSPIRATION*TO
A*GENERATION*OF*CONSTITUTION-MAKERS*WHOSE*MISSION*IT*WAS*TO*BEGIN*THE
DEMOCRATIC*REVOLUTION*IN*THE*OLD*WORLD.

=THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION.=--THE*FORMATION*OF*STATE*CONSTITUTIONS
WAS*AN*EASY*TASK*FOR*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*LEADERS.*THEY*HAD*ONLY*TO*BUILD
ON*FOUNDATIONS*ALREADY*LAID.*THE*ESTABLISHMENT*OF*A*NATIONAL*SYSTEM*OF
GOVERNMENT*WAS*ANOTHER*MATTER.*THERE*HAD*ALWAYS*BEEN,*IT*MUST*BE
REMEMBERED,*A*SYSTEM*OF*CENTRAL*CONTROL*OVER*THE*COLONIES,*BUT*AMERICANS
HAD*HAD*LITTLE*EXPERIENCE*IN*ITS*OPERATION.*WHEN*THE*SUPERVISION*OF*THE
CROWN*OF*GREAT*BRITAIN*WAS*SUDDENLY*BROKEN,*THE*PATRIOT*LEADERS,
ACCUSTOMED*MERELY*TO*PROVINCIAL*STATESMANSHIP,*WERE*POORLY*TRAINED*FOR
ACTION*ON*A*NATIONAL*STAGE.

MANY*FORCES*WORKED*AGAINST*THOSE*WHO,*LIKE*FRANKLIN,*HAD*A*VISION*OF
NATIONAL*DESTINY.*THERE*WERE*DIFFERENCES*IN*ECONOMIC*INTEREST--COMMERCE
AND*INDUSTRY*IN*THE*NORTH*AND*THE*PLANTING*SYSTEM*OF*THE*SOUTH.*THERE
WERE*CONTESTS*OVER*THE*APPORTIONMENT*OF*TAXES*AND*THE*QUOTAS*OF*TROOPS
FOR*COMMON*DEFENSE.*TO*THESE*PRACTICAL*DIFFICULTIES*WERE*ADDED*LOCAL
PRIDE,*THE*VESTED*RIGHTS*OF*STATE*AND*VILLAGE*POLITICIANS*IN*THEIR
PROVINCIAL*DIGNITY,*AND*THE*SCARCITY*OF*MEN*WITH*A*LARGE*OUTLOOK*UPON
THE*COMMON*ENTERPRISE.

NEVERTHELESS,*NECESSITY*COMPELLED*THEM*TO*CONSIDER*SOME*SORT*OF
FEDERATION.*THE*SECOND*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS*HAD*HARDLY*OPENED*ITS*WORK
BEFORE*THE*MOST*SAGACIOUS*LEADERS*BEGAN*TO*URGE*THE*DESIRABILITY*OF*A
PERMANENT*CONNECTION.*AS*EARLY*AS*JULY,*1775,*CONGRESS*RESOLVED*TO*GO
INTO*A*COMMITTEE*OF*THE*WHOLE*ON*THE*STATE*OF*THE*UNION,*AND*FRANKLIN,
UNDAUNTED*BY*THE*FATE*OF*HIS*ALBANY*PLAN*OF*TWENTY*YEARS*BEFORE,*AGAIN
PRESENTED*A*DRAFT*OF*A*CONSTITUTION.*LONG*AND*DESULTORY*DEBATES*FOLLOWED
AND*IT*WAS*NOT*UNTIL*LATE*IN*1777*THAT*CONGRESS*PRESENTED*TO*THE*STATES
THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION.*PROVINCIAL*JEALOUSIES*DELAYED
RATIFICATION,*AND*IT*WAS*THE*SPRING*OF*1781,*A*FEW*MONTHS*BEFORE*THE
SURRENDER*OF*CORNWALLIS*AT*YORKTOWN,*WHEN*MARYLAND,*THE*LAST*OF*THE
STATES,*APPROVED*THE*ARTICLES.*THIS*PLAN*OF*UNION,*THOUGH*IT*WAS*ALL
THAT*COULD*BE*WRUNG*FROM*THE*RELUCTANT*STATES,*PROVIDED*FOR*NEITHER*A
CHIEF*EXECUTIVE*NOR*A*SYSTEM*OF*FEDERAL*COURTS.*IT*CREATED*SIMPLY*A
CONGRESS*OF*DELEGATES*IN*WHICH*EACH*STATE*HAD*AN*EQUAL*VOICE*AND*GAVE*IT
THE*RIGHT*TO*CALL*UPON*THE*STATE*LEGISLATURES*FOR*THE*SINEWS*OF
GOVERNMENT--MONEY*AND*SOLDIERS.

=THE*APPLICATION*OF*TESTS*OF*ALLEGIANCE.=--AS*THE*SUCCESSIVE*STEPS*WERE
TAKEN*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*INDEPENDENT*GOVERNMENT,*THE*PATRIOTS*DEVISED
AND*APPLIED*TESTS*DESIGNED*TO*DISCOVER*WHO*WERE*FOR*AND*WHO*WERE*AGAINST
THE*NEW*NATION*IN*THE*PROCESS*OF*MAKING.*WHEN*THE*FIRST*CONTINENTAL
CONGRESS*AGREED*NOT*TO*ALLOW*THE*IMPORTATION*OF*BRITISH*GOODS,*IT
PROVIDED*FOR*THE*CREATION*OF*LOCAL*COMMITTEES*TO*ENFORCE*THE*RULES.*SUCH
AGENCIES*WERE*DULY*FORMED*BY*THE*CHOICE*OF*MEN*FAVORING*THE*SCHEME,*ALL
OPPONENTS*BEING*EXCLUDED*FROM*THE*ELECTIONS.*BEFORE*THESE*BODIES*THOSE
WHO*PERSISTED*IN*BUYING*BRITISH*GOODS*WERE*SUMMONED*AND*WARNED*OR
PUNISHED*ACCORDING*TO*CIRCUMSTANCES.*AS*SOON*AS*THE*NEW*STATE
CONSTITUTIONS*WERE*PUT*INTO*EFFECT,*LOCAL*COMMITTEES*SET*TO*WORK*IN*THE
SAME*WAY*TO*FERRET*OUT*ALL*WHO*WERE*NOT*OUTSPOKEN*IN*THEIR*SUPPORT*OF
THE*NEW*ORDER*OF*THINGS.

[ILLUSTRATION:*MOBBING*THE*TORIES]

THESE*PATRIOT*AGENCIES,*BEARING*DIFFERENT*NAMES*IN*DIFFERENT*SECTIONS,
WERE*SOMETIMES*RUTHLESS*IN*THEIR*METHODS.*THEY*CALLED*UPON*ALL*MEN*TO
SIGN*THE*TEST*OF*LOYALTY,*FREQUENTLY*KNOWN*AS*THE*"ASSOCIATION*TEST."
THOSE*WHO*REFUSED*WERE*PROMPTLY*BRANDED*AS*OUTLAWS,*WHILE*SOME*OF*THE
MORE*DANGEROUS*WERE*THROWN*INTO*JAIL.*THE*PRISON*CAMP*IN*CONNECTICUT*AT
ONE*TIME*HELD*THE*FORMER*GOVERNOR*OF*NEW*JERSEY*AND*THE*MAYOR*OF*NEW
YORK.*THOUSANDS*WERE*BLACK-LISTED*AND*SUBJECTED*TO*ESPIONAGE.*THE
BLACK-LIST*OF*PENNSYLVANIA*CONTAINED*THE*NAMES*OF*NEARLY*FIVE*HUNDRED
PERSONS*OF*PROMINENCE*WHO*WERE*UNDER*SUSPICION.*LOYALISTS*OR*TORIES*WHO
WERE*BOLD*ENOUGH*TO*SPEAK*AND*WRITE*AGAINST*THE*REVOLUTION*WERE
SUPPRESSED*AND*THEIR*PAMPHLETS*BURNED.*IN*MANY*PLACES,*PARTICULARLY*IN
THE*NORTH,*THE*PROPERTY*OF*THE*LOYALISTS*WAS*CONFISCATED*AND*THE
PROCEEDS*APPLIED*TO*THE*CAUSE*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.

THE*WORK*OF*THE*OFFICIAL*AGENCIES*FOR*SUPPRESSION*OF*OPPOSITION*WAS
SOMETIMES*SUPPLEMENTED*BY*MOB*VIOLENCE.*A*FEW*TORIES*WERE*HANGED*WITHOUT
TRIAL,*AND*OTHERS*WERE*TARRED*AND*FEATHERED.*ONE*WAS*PLACED*UPON*A*CAKE
OF*ICE*AND*HELD*THERE*"UNTIL*HIS*LOYALTY*TO*KING*GEORGE*MIGHT*COOL."
WHOLE*FAMILIES*WERE*DRIVEN*OUT*OF*THEIR*HOMES*TO*FIND*THEIR*WAY*AS*BEST
THEY*COULD*WITHIN*THE*BRITISH*LINES*OR*INTO*CANADA,*WHERE*THE*BRITISH
GOVERNMENT*GAVE*THEM*LANDS.*SUCH*EXCESSES*WERE*DEPLORED*BY*WASHINGTON,
BUT*THEY*WERE*DEFENDED*ON*THE*GROUND*THAT*IN*EFFECT*A*CIVIL*WAR,*AS*WELL
AS*A*WAR*FOR*INDEPENDENCE,*WAS*BEING*WAGED.

=THE*PATRIOTS*AND*TORIES.=--THUS,*BY*ONE*PROCESS*OR*ANOTHER,*THOSE*WHO
WERE*TO*BE*CITIZENS*OF*THE*NEW*REPUBLIC*WERE*SEPARATED*FROM*THOSE*WHO
PREFERRED*TO*BE*SUBJECTS*OF*KING*GEORGE.*JUST*WHAT*PROPORTION*OF*THE
AMERICANS*FAVORED*INDEPENDENCE*AND*WHAT*SHARE*REMAINED*LOYAL*TO*THE
BRITISH*MONARCHY*THERE*IS*NO*WAY*OF*KNOWING.*THE*QUESTION*OF*REVOLUTION
WAS*NOT*SUBMITTED*TO*POPULAR*VOTE,*AND*ON*THE*POINT*OF*NUMBERS*WE*HAVE
CONFLICTING*EVIDENCE.*ON*THE*PATRIOT*SIDE,*THERE*IS*THE*TESTIMONY*OF*A
CAREFUL*AND*INFORMED*OBSERVER,*JOHN*ADAMS,*WHO*ASSERTED*THAT*TWO-THIRDS
OF*THE*PEOPLE*WERE*FOR*THE*AMERICAN*CAUSE*AND*NOT*MORE*THAN*ONE-THIRD
OPPOSED*THE*REVOLUTION*AT*ALL*STAGES.

ON*BEHALF*OF*THE*LOYALISTS,*OR*TORIES*AS*THEY*WERE*POPULARLY*KNOWN,
EXTRAVAGANT*CLAIMS*WERE*MADE.*JOSEPH*GALLOWAY,*WHO*HAD*BEEN*A*MEMBER*OF
THE*FIRST*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS*AND*HAD*FLED*TO*ENGLAND*WHEN*HE*SAW*ITS
TEMPER,*TESTIFIED*BEFORE*A*COMMITTEE*OF*PARLIAMENT*IN*1779*THAT*NOT
ONE-FIFTH*OF*THE*AMERICAN*PEOPLE*SUPPORTED*THE*INSURRECTION*AND*THAT
"MANY*MORE*THAN*FOUR-FIFTHS*OF*THE*PEOPLE*PREFER*A*UNION*WITH*GREAT
BRITAIN*UPON*CONSTITUTIONAL*PRINCIPLES*TO*INDEPENDENCE."*AT*THE*SAME
TIME*GENERAL*ROBERTSON,*WHO*HAD*LIVED*IN*AMERICA*TWENTY-FOUR*YEARS,
DECLARED*THAT*"MORE*THAN*TWO-THIRDS*OF*THE*PEOPLE*WOULD*PREFER*THE
KING'S*GOVERNMENT*TO*THE*CONGRESS'*TYRANNY."*IN*AN*ADDRESS*TO*THE*KING
IN*THAT*YEAR*A*COMMITTEE*OF*AMERICAN*LOYALISTS*ASSERTED*THAT*"THE*NUMBER
OF*AMERICANS*IN*HIS*MAJESTY'S*ARMY*EXCEEDED*THE*NUMBER*OF*TROOPS
ENLISTED*BY*CONGRESS*TO*OPPOSE*THEM."

=THE*CHARACTER*OF*THE*LOYALISTS.=--WHEN*GENERAL*HOWE*EVACUATED*BOSTON,
MORE*THAN*A*THOUSAND*PEOPLE*FLED*WITH*HIM.*THIS*GREAT*COMPANY,*ACCORDING
TO*A*CAREFUL*HISTORIAN,*"FORMED*THE*ARISTOCRACY*OF*THE*PROVINCE*BY
VIRTUE*OF*THEIR*OFFICIAL*RANK;*OF*THEIR*DIGNIFIED*CALLINGS*AND
PROFESSIONS;*OF*THEIR*HEREDITARY*WEALTH*AND*OF*THEIR*CULTURE."*THE*ACT
OF*BANISHMENT*PASSED*BY*MASSACHUSETTS*IN*1778,*LISTING*OVER*300*TORIES,
"READS*LIKE*THE*SOCIAL*REGISTER*OF*THE*OLDEST*AND*NOBLEST*FAMILIES*OF
NEW*ENGLAND,"*MORE*THAN*ONE*OUT*OF*FIVE*BEING*GRADUATES*OF*HARVARD
COLLEGE.*THE*SAME*WAS*TRUE*OF*NEW*YORK*AND*PHILADELPHIA;*NAMELY,*THAT
THE*LEADING*LOYALISTS*WERE*PROMINENT*OFFICIALS*OF*THE*OLD*ORDER,
CLERGYMEN*AND*WEALTHY*MERCHANTS.*WITH*PASSION*THE*LOYALISTS*FOUGHT
AGAINST*THE*INEVITABLE*OR*WITH*ANGUISH*OF*HEART*THEY*LEFT*AS*REFUGEES
FOR*A*LIFE*OF*UNCERTAINTY*IN*CANADA*OR*THE*MOTHER*COUNTRY.

=TORIES*ASSAIL*THE*PATRIOTS.=--THE*TORIES*WHO*REMAINED*IN*AMERICA*JOINED
THE*BRITISH*ARMY*BY*THE*THOUSANDS*OR*IN*OTHER*WAYS*AIDED*THE*ROYAL
CAUSE.*THOSE*WHO*WERE*SKILLFUL*WITH*THE*PEN*ASSAILED*THE*PATRIOTS*IN
EDITORIALS,*RHYMES,*SATIRES,*AND*POLITICAL*CATECHISMS.*THEY*DECLARED
THAT*THE*MEMBERS*OF*CONGRESS*WERE*"OBSCURE,*PETTIFOGGING*ATTORNEYS,
BANKRUPT*SHOPKEEPERS,*OUTLAWED*SMUGGLERS,*ETC."*THE*PEOPLE*AND*THEIR
LEADERS*THEY*CHARACTERIZED*AS*"WRETCHED*BANDITTI*...*THE*REFUSE*AND
DREGS*OF*MANKIND."*THE*GENERALS*IN*THE*ARMY*THEY*SNEERED*AT*AS*"MEN*OF
RANK*AND*HONOR*NEARLY*ON*A*PAR*WITH*THOSE*OF*THE*CONGRESS."

=PATRIOT*WRITERS*AROUSE*THE*NATIONAL*SPIRIT.=--STUNG*BY*TORY*TAUNTS,
PATRIOT*WRITERS*DEVOTED*THEMSELVES*TO*CREATING*AND*SUSTAINING*A*PUBLIC
OPINION*FAVORABLE*TO*THE*AMERICAN*CAUSE.*MOREOVER,*THEY*HAD*TO*COMBAT
THE*DEPRESSION*THAT*GREW*OUT*OF*THE*MISFORTUNES*IN*THE*EARLY*DAYS*OF*THE
WAR.*A*TERRIBLE*DISASTER*BEFELL*GENERALS*ARNOLD*AND*MONTGOMERY*IN*THE
WINTER*OF*1775*AS*THEY*ATTEMPTED*TO*BRING*CANADA*INTO*THE*REVOLUTION--A
DISASTER*THAT*COST*5000*MEN;*REPEATED*CALAMITIES*HARASSED*WASHINGTON*IN
1776*AS*HE*WAS*DEFEATED*ON*LONG*ISLAND,*DRIVEN*OUT*OF*NEW*YORK*CITY,*AND
BEATEN*AT*HARLEM*HEIGHTS*AND*WHITE*PLAINS.*THESE*REVERSES*WERE*ALMOST
TOO*GREAT*FOR*THE*STOUTEST*PATRIOTS.

PAMPHLETEERS,*PREACHERS,*AND*PUBLICISTS*ROSE,*HOWEVER,*TO*MEET*THE*NEEDS
OF*THE*HOUR.*JOHN*WITHERSPOON,*PROVOST*OF*THE*COLLEGE*OF*NEW*JERSEY,
FORSOOK*THE*CLASSROOM*FOR*THE*FIELD*OF*POLITICAL*CONTROVERSY.*THE*POET,
PHILIP*FRENEAU,*FLUNG*TAUNTS*OF*COWARDICE*AT*THE*TORIES*AND*CELEBRATED
THE*SPIRIT*OF*LIBERTY*IN*MANY*A*STIRRING*POEM.*SONGS,*BALLADS,*PLAYS,
AND*SATIRES*FLOWED*FROM*THE*PRESS*IN*AN*UNENDING*STREAM.*FAST*DAYS,
BATTLE*ANNIVERSARIES,*CELEBRATIONS*OF*IMPORTANT*STEPS*TAKEN*BY*CONGRESS
AFFORDED*TO*PATRIOTIC*CLERGYMEN*ABUNDANT*OPPORTUNITIES*FOR*SERMONS.
"DOES*MR.*WIBERD*PREACH*AGAINST*OPPRESSION?"*ANXIOUSLY*INQUIRED*JOHN
ADAMS*IN*A*LETTER*TO*HIS*WIFE.*THE*ANSWER*WAS*DECISIVE.*"THE*CLERGY*OF
EVERY*DENOMINATION,*NOT*EXCEPTING*THE*EPISCOPALIAN,*THUNDER*AND*LIGHTEN
EVERY*SABBATH.*THEY*PRAY*FOR*BOSTON*AND*MASSACHUSETTS.*THEY*THANK*GOD
MOST*EXPLICITLY*AND*FERVENTLY*FOR*OUR*REMARKABLE*SUCCESSES.*THEY*PRAY
FOR*THE*AMERICAN*ARMY."

THOMAS*PAINE*NEVER*LET*HIS*PEN*REST.*HE*HAD*BEEN*WITH*THE*FORCES*OF
WASHINGTON*WHEN*THEY*RETREATED*FROM*FORT*LEE*AND*WERE*HARRIED*FROM*NEW
JERSEY*INTO*PENNSYLVANIA.*HE*KNEW*THE*EFFECT*OF*SUCH*REVERSES*ON*THE
ARMY*AS*WELL*AS*ON*THE*PUBLIC.*IN*DECEMBER,*1776,*HE*MADE*A*SECOND*GREAT
APPEAL*TO*HIS*COUNTRYMEN*IN*HIS*PAMPHLET,*"THE*CRISIS,"*THE*FIRST*PART
OF*WHICH*HE*HAD*WRITTEN*WHILE*DEFEAT*AND*GLOOM*WERE*ALL*ABOUT*HIM.*THIS
TRACT*WAS*A*CRY*FOR*CONTINUED*SUPPORT*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.*"THESE*ARE*THE
TIMES*THAT*TRY*MEN'S*SOULS,"*HE*OPENED.*"THE*SUMMER*SOLDIER*AND*THE
SUNSHINE*PATRIOT*WILL,*IN*THIS*CRISIS,*SHRINK*FROM*THE*SERVICE*OF*HIS
COUNTRY;*BUT*HE*THAT*STANDS*IT*NOW*DESERVES*THE*LOVE*AND*THANKS*OF*MEN
AND*WOMEN."*PAINE*LAID*HIS*LASH*FIERCELY*ON*THE*TORIES,*BRANDING*EVERY
ONE*AS*A*COWARD*GROUNDED*IN*"SERVILE,*SLAVISH,*SELF-INTERESTED*FEAR."*HE
DEPLORED*THE*INADEQUACY*OF*THE*MILITIA*AND*CALLED*FOR*A*REAL*ARMY.*HE
REFUTED*THE*CHARGE*THAT*THE*RETREAT*THROUGH*NEW*JERSEY*WAS*A*DISASTER
AND*HE*PROMISED*VICTORY*SOON.*"BY*PERSEVERANCE*AND*FORTITUDE,"*HE
CONCLUDED,*"WE*HAVE*THE*PROSPECT*OF*A*GLORIOUS*ISSUE;*BY*COWARDICE*AND
SUBMISSION*THE*SAD*CHOICE*OF*A*VARIETY*OF*EVILS--A*RAVAGED*COUNTRY,*A
DEPOPULATED*CITY,*HABITATIONS*WITHOUT*SAFETY*AND*SLAVERY*WITHOUT
HOPE....*LOOK*ON*THIS*PICTURE*AND*WEEP*OVER*IT."*HIS*RINGING*CALL*TO
ARMS*WAS*FOLLOWED*BY*ANOTHER*AND*ANOTHER*UNTIL*THE*LONG*CONTEST*WAS
OVER.


MILITARY*AFFAIRS

=THE*TWO*PHASES*OF*THE*WAR.=--THE*WAR*WHICH*OPENED*WITH*THE*BATTLE*OF
LEXINGTON,*ON*APRIL*19,*1775,*AND*CLOSED*WITH*THE*SURRENDER*OF
CORNWALLIS*AT*YORKTOWN*ON*OCTOBER*19,*1781,*PASSED*THROUGH*TWO*DISTINCT
PHASES--THE*FIRST*LASTING*UNTIL*THE*TREATY*OF*ALLIANCE*WITH*FRANCE,*IN
1778,*AND*THE*SECOND*UNTIL*THE*END*OF*THE*STRUGGLE.*DURING*THE*FIRST
PHASE,*THE*WAR*WAS*CONFINED*MAINLY*TO*THE*NORTH.*THE*OUTSTANDING
FEATURES*OF*THE*CONTEST*WERE*THE*EVACUATION*OF*BOSTON*BY*THE*BRITISH,
THE*EXPULSION*OF*AMERICAN*FORCES*FROM*NEW*YORK*AND*THEIR*RETREAT*THROUGH
NEW*JERSEY,*THE*BATTLE*OF*TRENTON,*THE*SEIZURE*OF*PHILADELPHIA*BY*THE
BRITISH*(SEPTEMBER,*1777),*THE*INVASION*OF*NEW*YORK*BY*BURGOYNE*AND*HIS
CAPTURE*AT*SARATOGA*IN*OCTOBER,*1777,*AND*THE*ENCAMPMENT*OF*AMERICAN
FORCES*AT*VALLEY*FORGE*FOR*THE*TERRIBLE*WINTER*OF*1777-78.

THE*FINAL*PHASE*OF*THE*WAR,*OPENING*WITH*THE*TREATY*OF*ALLIANCE*WITH
FRANCE*ON*FEBRUARY*6,*1778,*WAS*CONFINED*MAINLY*TO*THE*MIDDLE*STATES,
THE*WEST,*AND*THE*SOUTH.*IN*THE*FIRST*SPHERE*OF*ACTION*THE*CHIEF*EVENTS
WERE*THE*WITHDRAWAL*OF*THE*BRITISH*FROM*PHILADELPHIA,*THE*BATTLE*OF
MONMOUTH,*AND*THE*INCLOSURE*OF*THE*BRITISH*IN*NEW*YORK*BY*DEPLOYING
AMERICAN*FORCES*FROM*MORRISTOWN,*NEW*JERSEY,*UP*TO*WEST*POINT.*IN*THE
WEST,*GEORGE*ROGERS*CLARK,*BY*HIS*FAMOUS*MARCH*INTO*THE*ILLINOIS
COUNTRY,*SECURED*KASKASKIA*AND*VINCENNES*AND*LAID*A*FIRM*GRIP*ON*THE
COUNTRY*BETWEEN*THE*OHIO*AND*THE*GREAT*LAKES.*IN*THE*SOUTH,*THE*SECOND
PERIOD*OPENED*WITH*SUCCESSES*FOR*THE*BRITISH.*THEY*CAPTURED*SAVANNAH,
CONQUERED*GEORGIA,*AND*RESTORED*THE*ROYAL*GOVERNOR.*IN*1780*THEY*SEIZED
CHARLESTON,*ADMINISTERED*A*CRUSHING*DEFEAT*TO*THE*AMERICAN*FORCES*UNDER
GATES*AT*CAMDEN,*AND*OVERRAN*SOUTH*CAROLINA,*THOUGH*MEETING*REVERSES*AT
COWPENS*AND*KING'S*MOUNTAIN.*THEN*CAME*THE*CLOSING*SCENES.*CORNWALLIS
BEGAN*THE*LAST*OF*HIS*OPERATIONS.*HE*PURSUED*GENERAL*GREENE*FAR*INTO
NORTH*CAROLINA,*CLASHED*WITH*HIM*AT*GUILFORD*COURT*HOUSE,*RETIRED*TO*THE
COAST,*TOOK*CHARGE*OF*BRITISH*FORCES*ENGAGED*IN*PLUNDERING*VIRGINIA,*AND
FORTIFIED*YORKTOWN,*WHERE*HE*WAS*PENNED*UP*BY*THE*FRENCH*FLEET*FROM*THE
SEA*AND*THE*COMBINED*FRENCH*AND*AMERICAN*FORCES*ON*LAND.

=THE*GEOGRAPHICAL*ASPECTS*OF*THE*WAR.=--FOR*THE*BRITISH*THE*THEATER*OF
THE*WAR*OFFERED*MANY*PROBLEMS.*FROM*FIRST*TO*LAST*IT*EXTENDED*FROM
MASSACHUSETTS*TO*GEORGIA,*A*DISTANCE*OF*ALMOST*A*THOUSAND*MILES.*IT*WAS
NEARLY*THREE*THOUSAND*MILES*FROM*THE*MAIN*BASE*OF*SUPPLIES*AND,*THOUGH
THE*BRITISH*NAVY*KEPT*THE*CHANNEL*OPEN,*TRANSPORTS*WERE*CONSTANTLY
FALLING*PREY*TO*DARING*PRIVATEERS*AND*FLEET*AMERICAN*WAR*VESSELS.*THE
SEA,*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*OFFERED*AN*EASY*MEANS*OF*TRANSPORTATION*BETWEEN
POINTS*ALONG*THE*COAST*AND*GAVE*READY*ACCESS*TO*THE*AMERICAN*CENTERS*OF
WEALTH*AND*POPULATION.*OF*THIS*THE*BRITISH*MADE*GOOD*USE.*THOUGH*EARLY
FORCED*TO*GIVE*UP*BOSTON,*THEY*SEIZED*NEW*YORK*AND*KEPT*IT*UNTIL*THE*END
OF*THE*WAR;*THEY*TOOK*PHILADELPHIA*AND*RETAINED*IT*UNTIL*THREATENED*BY
THE*APPROACH*OF*THE*FRENCH*FLEET;*AND*THEY*CAPTURED*AND*HELD*BOTH
SAVANNAH*AND*CHARLESTON.*WARS,*HOWEVER,*ARE*SELDOM*WON*BY*THE*CONQUEST
OF*CITIES.

PARTICULARLY*WAS*THIS*TRUE*IN*THE*CASE*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.*ONLY*A*SMALL
PORTION*OF*THE*AMERICAN*PEOPLE*LIVED*IN*TOWNS.*COUNTRYMEN*BACK*FROM*THE
COAST*WERE*IN*NO*WAY*DEPENDENT*UPON*THEM*FOR*A*LIVELIHOOD.*THEY*LIVED*ON
THE*PRODUCE*OF*THE*SOIL,*NOT*UPON*THE*PROFITS*OF*TRADE.*THIS*VERY*FACT
GAVE*STRENGTH*TO*THEM*IN*THE*CONTEST.*WHENEVER*THE*BRITISH*VENTURED*FAR
FROM*THE*PORTS*OF*ENTRY,*THEY*ENCOUNTERED*REVERSES.*BURGOYNE*WAS*FORCED
TO*SURRENDER*AT*SARATOGA*BECAUSE*HE*WAS*SURROUNDED*AND*CUT*OFF*FROM*HIS
BASE*OF*SUPPLIES.*AS*SOON*AS*THE*BRITISH*GOT*AWAY*FROM*CHARLESTON,*THEY
WERE*HARASSED*AND*WORRIED*BY*THE*GUERRILLA*WARRIORS*OF*MARION,*SUMTER,
AND*PICKENS.*CORNWALLIS*COULD*TECHNICALLY*DEFEAT*GREENE*AT*GUILFORD*FAR
IN*THE*INTERIOR;*BUT*HE*COULD*NOT*HOLD*THE*INLAND*REGION*HE*HAD*INVADED.
SUSTAINED*BY*THEIR*OWN*LABOR,*POSSESSING*THE*INTERIOR*TO*WHICH*THEIR
ARMIES*COULD*READILY*RETREAT,*SUPPLIED*MAINLY*FROM*NATIVE*RESOURCES,*THE
AMERICANS*COULD*NOT*BE*HEMMED*IN,*PENNED*UP,*AND*DESTROYED*AT*ONE*FELL
BLOW.

=THE*SEA*POWER.=--THE*BRITISH*MADE*GOOD*USE*OF*THEIR*FLEET*IN*CUTTING
OFF*AMERICAN*TRADE,*BUT*CONTROL*OF*THE*SEA*DID*NOT*SERIOUSLY*AFFECT*THE
UNITED*STATES.*AS*AN*AGRICULTURAL*COUNTRY,*THE*RUIN*OF*ITS*COMMERCE*WAS
NOT*SUCH*A*VITAL*MATTER.*ALL*THE*MATERIALS*FOR*A*COMFORTABLE*THOUGH
SOMEWHAT*RUDE*LIFE*WERE*RIGHT*AT*HAND.*IT*MADE*LITTLE*DIFFERENCE*TO*A
NATION*FIGHTING*FOR*EXISTENCE,*IF*SILKS,*FINE*LINENS,*AND*CHINAWARE*WERE
CUT*OFF.*THIS*WAS*AN*EVIL*TO*WHICH*SUBMISSION*WAS*NECESSARY.

NOR*DID*THE*BRILLIANT*EXPLOITS*OF*JOHN*PAUL*JONES*AND*CAPTAIN*JOHN*BARRY
MATERIALLY*CHANGE*THE*SITUATION.*THEY*DEMONSTRATED*THE*SKILL*OF*AMERICAN
SEAMEN*AND*THEIR*COURAGE*AS*FIGHTING*MEN.*THEY*RAISED*THE*RATES*OF
BRITISH*MARINE*INSURANCE,*BUT*THEY*DID*NOT*DETHRONE*THE*MISTRESS*OF*THE
SEAS.*LESS*SPECTACULAR,*AND*MORE*DISTINCTIVE,*WERE*THE*DEEDS*OF*THE
HUNDREDS*OF*PRIVATEERS*AND*MINOR*CAPTAINS*WHO*OVERHAULED*BRITISH*SUPPLY
SHIPS*AND*KEPT*BRITISH*MERCHANTMEN*IN*CONSTANT*ANXIETY.*NOT*UNTIL*THE
FRENCH*FLEET*WAS*THROWN*INTO*THE*SCALE,*WERE*THE*BRITISH*COMPELLED*TO
RECKON*SERIOUSLY*WITH*THE*ENEMY*ON*THE*SEA*AND*MAKE*PLANS*BASED*UPON*THE
POSSIBILITIES*OF*A*MARITIME*DISASTER.

=COMMANDING*OFFICERS.=--ON*THE*SCORE*OF*MILITARY*LEADERSHIP*IT*IS
DIFFICULT*TO*COMPARE*THE*CONTENDING*FORCES*IN*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*CONTEST.
THERE*IS*NO*DOUBT*THAT*ALL*THE*BRITISH*COMMANDERS*WERE*MEN*OF*EXPERIENCE
IN*THE*ART*OF*WARFARE.*SIR*WILLIAM*HOWE*HAD*SERVED*IN*AMERICA*DURING*THE
FRENCH*WAR*AND*WAS*ACCOUNTED*AN*EXCELLENT*OFFICER,*A*STRICT
DISCIPLINARIAN,*AND*A*GALLANT*GENTLEMAN.*NEVERTHELESS*HE*LOVED*EASE,
SOCIETY,*AND*GOOD*LIVING,*AND*HIS*EXPULSION*FROM*BOSTON,*HIS*FAILURE*TO
OVERWHELM*WASHINGTON*BY*SALLIES*FROM*HIS*COMFORTABLE*BASES*AT*NEW*YORK
AND*PHILADELPHIA,*DESTROYED*EVERY*SHRED*OF*HIS*MILITARY*REPUTATION.*JOHN
BURGOYNE,*TO*WHOM*WAS*GIVEN*THE*TASK*OF*PENETRATING*NEW*YORK*FROM
CANADA,*HAD*LIKEWISE*SEEN*SERVICE*IN*THE*FRENCH*WAR*BOTH*IN*AMERICA*AND
EUROPE.*HE*HAD,*HOWEVER,*A*TOUCH*OF*THE*THEATRICAL*IN*HIS*NATURE*AND
AFTER*THE*COLLAPSE*OF*HIS*PLANS*AND*THE*SURRENDER*OF*HIS*ARMY*IN*1777,
HE*DEVOTED*HIS*TIME*MAINLY*TO*LIGHT*LITERATURE.*SIR*HENRY*CLINTON,*WHO
DIRECTED*THE*MOVEMENT*WHICH*ENDED*IN*THE*CAPTURE*OF*CHARLESTON*IN*1780,
HAD*"LEARNED*HIS*TRADE*ON*THE*CONTINENT,"*AND*WAS*REGARDED*AS*A*MAN*OF
DISCRETION*AND*UNDERSTANDING*IN*MILITARY*MATTERS.*LORD*CORNWALLIS,*WHOSE
ACHIEVEMENTS*AT*CAMDEN*AND*GUILFORD*WERE*BLOTTED*OUT*BY*HIS*SURRENDER*AT
YORKTOWN,*HAD*SEEN*SERVICE*IN*THE*SEVEN*YEARS'*WAR*AND*HAD*UNDOUBTED
TALENTS*WHICH*HE*AFTERWARD*DISPLAYED*WITH*GREAT*CREDIT*TO*HIMSELF*IN
INDIA.*THOUGH*NONE*OF*THEM,*PERHAPS,*WERE*MEN*OF*FIRST-RATE*ABILITY,
THEY*ALL*HAD*TRAINING*AND*EXPERIENCE*TO*GUIDE*THEM.

[ILLUSTRATION:*GEORGE*WASHINGTON]

THE*AMERICANS*HAD*A*HOST*IN*WASHINGTON*HIMSELF.*HE*HAD*LONG*BEEN
INTERESTED*IN*MILITARY*STRATEGY*AND*HAD*TESTED*HIS*COOLNESS*UNDER*FIRE
DURING*THE*FIRST*CLASHES*WITH*THE*FRENCH*NEARLY*TWENTY*YEARS*BEFORE.*HE
HAD*NO*DOUBTS*ABOUT*THE*JUSTICE*OF*HIS*CAUSE,*SUCH*AS*PLAGUED*SOME*OF
THE*BRITISH*GENERALS.*HE*WAS*A*STERN*BUT*REASONABLE*DISCIPLINARIAN.*HE
WAS*RESERVED*AND*PATIENT,*LITTLE*GIVEN*TO*EXALTATION*AT*SUCCESS*OR
DEPRESSION*AT*REVERSES.*IN*THE*DARK*HOUR*OF*THE*REVOLUTION,*"WHAT*HELD
THE*PATRIOT*FORCES*TOGETHER?"*ASKS*BEVERIDGE*IN*HIS*_LIFE*OF*JOHN
MARSHALL_.*THEN*HE*ANSWERS:*"GEORGE*WASHINGTON*AND*HE*ALONE.*HAD*HE
DIED*OR*BEEN*SERIOUSLY*DISABLED,*THE*REVOLUTION*WOULD*HAVE*ENDED....
WASHINGTON*WAS*THE*SOUL*OF*THE*AMERICAN*CAUSE.*WASHINGTON*WAS*THE
GOVERNMENT.*WASHINGTON*WAS*THE*REVOLUTION."*THE*WEAKNESS*OF*CONGRESS*IN
FURNISHING*MEN*AND*SUPPLIES,*THE*INDOLENCE*OF*CIVILIANS,*WHO*LIVED*AT
EASE*WHILE*THE*ARMY*STARVED,*THE*INTRIGUES*OF*ARMY*OFFICERS*AGAINST*HIM
SUCH*AS*THE*"CONWAY*CABAL,"*THE*COWARDICE*OF*LEE*AT*MONMOUTH,*EVEN*THE
TREASON*OF*BENEDICT*ARNOLD,*WHILE*THEY*STIRRED*DEEP*EMOTIONS*IN*HIS
BREAST*AND*AROUSED*HIM*TO*MAKE*PASSIONATE*PLEAS*TO*HIS*COUNTRYMEN,*DID
NOT*SHAKE*HIS*IRON*WILL*OR*HIS*FIRM*DETERMINATION*TO*SEE*THE*WAR*THROUGH
TO*THE*BITTER*END.*THE*WEIGHT*OF*WASHINGTON'S*MORAL*FORCE*WAS
IMMEASURABLE.

OF*THE*GENERALS*WHO*SERVED*UNDER*HIM,*NONE*CAN*REALLY*BE*SAID*TO*HAVE
BEEN*EXPERIENCED*MILITARY*MEN*WHEN*THE*WAR*OPENED.*BENEDICT*ARNOLD,*THE
UNHAPPY*TRAITOR*BUT*BRAVE*AND*DARING*SOLDIER,*WAS*A*DRUGGIST,*BOOK
SELLER,*AND*SHIP*OWNER*AT*NEW*HAVEN*WHEN*THE*NEWS*OF*LEXINGTON*CALLED
HIM*TO*BATTLE.*HORATIO*GATES*WAS*LOOKED*UPON*AS*A*"SEASONED*SOLDIER"
BECAUSE*HE*HAD*ENTERED*THE*BRITISH*ARMY*AS*A*YOUTH,*HAD*BEEN*WOUNDED*AT
BRADDOCK'S*MEMORABLE*DEFEAT,*AND*HAD*SERVED*WITH*CREDIT*DURING*THE*SEVEN
YEARS'*WAR;*BUT*HE*WAS*THE*MOST*CONSPICUOUS*FAILURE*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.
THE*TRIUMPH*OVER*BURGOYNE*WAS*THE*WORK*OF*OTHER*MEN;*AND*HIS*CRUSHING
DEFEAT*AT*CAMDEN*PUT*AN*END*TO*HIS*MILITARY*PRETENSIONS.*NATHANAEL
GREENE*WAS*A*RHODE*ISLAND*FARMER*AND*SMITH*WITHOUT*MILITARY*EXPERIENCE
WHO,*WHEN*CONVINCED*THAT*WAR*WAS*COMING,*READ*CAESAR'S*_COMMENTARIES_*AND
TOOK*UP*THE*SWORD.*FRANCIS*MARION*WAS*A*SHY*AND*MODEST*PLANTER*OF*SOUTH
CAROLINA*WHOSE*SOLE*PASSAGE*AT*ARMS*HAD*BEEN*A*BRIEF*BUT*DESPERATE*BRUSH
WITH*THE*INDIANS*TEN*OR*TWELVE*YEARS*EARLIER.*DANIEL*MORGAN,*ONE*OF*THE
HEROES*OF*COWPENS,*HAD*BEEN*A*TEAMSTER*WITH*BRADDOCK'S*ARMY*AND*HAD*SEEN
SOME*FIGHTING*DURING*THE*FRENCH*AND*INDIAN*WAR,*BUT*HIS*MILITARY
KNOWLEDGE,*FROM*THE*POINT*OF*VIEW*OF*A*TRAINED*BRITISH*OFFICER,*WAS
NEGLIGIBLE.*JOHN*SULLIVAN*WAS*A*SUCCESSFUL*LAWYER*AT*DURHAM,*NEW
HAMPSHIRE,*AND*A*MAJOR*IN*THE*LOCAL*MILITIA*WHEN*DUTY*SUMMONED*HIM*TO
LAY*DOWN*HIS*BRIEFS*AND*TAKE*UP*THE*SWORD.*ANTHONY*WAYNE*WAS*A
PENNSYLVANIA*FARMER*AND*LAND*SURVEYOR*WHO,*ON*HEARING*THE*CLASH*OF*ARMS,
READ*A*FEW*BOOKS*ON*WAR,*RAISED*A*REGIMENT,*AND*OFFERED*HIMSELF*FOR
SERVICE.*SUCH*IS*THE*STORY*OF*THE*CHIEF*AMERICAN*MILITARY*LEADERS,*AND
IT*IS*TYPICAL*OF*THEM*ALL.*SOME*HAD*SEEN*FIGHTING*WITH*THE*FRENCH*AND
INDIANS,*BUT*NONE*OF*THEM*HAD*SEEN*WARFARE*ON*A*LARGE*SCALE*WITH*REGULAR
TROOPS*COMMANDED*ACCORDING*TO*THE*STRATEGY*EVOLVED*IN*EUROPEAN
EXPERIENCE.*COURAGE,*NATIVE*ABILITY,*QUICKNESS*OF*MIND,*AND*KNOWLEDGE*OF
THE*COUNTRY*THEY*HAD*IN*ABUNDANCE,*AND*IN*BATTLES*SUCH*AS*WERE*FOUGHT
DURING*THE*REVOLUTION*ALL*THOSE*QUALITIES*COUNTED*HEAVILY*IN*THE
BALANCE.

=FOREIGN*OFFICERS*IN*AMERICAN*SERVICE.=--TO*NATIVE*GENIUS*WAS*ADDED
MILITARY*TALENT*FROM*BEYOND*THE*SEAS.*BARON*STEUBEN,*WELL*SCHOOLED*IN
THE*IRON*REGIME*OF*FREDERICK*THE*GREAT,*CAME*OVER*FROM*PRUSSIA,*JOINED
WASHINGTON*AT*VALLEY*FORGE,*AND*DAY*AFTER*DAY*DRILLED*AND*MANOEUVERED*THE
MEN,*LAUGHING*AND*CURSING*AS*HE*TURNED*RAW*COUNTRYMEN*INTO*REGULAR
SOLDIERS.*FROM*FRANCE*CAME*YOUNG*LAFAYETTE*AND*THE*STERN*DE*KALB,*FROM
POLAND*CAME*PULASKI*AND*KOSCIUSKO;--ALL*ACQUAINTED*WITH*THE*ARTS*OF*WAR
AS*WAGED*IN*EUROPE*AND*FITTED*FOR*LEADERSHIP*AS*WELL*AS*TEACHING.
LAFAYETTE*CAME*EARLY,*IN*1776,*IN*A*SHIP*OF*HIS*OWN,*ACCOMPANIED*BY
SEVERAL*OFFICERS*OF*WIDE*EXPERIENCE,*AND*REMAINED*LOYALLY*THROUGHOUT*THE
WAR*SHARING*THE*HARDSHIPS*OF*AMERICAN*ARMY*LIFE.*PULASKI*FELL*AT*THE
SIEGE*OF*SAVANNAH*AND*DE*KALB*AT*CAMDEN.*KOSCIUSKO*SURVIVED*THE*AMERICAN
WAR*TO*DEFEND*IN*VAIN*THE*INDEPENDENCE*OF*HIS*NATIVE*LAND.*TO*THESE
DISTINGUISHED*FOREIGNERS,*WHO*FREELY*THREW*IN*THEIR*LOT*WITH*AMERICAN
REVOLUTIONARY*FORTUNES,*WAS*DUE*MUCH*OF*THAT*SPIRIT*AND*DISCIPLINE*WHICH
FITTED*RAW*RECRUITS*AND*TEMPERAMENTAL*MILITIAMEN*TO*COPE*WITH*A*MILITARY
POWER*OF*THE*FIRST*RANK.

=THE*SOLDIERS.=--AS*FAR*AS*THE*BRITISH*SOLDIERS*WERE*CONCERNED*THEIR
ANNALS*ARE*SHORT*AND*SIMPLE.*THE*REGULARS*FROM*THE*STANDING*ARMY*WHO
WERE*SENT*OVER*AT*THE*OPENING*OF*THE*CONTEST,*THE*RECRUITS*DRUMMED*UP
BY*SPECIAL*EFFORTS*AT*HOME,*AND*THE*THOUSANDS*OF*HESSIANS*BOUGHT
OUTRIGHT*BY*KING*GEORGE*PRESENTED*FEW*PROBLEMS*OF*MANAGEMENT*TO*THE
BRITISH*OFFICERS.*THESE*COMMON*SOLDIERS*WERE*FAR*AWAY*FROM*HOME*AND
ENLISTED*FOR*THE*WAR.*NEARLY*ALL*OF*THEM*WERE*WELL*DISCIPLINED*AND*MANY
OF*THEM*EXPERIENCED*IN*ACTUAL*CAMPAIGNS.*THE*ARMIES*OF*KING*GEORGE
FOUGHT*BRAVELY,*AS*THE*RECORDS*OF*BUNKER*HILL,*BRANDYWINE,*AND*MONMOUTH
DEMONSTRATE.*MANY*A*MAN*AND*SUBORDINATE*OFFICER*AND,*FOR*THAT*MATTER,
SOME*OF*THE*HIGH*OFFICERS*EXPRESSED*A*RELUCTANCE*AT*FIGHTING*AGAINST
THEIR*OWN*KIN;*BUT*THEY*OBEYED*ORDERS.

THE*AMERICANS,*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*WHILE*THEY*FOUGHT*WITH*GRIM
DETERMINATION,*AS*MEN*FIGHTING*FOR*THEIR*HOMES,*WERE*LACKING*IN
DISCIPLINE*AND*IN*THE*EXPERIENCE*OF*REGULAR*TROOPS.*WHEN*THE*WAR*BROKE
IN*UPON*THEM,*THERE*WERE*NO*COMMON*PREPARATIONS*FOR*IT.*THERE*WAS*NO
CONTINENTAL*ARMY;*THERE*WERE*ONLY*LOCAL*BANDS*OF*MILITIAMEN,*MANY*OF
THEM*EXPERIENCED*IN*FIGHTING*BUT*FEW*OF*THEM*"REGULARS"*IN*THE*MILITARY
SENSE.*MOREOVER*THEY*WERE*VOLUNTEERS*SERVING*FOR*A*SHORT*TIME,
UNACCUSTOMED*TO*SEVERE*DISCIPLINE,*AND*IMPATIENT*AT*THE*RESTRAINTS
IMPOSED*ON*THEM*BY*LONG*AND*ARDUOUS*CAMPAIGNS.*THEY*WERE*CONTINUALLY
LEAVING*THE*SERVICE*JUST*AT*THE*MOST*CRITICAL*MOMENTS.*"THE*MILITIA,"
LAMENTED*WASHINGTON,*"COME*IN,*YOU*CANNOT*TELL*HOW;*GO,*YOU*CANNOT*TELL
WHERE;*CONSUME*YOUR*PROVISIONS;*EXHAUST*YOUR*STORES;*AND*LEAVE*YOU*AT
LAST*AT*A*CRITICAL*MOMENT."

AGAIN*AND*AGAIN*WASHINGTON*BEGGED*CONGRESS*TO*PROVIDE*FOR*AN*ARMY*OF
REGULARS*ENLISTED*FOR*THE*WAR,*THOROUGHLY*TRAINED*AND*PAID*ACCORDING*TO
SOME*DEFINITE*PLAN.*AT*LAST*HE*WAS*ABLE*TO*OVERCOME,*IN*PART*AT*LEAST,
THE*CHRONIC*FEAR*OF*CIVILIANS*IN*CONGRESS*AND*TO*WRING*FROM*THAT
RELUCTANT*BODY*AN*AGREEMENT*TO*GRANT*HALF*PAY*TO*ALL*OFFICERS*AND*A
BONUS*TO*ALL*PRIVATES*WHO*SERVED*UNTIL*THE*END*OF*THE*WAR.*EVEN*THIS
SCHEME,*WHICH*WASHINGTON*REGARDED*AS*FAR*SHORT*OF*JUSTICE*TO*THE
SOLDIERS,*DID*NOT*PRODUCE*QUICK*RESULTS.*IT*WAS*NEAR*THE*CLOSE*OF*THE
CONFLICT*BEFORE*HE*HAD*AN*ARMY*OF*WELL-DISCIPLINED*VETERANS*CAPABLE*OF
MEETING*BRITISH*REGULARS*ON*EQUAL*TERMS.

THOUGH*THERE*WERE*TIMES*WHEN*MILITIAMEN*AND*FRONTIERSMEN*DID*VALIANT*AND
EFFECTIVE*WORK,*IT*IS*DUE*TO*HISTORICAL*ACCURACY*TO*DENY*THE
TIME-HONORED*TRADITION*THAT*A*FEW*MINUTEMEN*OVERWHELMED*MORE*NUMEROUS
FORCES*OF*REGULARS*IN*A*SEVEN*YEARS'*WAR*FOR*INDEPENDENCE.*THEY*DID
NOTHING*OF*THE*SORT.*FOR*THE*VICTORIES*OF*BENNINGTON,*TRENTON,*SARATOGA,
AND*YORKTOWN*THERE*WERE*THE*DEFEATS*OF*BUNKER*HILL,*LONG*ISLAND,*WHITE
PLAINS,*GERMANTOWN,*AND*CAMDEN.*NOT*ONCE*DID*AN*ARMY*OF*MILITIAMEN
OVERCOME*AN*EQUAL*NUMBER*OF*BRITISH*REGULARS*IN*AN*OPEN*TRIAL*BY*BATTLE.
"TO*BRING*MEN*TO*BE*WELL*ACQUAINTED*WITH*THE*DUTIES*OF*A*SOLDIER,"*WROTE
WASHINGTON,*"REQUIRES*TIME....*TO*EXPECT*THE*SAME*SERVICE*FROM*RAW*AND
UNDISCIPLINED*RECRUITS*AS*FROM*VETERAN*SOLDIERS*IS*TO*EXPECT*WHAT*NEVER
DID*AND*PERHAPS*NEVER*WILL*HAPPEN."

=HOW*THE*WAR*WAS*WON.=--THEN*HOW*DID*THE*AMERICAN*ARMY*WIN*THE*WAR?*FOR
ONE*THING*THERE*WERE*DELAYS*AND*BLUNDERS*ON*THE*PART*OF*THE*BRITISH
GENERALS*WHO,*IN*1775*AND*1776,*DALLIED*IN*BOSTON*AND*NEW*YORK*WITH
LARGE*BODIES*OF*REGULAR*TROOPS*WHEN*THEY*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*DEALING
PARALYZING*BLOWS*AT*THE*SCATTERED*BANDS*THAT*CONSTITUTED*THE*AMERICAN
ARMY.*"NOTHING*BUT*THE*SUPINENESS*OR*FOLLY*OF*THE*ENEMY*COULD*HAVE*SAVED
US,"*SOLEMNLY*AVERRED*WASHINGTON*IN*1780.*STILL*IT*IS*FAIR*TO*SAY*THAT
THIS*APPARENT*SUPINENESS*WAS*NOT*ALL*DUE*TO*THE*BRITISH*GENERALS.*THE
MINISTERS*BEHIND*THEM*BELIEVED*THAT*A*LARGE*PART*OF*THE*COLONISTS*WERE
LOYAL*AND*THAT*COMPROMISE*WOULD*BE*PROMOTED*BY*INACTION*RATHER*THAN*BY*A
WAR*VIGOROUSLY*PROSECUTED.*VICTORY*BY*MASTERLY*INACTIVITY*WAS*OBVIOUSLY
BETTER*THAN*CONQUEST,*AND*THE*SLIGHTER*THE*WOUNDS*THE*QUICKER*THE
HEALING.*LATER*IN*THE*CONFLICT*WHEN*THE*SEASONED*FORCES*OF*FRANCE*WERE
THROWN*INTO*THE*SCALE,*THE*AMERICANS*THEMSELVES*HAD*LEARNED*MANY*THINGS
ABOUT*THE*PRACTICAL*CONDUCT*OF*CAMPAIGNS.*ALL*ALONG,*THE*BRITISH*WERE
EMBARRASSED*BY*THE*PROBLEM*OF*SUPPLIES.*THEIR*TROOPS*COULD*NOT*FORAGE
WITH*THE*SKILL*OF*MILITIAMEN,*AS*THEY*WERE*IN*UNFAMILIAR*TERRITORY.*THE
LONG*OVERSEA*VOYAGES*WERE*UNCERTAIN*AT*BEST*AND*DOUBLY*SO*WHEN*THE
WARSHIPS*OF*FRANCE*JOINED*THE*AMERICAN*PRIVATEERS*IN*PREYING*ON*SUPPLY
BOATS.

THE*BRITISH*WERE*IN*FACT*BATTERED*AND*WORN*DOWN*BY*A*GUERRILLA*WAR*AND
OUTDONE*ON*TWO*IMPORTANT*OCCASIONS*BY*SUPERIOR*FORCES--AT*SARATOGA*AND
YORKTOWN.*STERN*FACTS*CONVINCED*THEM*FINALLY*THAT*AN*IMMENSE*ARMY,*WHICH
COULD*BE*RAISED*ONLY*BY*A*SUPREME*EFFORT,*WOULD*BE*NECESSARY*TO*SUBDUE
THE*COLONIES*IF*THAT*HAZARDOUS*ENTERPRISE*COULD*BE*ACCOMPLISHED*AT*ALL.
THEY*LEARNED*ALSO*THAT*AMERICA*WOULD*THEN*BE*ALIENATED,*FRETFUL,*AND*THE
SCENE*OF*ENDLESS*UPRISINGS*CALLING*FOR*AN*ARMY*OF*OCCUPATION.*THAT*WAS*A
PRICE*WHICH*STAGGERED*EVEN*LORD*NORTH*AND*GEORGE*III.*MOREOVER,*THERE
WERE*FORCES*OF*OPPOSITION*AT*HOME*WITH*WHICH*THEY*HAD*TO*RECKON.

=WOMEN*AND*THE*WAR.=--AT*NO*TIME*WERE*THE*WOMEN*OF*AMERICA*INDIFFERENT
TO*THE*STRUGGLE*FOR*INDEPENDENCE.*WHEN*IT*WAS*CONFINED*TO*THE*REALM*OF
OPINION*THEY*DID*THEIR*PART*IN*CREATING*PUBLIC*SENTIMENT.*MRS.*ELIZABETH
TIMOTHEE,*FOR*EXAMPLE,*FOUNDED*IN*CHARLESTON,*IN*1773,*A*NEWSPAPER*TO
ESPOUSE*THE*CAUSE*OF*THE*PROVINCE.*FAR*TO*THE*NORTH*THE*SISTER*OF*JAMES
OTIS,*MRS.*MERCY*WARREN,*EARLY*BEGGED*HER*COUNTRYMEN*TO*REST*THEIR*CASE
UPON*THEIR*NATURAL*RIGHTS,*AND*IN*INFLUENTIAL*CIRCLES*SHE*URGED*THE
LEADERS*TO*STAND*FAST*BY*THEIR*PRINCIPLES.*WHILE*JOHN*ADAMS*WAS*TOSSING
ABOUT*WITH*UNCERTAINTY*AT*THE*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS,*HIS*WIFE*WAS*WRITING
LETTERS*TO*HIM*DECLARING*HER*FAITH*IN*"INDEPENDENCY."

WHEN*THE*WAR*CAME*DOWN*UPON*THE*COUNTRY,*WOMEN*HELPED*IN*EVERY*FIELD.*IN
SUSTAINING*PUBLIC*SENTIMENT*THEY*WERE*ACTIVE.*MRS.*WARREN*WITH*A
TIRELESS*PEN*COMBATTED*LOYALIST*PROPAGANDA*IN*MANY*A*DRAMA*AND*SATIRE.
ALMOST*EVERY*REVOLUTIONARY*LEADER*HAD*A*WIFE*OR*DAUGHTER*WHO*RENDERED
SERVICE*IN*THE*"SECOND*LINE*OF*DEFENSE."*MRS.*WASHINGTON*MANAGED*THE
PLANTATION*WHILE*THE*GENERAL*WAS*AT*THE*FRONT*AND*WENT*NORTH*TO*FACE*THE
RIGORS*OF*THE*AWFUL*WINTER*AT*VALLEY*FORGE--AN*INSPIRATION*TO*HER
HUSBAND*AND*HIS*MEN.*THE*DAUGHTER*OF*BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN,*MRS.*SARAH
BACHE,*WHILE*HER*FATHER*WAS*PLEADING*THE*AMERICAN*CAUSE*IN*FRANCE,*SET
THE*WOMEN*OF*PENNSYLVANIA*TO*WORK*SEWING*AND*COLLECTING*SUPPLIES.*EVEN
NEAR*THE*FIRING*LINE*WOMEN*WERE*TO*BE*FOUND,*AIDING*THE*WOUNDED,*HAULING
POWDER*TO*THE*FRONT,*AND*CARRYING*DISPATCHES*AT*THE*PERIL*OF*THEIR
LIVES.

IN*THE*ECONOMIC*SPHERE,*THE*WORK*OF*WOMEN*WAS*INVALUABLE.*THEY*HARVESTED
CROPS*WITHOUT*ENJOYING*THE*PICTURESQUE*TITLE*OF*"FARMERETTES"*AND*THEY
CANNED*AND*PRESERVED*FOR*THE*WOUNDED*AND*THE*PRISONERS*OF*WAR.*OF*THEIR
LABOR*IN*SPINNING*AND*WEAVING*IT*IS*RECORDED:*"IMMEDIATELY*ON*BEING*CUT
OFF*FROM*THE*USE*OF*ENGLISH*MANUFACTURES,*THE*WOMEN*ENGAGED*WITHIN*THEIR
OWN*FAMILIES*IN*MANUFACTURING*VARIOUS*KINDS*OF*CLOTH*FOR*DOMESTIC*USE.
THEY*THUS*KEPT*THEIR*HOUSEHOLDS*DECENTLY*CLAD*AND*THE*SURPLUS*OF*THEIR
LABORS*THEY*SOLD*TO*SUCH*AS*CHOSE*TO*BUY*RATHER*THAN*MAKE*FOR
THEMSELVES.*IN*THIS*WAY*THE*FEMALE*PART*OF*FAMILIES*BY*THEIR*INDUSTRY
AND*STRICT*ECONOMY*FREQUENTLY*SUPPORTED*THE*WHOLE*DOMESTIC*CIRCLE,
EVINCING*THE*STRENGTH*OF*THEIR*ATTACHMENT*AND*THE*VALUE*OF*THEIR
SERVICE."

FOR*THEIR*WAR*WORK,*WOMEN*WERE*COMMENDED*BY*HIGH*AUTHORITIES*ON*MORE
THAN*ONE*OCCASION.*THEY*WERE*GIVEN*MEDALS*AND*PUBLIC*TESTIMONIALS*EVEN
AS*IN*OUR*OWN*DAY.*WASHINGTON*THANKED*THEM*FOR*THEIR*LABORS*AND*PAID
TRIBUTE*TO*THEM*FOR*THE*INSPIRATION*AND*MATERIAL*AID*WHICH*THEY*HAD
GIVEN*TO*THE*CAUSE*OF*INDEPENDENCE.


THE*FINANCES*OF*THE*REVOLUTION

WHEN*THE*REVOLUTION*OPENED,*THERE*WERE*THIRTEEN*LITTLE*TREASURIES*IN
AMERICA*BUT*NO*COMMON*TREASURY,*AND*FROM*FIRST*TO*LAST*THE*CONGRESS*WAS
IN*THE*POSITION*OF*A*BEGGAR*RATHER*THAN*A*SOVEREIGN.*HAVING*NO*AUTHORITY
TO*LAY*AND*COLLECT*TAXES*DIRECTLY*AND*KNOWING*THE*HATRED*OF*THE
PROVINCIALS*FOR*TAXATION,*IT*RESORTED*MAINLY*TO*LOANS*AND*PAPER*MONEY*TO
FINANCE*THE*WAR.*"DO*YOU*THINK,"*BOLDLY*INQUIRED*ONE*OF*THE*DELEGATES,
"THAT*I*WILL*CONSENT*TO*LOAD*MY*CONSTITUENTS*WITH*TAXES*WHEN*WE*CAN*SEND
TO*THE*PRINTER*AND*GET*A*WAGON*LOAD*OF*MONEY,*ONE*QUIRE*OF*WHICH*WILL
PAY*FOR*THE*WHOLE?"

=PAPER*MONEY*AND*LOANS.=--ACTING*ON*THIS*CURIOUS*BUT*APPEALING*POLITICAL
ECONOMY,*CONGRESS*ISSUED*IN*JUNE,*1776,*TWO*MILLION*DOLLARS*IN*BILLS*OF
CREDIT*TO*BE*REDEEMED*BY*THE*STATES*ON*THE*BASIS*OF*THEIR*RESPECTIVE
POPULATIONS.*OTHER*ISSUES*FOLLOWED*IN*QUICK*SUCCESSION.*IN*ALL*ABOUT
$241,000,000*OF*CONTINENTAL*PAPER*WAS*PRINTED,*TO*WHICH*THE*SEVERAL
STATES*ADDED*NEARLY*$210,000,000*OF*THEIR*OWN*NOTES.*THEN*CAME
INTEREST-BEARING*BONDS*IN*EVER*INCREASING*QUANTITIES.*SEVERAL*MILLIONS
WERE*ALSO*BORROWED*FROM*FRANCE*AND*SMALL*SUMS*FROM*HOLLAND*AND*SPAIN.*IN
DESPERATION*A*NATIONAL*LOTTERY*WAS*HELD,*PRODUCING*MEAGER*RESULTS.*THE
PROPERTY*OF*TORIES*WAS*CONFISCATED*AND*SOLD,*BRINGING*IN*ABOUT
$16,000,000.*BEGGING*LETTERS*WERE*SENT*TO*THE*STATES*ASKING*THEM*TO
RAISE*REVENUES*FOR*THE*CONTINENTAL*TREASURY,*BUT*THE*STATES,*BURDENED
WITH*THEIR*OWN*AFFAIRS,*GAVE*LITTLE*HEED.

=INFLATION*AND*DEPRECIATION.=--AS*PAPER*MONEY*FLOWED*FROM*THE*PRESS,*IT
RAPIDLY*DECLINED*IN*PURCHASING*POWER*UNTIL*IN*1779*A*DOLLAR*WAS*WORTH
ONLY*TWO*OR*THREE*CENTS*IN*GOLD*OR*SILVER.*ATTEMPTS*WERE*MADE*BY
CONGRESS*AND*THE*STATES*TO*COMPEL*PEOPLE*TO*ACCEPT*THE*NOTES*AT*FACE
VALUE;*BUT*THESE*WERE*LIKE*ATTEMPTS*TO*MAKE*WATER*FLOW*UPHILL.
SPECULATORS*COLLECTED*AT*ONCE*TO*FATTEN*ON*THE*CALAMITIES*OF*THE
REPUBLIC.*FORTUNES*WERE*MADE*AND*LOST*GAMBLING*ON*THE*PRICES*OF*PUBLIC
SECURITIES*WHILE*THE*PATRIOT*ARMY,*HALF*CLOTHED,*WAS*FREEZING*AT*VALLEY
FORGE.*"SPECULATION,*PECULATION,*ENGROSSING,*FORESTALLING,"*EXCLAIMED
WASHINGTON,*"AFFORD*TOO*MANY*MELANCHOLY*PROOFS*OF*THE*DECAY*OF*PUBLIC
VIRTUE.*NOTHING,*I*AM*CONVINCED,*BUT*THE*DEPRECIATION*OF*OUR*CURRENCY
...*AIDED*BY*STOCK*JOBBING*AND*PARTY*DISSENSIONS*HAS*FED*THE*HOPES*OF
THE*ENEMY."

=THE*PATRIOT*FINANCIERS.=--TO*THE*EFFORTS*OF*CONGRESS*IN*FINANCING*THE
WAR*WERE*ADDED*THE*LABORS*OF*PRIVATE*CITIZENS.*HAYN*SOLOMON,*A*MERCHANT
OF*PHILADELPHIA,*SUPPLIED*MEMBERS*OF*CONGRESS,*INCLUDING*MADISON,
JEFFERSON,*AND*MONROE,*AND*ARMY*OFFICERS,*LIKE*LEE*AND*STEUBEN,*WITH
MONEY*FOR*THEIR*DAILY*NEEDS.*ALL*TOGETHER*HE*CONTRIBUTED*THE*HUGE*SUM*OF
HALF*A*MILLION*DOLLARS*TO*THE*AMERICAN*CAUSE*AND*DIED*BROKEN*IN*PURSE,
IF*NOT*IN*SPIRIT,*A*BRITISH*PRISONER*OF*WAR.*ANOTHER*PHILADELPHIA
MERCHANT,*ROBERT*MORRIS,*WON*FOR*HIMSELF*THE*NAME*OF*THE*"PATRIOT
FINANCIER"*BECAUSE*HE*LABORED*NIGHT*AND*DAY*TO*FIND*THE*MONEY*TO*MEET
THE*BILLS*WHICH*POURED*IN*UPON*THE*BANKRUPT*GOVERNMENT.*WHEN*HIS*OWN
FUNDS*WERE*EXHAUSTED,*HE*BORROWED*FROM*HIS*FRIENDS.*EXPERIENCED*IN*THE
HANDLING*OF*MERCHANDISE,*HE*CREATED*AGENCIES*AT*IMPORTANT*POINTS*TO
DISTRIBUTE*SUPPLIES*TO*THE*TROOPS,*THUS*DISPLAYING*ADMINISTRATIVE*AS
WELL*AS*FINANCIAL*TALENTS.

[ILLUSTRATION:*ROBERT*MORRIS]

WOMEN*ORGANIZED*"DRIVES"*FOR*MONEY,*CONTRIBUTED*THEIR*PLATE*AND*THEIR
JEWELS,*AND*COLLECTED*FROM*DOOR*TO*DOOR.*FARMERS*TOOK*WORTHLESS*PAPER*IN
RETURN*FOR*THEIR*PRODUCE,*AND*SOLDIERS*SAW*MANY*A*PAY*DAY*PASS*WITHOUT
YIELDING*THEM*A*PENNY.*THUS*BY*THE*LABORS*AND*SACRIFICES*OF*CITIZENS,
THE*ISSUANCE*OF*PAPER*MONEY,*LOTTERIES,*THE*FLOATING*OF*LOANS,
BORROWINGS*IN*EUROPE,*AND*THE*IMPRESSMENT*OF*SUPPLIES,*THE*CONGRESS
STAGGERED*THROUGH*THE*REVOLUTION*LIKE*A*PAUPER*WHO*KNOWS*NOT*HOW*HIS
NEXT*MEAL*IS*TO*BE*SECURED*BUT*IS*CONTINUOUSLY*RELIEVED*AT*A*CRISIS*BY*A
KINDLY*FATE.


THE*DIPLOMACY*OF*THE*REVOLUTION

WHEN*THE*FULL*MEASURE*OF*HONOR*IS*GIVEN*TO*THE*SOLDIERS*AND*SAILORS*AND
THEIR*COMMANDING*OFFICERS,*THE*CIVILIANS*WHO*MANAGED*FINANCES*AND
SUPPLIES,*THE*WRITERS*WHO*SUSTAINED*THE*AMERICAN*SPIRIT,*AND*THE*WOMEN
WHO*DID*WELL*THEIR*PART,*THERE*YET*REMAINS*THE*DUTY*OF*RECOGNIZING*THE
ACHIEVEMENTS*OF*DIPLOMACY.*THE*IMPORTANCE*OF*THIS*FIELD*OF*ACTIVITY*WAS
KEENLY*APPRECIATED*BY*THE*LEADERS*IN*THE*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS.*THEY*WERE
FAIRLY*WELL*VERSED*IN*EUROPEAN*HISTORY.*THEY*KNEW*OF*THE*BALANCE*OF
POWER*AND*THE*SYMPATHIES,*INTERESTS,*AND*PREJUDICES*OF*NATIONS*AND*THEIR
RULERS.*ALL*THIS*INFORMATION*THEY*TURNED*TO*GOOD*ACCOUNT,*IN*OPENING
RELATIONS*WITH*CONTINENTAL*COUNTRIES*AND*SEEKING*MONEY,*SUPPLIES,*AND
EVEN*MILITARY*ASSISTANCE.*FOR*THE*TRANSACTION*OF*THIS*DELICATE*BUSINESS,
THEY*CREATED*A*SECRET*COMMITTEE*ON*FOREIGN*CORRESPONDENCE*AS*EARLY*AS
1775*AND*PREPARED*TO*SEND*AGENTS*ABROAD.

=AMERICAN*AGENTS*SENT*ABROAD.=--HAVING*HEARD*THAT*FRANCE*WAS*INCLINING*A
FRIENDLY*EAR*TO*THE*AMERICAN*CAUSE,*THE*CONGRESS,*IN*MARCH,*1776,*SENT*A
COMMISSIONER*TO*PARIS,*SILAS*DEANE*OF*CONNECTICUT,*OFTEN*STYLED*THE
"FIRST*AMERICAN*DIPLOMAT."*LATER*IN*THE*YEAR*A*FORM*OF*TREATY*TO*BE
PRESENTED*TO*FOREIGN*POWERS*WAS*DRAWN*UP,*AND*FRANKLIN,*ARTHUR*LEE,*AND
DEANE*WERE*SELECTED*AS*AMERICAN*REPRESENTATIVES*AT*THE*COURT*OF*"HIS
MOST*CHRISTIAN*MAJESTY*THE*KING*OF*FRANCE."*JOHN*JAY*OF*NEW*YORK*WAS
CHOSEN*MINISTER*TO*SPAIN*IN*1779;*JOHN*ADAMS*WAS*SENT*TO*HOLLAND*THE
SAME*YEAR;*AND*OTHER*AGENTS*WERE*DISPATCHED*TO*FLORENCE,*VIENNA,*AND
BERLIN.*THE*REPRESENTATIVE*SELECTED*FOR*ST.*PETERSBURG*SPENT*TWO
FRUITLESS*YEARS*THERE,*"IGNORED*BY*THE*COURT,*LIVING*IN*OBSCURITY*AND
EXPERIENCING*NOTHING*BUT*HUMILIATION*AND*FAILURE."*FREDERICK*THE*GREAT,
KING*OF*PRUSSIA,*EXPRESSED*A*DESIRE*TO*FIND*IN*AMERICA*A*MARKET*FOR
SILESIAN*LINENS*AND*WOOLENS,*BUT,*FEARING*ENGLAND'S*COMMAND*OF*THE*SEA,
HE*REFUSED*TO*GIVE*DIRECT*AID*TO*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*CAUSE.

=EARLY*FRENCH*INTEREST.=--THE*GREAT*DIPLOMATIC*TRIUMPH*OF*THE*REVOLUTION
WAS*WON*AT*PARIS,*AND*BENJAMIN*FRANKLIN*WAS*THE*HERO*OF*THE*OCCASION,
ALTHOUGH*MANY*CIRCUMSTANCES*PREPARED*THE*WAY*FOR*HIS*SUCCESS.*LOUIS
XVI'S*FOREIGN*MINISTER,*COUNT*DE*VERGENNES,*BEFORE*THE*ARRIVAL*OF*ANY
AMERICAN*REPRESENTATIVE,*HAD*BROUGHT*TO*THE*ATTENTION*OF*THE*KING*THE
OPPORTUNITY*OFFERED*BY*THE*OUTBREAK*OF*THE*WAR*BETWEEN*ENGLAND*AND*HER
COLONIES.*HE*SHOWED*HIM*HOW*FRANCE*COULD*REDRESS*HER*GRIEVANCES*AND
"REDUCE*THE*POWER*AND*GREATNESS*OF*ENGLAND"--THE*EMPIRE*THAT*IN*1763*HAD
FORCED*UPON*HER*A*HUMILIATING*PEACE*"AT*THE*PRICE*OF*OUR*POSSESSIONS,
OF*OUR*COMMERCE,*AND*OUR*CREDIT*IN*THE*INDIES,*AT*THE*PRICE*OF*CANADA,
LOUISIANA,*ISLE*ROYALE,*ACADIA,*AND*SENEGAL."*EQUALLY*SUCCESSFUL*IN
GAINING*THE*KING'S*INTEREST*WAS*A*CURIOUS*FRENCH*ADVENTURER,
BEAUMARCHAIS,*A*MAN*OF*WEALTH,*A*LOVER*OF*MUSIC,*AND*THE*AUTHOR*OF*TWO
POPULAR*PLAYS,*"FIGARO"*AND*"THE*BARBER*OF*SEVILLE."*THESE*TWO*MEN*HAD
ALREADY*URGED*UPON*THE*KING*SECRET*AID*FOR*AMERICA*BEFORE*DEANE*APPEARED
ON*THE*SCENE.*SHORTLY*AFTER*HIS*ARRIVAL*THEY*MADE*CONFIDENTIAL
ARRANGEMENTS*TO*FURNISH*MONEY,*CLOTHING,*POWDER,*AND*OTHER*SUPPLIES*TO
THE*STRUGGLING*COLONIES,*ALTHOUGH*OFFICIAL*REQUESTS*FOR*THEM*WERE
OFFICIALLY*REFUSED*BY*THE*FRENCH*GOVERNMENT.

=FRANKLIN*AT*PARIS.=--WHEN*FRANKLIN*REACHED*PARIS,*HE*WAS*RECEIVED*ONLY
IN*PRIVATE*BY*THE*KING'S*MINISTER,*VERGENNES.*THE*FRENCH*PEOPLE,
HOWEVER,*MADE*MANIFEST*THEIR*AFFECTION*FOR*THE*"PLAIN*REPUBLICAN"*IN
"HIS*FULL*DRESS*SUIT*OF*SPOTTED*MANCHESTER*VELVET."*HE*WAS*KNOWN*AMONG
MEN*OF*LETTERS*AS*AN*AUTHOR,*A*SCIENTIST,*AND*A*PHILOSOPHER*OF
EXTRAORDINARY*ABILITY.*HIS*"POOR*RICHARD"*HAD*THRICE*BEEN*TRANSLATED
INTO*FRENCH*AND*WAS*SCATTERED*IN*NUMEROUS*EDITIONS*THROUGHOUT*THE
KINGDOM.*PEOPLE*OF*ALL*RANKS--MINISTERS,*LADIES*AT*COURT,*PHILOSOPHERS,
PEASANTS,*AND*STABLE*BOYS--KNEW*OF*FRANKLIN*AND*WISHED*HIM*SUCCESS*IN
HIS*MISSION.*THE*QUEEN,*MARIE*ANTOINETTE,*FATED*TO*LOSE*HER*HEAD*IN*A
REVOLUTION*SOON*TO*FOLLOW,*PLAYED*WITH*FIRE*BY*ENCOURAGING*"OUR*DEAR
REPUBLICAN."

FOR*THE*KING*OF*FRANCE,*HOWEVER,*THIS*WAS*MORE*SERIOUS*BUSINESS.*ENGLAND
RESENTED*THE*PRESENCE*OF*THIS*"TRAITOR"*IN*PARIS,*AND*LOUIS*HAD*TO*BE
CAUTIOUS*ABOUT*PLUNGING*INTO*ANOTHER*WAR*THAT*MIGHT*ALSO*END
DISASTROUSLY.*MOREOVER,*THE*EARLY*PERIOD*OF*FRANKLIN'S*SOJOURN*IN*PARIS
WAS*A*DARK*HOUR*FOR*THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION.*WASHINGTON'S*BRILLIANT
EXPLOIT*AT*TRENTON*ON*CHRISTMAS*NIGHT,*1776,*AND*THE*BATTLE*WITH
CORNWALLIS*AT*PRINCETON*HAD*BEEN*FOLLOWED*BY*THE*DISASTER*AT*BRANDYWINE,
THE*LOSS*OF*PHILADELPHIA,*THE*DEFEAT*AT*GERMANTOWN,*AND*THE*RETIREMENT
TO*VALLEY*FORGE*FOR*THE*WINTER*OF*1777-78.*NEW*YORK*CITY*AND
PHILADELPHIA--TWO*STRATEGIC*PORTS--WERE*IN*BRITISH*HANDS;*THE*HUDSON
AND*DELAWARE*RIVERS*WERE*BLOCKED;*AND*GENERAL*BURGOYNE*WITH*HIS*BRITISH
TROOPS*WAS*ON*HIS*WAY*DOWN*THROUGH*THE*HEART*OF*NORTHERN*NEW*YORK,
CUTTING*NEW*ENGLAND*OFF*FROM*THE*REST*OF*THE*COLONIES.*NO*WONDER*THE
KING*WAS*CAUTIOUS.*THEN*THE*UNEXPECTED*HAPPENED.*BURGOYNE,*HEMMED*IN
FROM*ALL*SIDES*BY*THE*AMERICAN*FORCES,*HIS*FLANKS*HARRIED,*HIS*FORAGING
PARTIES*BEATEN*BACK,*HIS*SUPPLIES*CUT*OFF,*SURRENDERED*ON*OCTOBER*17,
1777,*TO*GENERAL*GATES,*WHO*HAD*SUPERSEDED*GENERAL*SCHUYLER*IN*TIME*TO
RECEIVE*THE*HONOR.

=TREATIES*OF*ALLIANCE*AND*COMMERCE*(1778).=--NEWS*OF*THIS*VICTORY,
PLACED*BY*HISTORIANS*AMONG*THE*FIFTEEN*DECISIVE*BATTLES*OF*THE*WORLD,
REACHED*FRANKLIN*ONE*NIGHT*EARLY*IN*DECEMBER*WHILE*HE*AND*SOME*FRIENDS
SAT*GLOOMILY*AT*DINNER.*BEAUMARCHAIS,*WHO*WAS*WITH*HIM,*GRASPED*AT*ONCE
THE*MEANING*OF*THE*SITUATION*AND*SET*OFF*TO*THE*COURT*AT*VERSAILLES*WITH
SUCH*HASTE*THAT*HE*UPSET*HIS*COACH*AND*DISLOCATED*HIS*ARM.*THE*KING*AND
HIS*MINISTERS*WERE*AT*LAST*CONVINCED*THAT*THE*HOUR*HAD*COME*TO*AID*THE
REVOLUTION.*TREATIES*OF*COMMERCE*AND*ALLIANCE*WERE*DRAWN*UP*AND*SIGNED
IN*FEBRUARY,*1778.*THE*INDEPENDENCE*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES*WAS*RECOGNIZED
BY*FRANCE*AND*AN*ALLIANCE*WAS*FORMED*TO*GUARANTEE*THAT*INDEPENDENCE.
COMBINED*MILITARY*ACTION*WAS*AGREED*UPON*AND*LOUIS*THEN*FORMALLY
DECLARED*WAR*ON*ENGLAND.*MEN*WHO*HAD,*A*FEW*SHORT*YEARS*BEFORE,*FOUGHT
ONE*ANOTHER*IN*THE*WILDERNESS*OF*PENNSYLVANIA*OR*ON*THE*PLAINS*OF
ABRAHAM,*WERE*NOW*RANGED*SIDE*BY*SIDE*IN*A*WAR*ON*THE*EMPIRE*THAT*PITT
HAD*ERECTED*AND*THAT*GEORGE*III*WAS*PULLING*DOWN.

=SPAIN*AND*HOLLAND*INVOLVED.=--WITHIN*A*FEW*MONTHS,*SPAIN,*REMEMBERING
THE*STEADY*DECLINE*OF*HER*SEA*POWER*SINCE*THE*DAYS*OF*THE*ARMADA*AND
HOPING*TO*DRIVE*THE*BRITISH*OUT*OF*GIBRALTAR,*ONCE*MORE*JOINED*THE
CONCERT*OF*NATIONS*AGAINST*ENGLAND.*HOLLAND,*A*MEMBER*OF*A*LEAGUE*OF
ARMED*NEUTRALS*FORMED*IN*PROTEST*AGAINST*BRITISH*SEARCHES*ON*THE*HIGH
SEAS,*SENT*HER*FLEET*TO*UNITE*WITH*THE*FORCES*OF*SPAIN,*FRANCE,*AND
AMERICA*TO*PREY*UPON*BRITISH*COMMERCE.*TO*ALL*THIS*TROUBLE*FOR*ENGLAND
WAS*ADDED*THE*DANGER*OF*A*POSSIBLE*REVOLT*IN*IRELAND,*WHERE*THE*SPIRIT
OF*INDEPENDENCE*WAS*FLAMING*UP.

=THE*BRITISH*OFFER*TERMS*TO*AMERICA.=--SEEING*THE*COLONISTS*ABOUT*TO*BE
JOINED*BY*FRANCE*IN*A*COMMON*WAR*ON*THE*ENGLISH*EMPIRE,*LORD*NORTH
PROPOSED,*IN*FEBRUARY,*1778,*A*RENEWAL*OF*NEGOTIATIONS.*BY*SOLEMN
ENACTMENT,*PARLIAMENT*DECLARED*ITS*INTENTION*NOT*TO*EXERCISE*THE*RIGHT
OF*IMPOSING*TAXES*WITHIN*THE*COLONIES;*AT*THE*SAME*TIME*IT*AUTHORIZED
THE*OPENING*OF*NEGOTIATIONS*THROUGH*COMMISSIONERS*TO*BE*SENT*TO*AMERICA.
A*TRUCE*WAS*TO*BE*ESTABLISHED,*PARDONS*GRANTED,*OBJECTIONABLE*LAWS
SUSPENDED,*AND*THE*OLD*IMPERIAL*CONSTITUTION,*AS*IT*STOOD*BEFORE*THE
OPENING*OF*HOSTILITIES,*RESTORED*TO*FULL*VIGOR.*IT*WAS*TOO*LATE.*EVENTS
HAD*TAKEN*THE*AFFAIRS*OF*AMERICA*OUT*OF*THE*HANDS*OF*BRITISH
COMMISSIONERS*AND*DIPLOMATS.

=EFFECTS*OF*FRENCH*AID.=--THE*FRENCH*ALLIANCE*BROUGHT*SHIPS*OF*WAR,
LARGE*SUMS*OF*GOLD*AND*SILVER,*LOADS*OF*SUPPLIES,*AND*A*CONSIDERABLE
BODY*OF*TRAINED*SOLDIERS*TO*THE*AID*OF*THE*AMERICANS.*TIMELY*AS*WAS*THIS
HELP,*IT*MEANT*NO*SUDDEN*CHANGE*IN*THE*FORTUNES*OF*WAR.*THE*BRITISH
EVACUATED*PHILADELPHIA*IN*THE*SUMMER*FOLLOWING*THE*ALLIANCE,*AND
WASHINGTON'S*TROOPS*WERE*ENCOURAGED*TO*COME*OUT*OF*VALLEY*FORGE.*THEY
INFLICTED*A*HEAVY*BLOW*ON*THE*BRITISH*AT*MONMOUTH,*BUT*THE*TREASONABLE
CONDUCT*OF*GENERAL*CHARLES*LEE*PREVENTED*A*TRIUMPH.*THE*RECOVERY*OF
PHILADELPHIA*WAS*OFFSET*BY*THE*TREASON*OF*BENEDICT*ARNOLD,*THE*LOSS*OF
SAVANNAH*AND*CHARLESTON*(1780),*AND*THE*DEFEAT*OF*GATES*AT*CAMDEN.

THE*FULL*EFFECT*OF*THE*FRENCH*ALLIANCE*WAS*NOT*FELT*UNTIL*1781,*WHEN
CORNWALLIS*WENT*INTO*VIRGINIA*AND*SETTLED*AT*YORKTOWN.*ACCOMPANIED*BY
FRENCH*TROOPS*WASHINGTON*SWEPT*RAPIDLY*SOUTHWARD*AND*PENNED*THE*BRITISH
TO*THE*SHORE*WHILE*A*POWERFUL*FRENCH*FLEET*SHUT*OFF*THEIR*ESCAPE*BY*SEA.
IT*WAS*THIS*MOVEMENT,*WHICH*CERTAINLY*COULD*NOT*HAVE*BEEN*EXECUTED
WITHOUT*FRENCH*AID,*THAT*PUT*AN*END*TO*ALL*CHANCE*OF*RESTORING*BRITISH
DOMINION*IN*AMERICA.*IT*WAS*THE*SURRENDER*OF*CORNWALLIS*AT*YORKTOWN*THAT
CAUSED*LORD*NORTH*TO*PACE*THE*FLOOR*AND*CRY*OUT:*"IT*IS*ALL*OVER!*IT*IS
ALL*OVER!"*WHAT*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*DONE*WITHOUT*THE*FRENCH*ALLIANCE*LIES
HIDDEN*FROM*MANKIND.*WHAT*WAS*ACCOMPLISHED*WITH*THE*HELP*OF*FRENCH
SOLDIERS,*SAILORS,*OFFICERS,*MONEY,*AND*SUPPLIES,*IS*KNOWN*TO*ALL*THE
EARTH.*"ALL*THE*WORLD*AGREE,"*EXULTANTLY*WROTE*FRANKLIN*FROM*PARIS*TO
GENERAL*WASHINGTON,*"THAT*NO*EXPEDITION*WAS*EVER*BETTER*PLANNED*OR
BETTER*EXECUTED.*IT*BRIGHTENS*THE*GLORY*THAT*MUST*ACCOMPANY*YOUR*NAME*TO
THE*LATEST*POSTERITY."*DIPLOMACY*AS*WELL*AS*MARTIAL*VALOR*HAD*ITS
REWARD.


PEACE*AT*LAST

=BRITISH*OPPOSITION*TO*THE*WAR.=--IN*MEASURING*THE*FORCES*THAT*LED*TO
THE*FINAL*DISCOMFITURE*OF*KING*GEORGE*AND*LORD*NORTH,*IT*IS*NECESSARY*TO
REMEMBER*THAT*FROM*THE*BEGINNING*TO*THE*END*THE*BRITISH*MINISTRY*AT*HOME
FACED*A*POWERFUL,*INFORMED,*AND*RELENTLESS*OPPOSITION.*THERE*WERE
VIGOROUS*PROTESTS,*FIRST*AGAINST*THE*OBNOXIOUS*ACTS*WHICH*PRECIPITATED
THE*UNHAPPY*QUARREL,*THEN*AGAINST*THE*WAY*IN*WHICH*THE*WAR*WAS*WAGED,
AND*FINALLY*AGAINST*THE*FUTILE*STRUGGLE*TO*RETAIN*A*HOLD*UPON*THE
AMERICAN*DOMINIONS.*AMONG*THE*MEMBERS*OF*PARLIAMENT*WHO*THUNDERED
AGAINST*THE*GOVERNMENT*WERE*THE*FIRST*STATESMEN*AND*ORATORS*OF*THE*LAND.
WILLIAM*PITT,*EARL*OF*CHATHAM,*THOUGH*HE*DEPLORED*THE*IDEA*OF*AMERICAN
INDEPENDENCE,*DENOUNCED*THE*GOVERNMENT*AS*THE*AGGRESSOR*AND*REJOICED*IN
AMERICAN*RESISTANCE.*EDMUND*BURKE*LEVELED*HIS*HEAVY*BATTERIES*AGAINST
EVERY*MEASURE*OF*COERCION*AND*AT*LAST*STROVE*FOR*A*PEACE*WHICH,*WHILE
GIVING*INDEPENDENCE*TO*AMERICA,*WOULD*WORK*FOR*RECONCILIATION*RATHER
THAN*ESTRANGEMENT.*CHARLES*JAMES*FOX*GAVE*THE*COLONIES*HIS*GENEROUS
SYMPATHY*AND*WARMLY*CHAMPIONED*THEIR*RIGHTS.*OUTSIDE*OF*THE*CIRCLE*OF
STATESMEN*THERE*WERE*STOUT*FRIENDS*OF*THE*AMERICAN*CAUSE*LIKE*DAVID
HUME,*THE*PHILOSOPHER*AND*HISTORIAN,*AND*CATHERINE*MACAULAY,*AN*AUTHOR
OF*WIDE*FAME*AND*A*REPUBLICAN*BOLD*ENOUGH*TO*ENCOURAGE*WASHINGTON*IN
SEEING*IT*THROUGH.

AGAINST*THIS*POWERFUL*OPPOSITION,*THE*GOVERNMENT*ENLISTED*A*WHOLE*ARMY
OF*SCRIBES*AND*JOURNALISTS*TO*POUR*OUT*CRITICISM*ON*THE*AMERICANS*AND
THEIR*FRIENDS.*DR.*SAMUEL*JOHNSON,*WHOM*IT*EMPLOYED*IN*THIS*BUSINESS,
WAS*SO*SAVAGE*THAT*EVEN*THE*MINISTERS*HAD*TO*TONE*DOWN*HIS*PAMPHLETS
BEFORE*PRINTING*THEM.*FAR*MORE*WEIGHTY*WAS*EDWARD*GIBBON,*WHO*WAS*IN
TIME*TO*WIN*FAME*AS*THE*HISTORIAN*OF*THE*_DECLINE*AND*FALL*OF*THE*ROMAN
EMPIRE_.*HE*HAD*AT*FIRST*OPPOSED*THE*GOVERNMENT;*BUT,*ON*BEING*GIVEN*A
LUCRATIVE*POST,*HE*USED*HIS*SHARP*PEN*IN*ITS*SUPPORT,*CAUSING*HIS
FRIENDS*TO*RIDICULE*HIM*IN*THESE*LINES:

****"KING*GEORGE,*IN*A*FRIGHT
*****LEST*GIBBON*SHOULD*WRITE
*******THE*STORY*OF*ENGLAND'S*DISGRACE,
*****THOUGHT*NO*WAY*SO*SURE
*****HIS*PEN*TO*SECURE
*******AS*TO*GIVE*THE*HISTORIAN*A*PLACE."

=LORD*NORTH*YIELDS.=--AS*TIME*WORE*ON,*EVENTS*BORE*HEAVILY*ON*THE*SIDE
OF*THE*OPPONENTS*OF*THE*GOVERNMENT'S*MEASURES.*THEY*HAD*PREDICTED*THAT
CONQUEST*WAS*IMPOSSIBLE,*AND*THEY*HAD*URGED*THE*ADVANTAGES*OF*A*PEACE
WHICH*WOULD*IN*SOME*MEASURE*RESTORE*THE*AFFECTIONS*OF*THE*AMERICANS.
EVERY*DAY'S*NEWS*CONFIRMED*THEIR*PREDICTIONS*AND*LENT*SUPPORT*TO*THEIR
ARGUMENTS.*MOREOVER,*THE*WAR,*WHICH*SPRANG*OUT*OF*AN*EFFORT*TO*RELIEVE
ENGLISH*BURDENS,*MADE*THOSE*BURDENS*HEAVIER*THAN*EVER.*MILITARY*EXPENSES
WERE*DAILY*INCREASING.*TRADE*WITH*THE*COLONIES,*THE*GREATEST*SINGLE
OUTLET*FOR*BRITISH*GOODS*AND*CAPITAL,*WAS*PARALYZED.*THE*HEAVY*DEBTS*DUE
BRITISH*MERCHANTS*IN*AMERICA*WERE*NOT*ONLY*UNPAID*BUT*POSTPONED*INTO*AN
INDEFINITE*FUTURE.*IRELAND*WAS*ON*THE*VERGE*OF*REVOLUTION.*THE*FRENCH
HAD*A*DANGEROUS*FLEET*ON*THE*HIGH*SEAS.*IN*VAIN*DID*THE*KING*ASSERT*IN
DECEMBER,*1781,*THAT*NO*DIFFICULTIES*WOULD*EVER*MAKE*HIM*CONSENT*TO*A
PEACE*THAT*MEANT*AMERICAN*INDEPENDENCE.*PARLIAMENT*KNEW*BETTER,*AND*ON
FEBRUARY*27,*1782,*IN*THE*HOUSE*OF*COMMONS*WAS*CARRIED*AN*ADDRESS*TO*THE
THRONE*AGAINST*CONTINUING*THE*WAR.*BURKE,*FOX,*THE*YOUNGER*PITT,*BARRE,
AND*OTHER*FRIENDS*OF*THE*COLONIES*VOTED*IN*THE*AFFIRMATIVE.*LORD*NORTH
GAVE*NOTICE*THEN*THAT*HIS*MINISTRY*WAS*AT*AN*END.*THE*KING*MOANED:
"NECESSITY*MADE*ME*YIELD."

IN*APRIL,*1782,*FRANKLIN*RECEIVED*WORD*FROM*THE*ENGLISH*GOVERNMENT*THAT
IT*WAS*PREPARED*TO*ENTER*INTO*NEGOTIATIONS*LEADING*TO*A*SETTLEMENT.*THIS
WAS*EMBARRASSING.*IN*THE*TREATY*OF*ALLIANCE*WITH*FRANCE,*THE*UNITED
STATES*HAD*PROMISED*THAT*PEACE*SHOULD*BE*A*JOINT*AFFAIR*AGREED*TO*BY
BOTH*NATIONS*IN*OPEN*CONFERENCE.*FINDING*FRANCE,*HOWEVER,*OPPOSED*TO
SOME*OF*THEIR*CLAIMS*RESPECTING*BOUNDARIES*AND*FISHERIES,*THE*AMERICAN
COMMISSIONERS*CONFERRED*WITH*THE*BRITISH*AGENTS*AT*PARIS*WITHOUT
CONSULTING*THE*FRENCH*MINISTER.*THEY*ACTUALLY*SIGNED*A*PRELIMINARY*PEACE
DRAFT*BEFORE*THEY*INFORMED*HIM*OF*THEIR*OPERATIONS.*WHEN*VERGENNES
REPROACHED*HIM,*FRANKLIN*REPLIED*THAT*THEY*"HAD*BEEN*GUILTY*OF
NEGLECTING*_BIENSEANCE_*[GOOD*MANNERS]*BUT*HOPED*THAT*THE*GREAT*WORK
WOULD*NOT*BE*RUINED*BY*A*SINGLE*INDISCRETION."

=THE*TERMS*OF*PEACE*(1783).=--THE*GENERAL*SETTLEMENT*AT*PARIS*IN*1783
WAS*A*TRIUMPH*FOR*AMERICA.*ENGLAND*RECOGNIZED*THE*INDEPENDENCE*OF*THE
UNITED*STATES,*NAMING*EACH*STATE*SPECIFICALLY,*AND*AGREED*TO*BOUNDARIES
EXTENDING*FROM*THE*ATLANTIC*TO*THE*MISSISSIPPI*AND*FROM*THE*GREAT*LAKES
TO*THE*FLORIDAS.*ENGLAND*HELD*CANADA,*NEWFOUNDLAND,*AND*THE*WEST*INDIES
INTACT,*MADE*GAINS*IN*INDIA,*AND*MAINTAINED*HER*SUPREMACY*ON*THE*SEAS.
SPAIN*WON*FLORIDA*AND*MINORCA*BUT*NOT*THE*COVETED*GIBRALTAR.*FRANCE
GAINED*NOTHING*IMPORTANT*SAVE*THE*SATISFACTION*OF*SEEING*ENGLAND*HUMBLED
AND*THE*COLONIES*INDEPENDENT.

THE*GENEROUS*TERMS*SECURED*BY*THE*AMERICAN*COMMISSION*AT*PARIS*CALLED
FORTH*SURPRISE*AND*GRATITUDE*IN*THE*UNITED*STATES*AND*SMOOTHED*THE*WAY
FOR*A*RENEWAL*OF*COMMERCIAL*RELATIONS*WITH*THE*MOTHER*COUNTRY.*AT*THE
SAME*TIME*THEY*GAVE*GENUINE*ANXIETY*TO*EUROPEAN*DIPLOMATS.*"THIS*FEDERAL
REPUBLIC*IS*BORN*A*PIGMY,"*WROTE*THE*SPANISH*AMBASSADOR*TO*HIS*ROYAL
MASTER.*"A*DAY*WILL*COME*WHEN*IT*WILL*BE*A*GIANT;*EVEN*A*COLOSSUS
FORMIDABLE*TO*THESE*COUNTRIES.*LIBERTY*OF*CONSCIENCE*AND*THE*FACILITY
FOR*ESTABLISHING*A*NEW*POPULATION*ON*IMMENSE*LANDS,*AS*WELL*AS*THE
ADVANTAGES*OF*THE*NEW*GOVERNMENT,*WILL*DRAW*THITHER*FARMERS*AND*ARTISANS
FROM*ALL*THE*NATIONS.*IN*A*FEW*YEARS*WE*SHALL*WATCH*WITH*GRIEF*THE
TYRANNICAL*EXISTENCE*OF*THE*SAME*COLOSSUS."

[ILLUSTRATION:*NORTH*AMERICA*ACCORDING*TO*THE*TREATY*OF*1783]


SUMMARY*OF*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*PERIOD

THE*INDEPENDENCE*OF*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES*WAS*FORESEEN*BY*MANY*EUROPEAN
STATESMEN*AS*THEY*WATCHED*THE*GROWTH*OF*THEIR*POPULATION,*WEALTH,*AND
POWER;*BUT*NO*ONE*COULD*FIX*THE*HOUR*OF*THE*GREAT*EVENT.*UNTIL*1763*THE
AMERICAN*COLONISTS*LIVED*FAIRLY*HAPPILY*UNDER*BRITISH*DOMINION.*THERE
WERE*COLLISIONS*FROM*TIME*TO*TIME,*OF*COURSE.*ROYAL*GOVERNORS*CLASHED
WITH*STIFF-NECKED*COLONIAL*LEGISLATURES.*THERE*WERE*PROTESTS*AGAINST*THE
EXERCISE*OF*THE*KING'S*VETO*POWER*IN*SPECIFIC*CASES.*NEVERTHELESS,*ON
THE*WHOLE,*THE*RELATIONS*BETWEEN*AMERICA*AND*THE*MOTHER*COUNTRY*WERE
MORE*AMICABLE*IN*1763*THAN*AT*ANY*PERIOD*UNDER*THE*STUART*REGIME*WHICH
CLOSED*IN*1688.

THE*CRASH,*WHEN*IT*CAME,*WAS*NOT*DELIBERATELY*WILLED*BY*ANY*ONE.*IT*WAS
THE*PRODUCT*OF*A*NUMBER*OF*FORCES*THAT*HAPPENED*TO*CONVERGE*ABOUT*1763.
THREE*YEARS*BEFORE,*THERE*HAD*COME*TO*THE*THRONE*GEORGE*III,*A*YOUNG,
PROUD,*INEXPERIENCED,*AND*STUBBORN*KING.*FOR*NEARLY*FIFTY*YEARS*HIS
PREDECESSORS,*GERMANS*AS*THEY*WERE*IN*LANGUAGE*AND*INTEREST,*HAD*ALLOWED
THINGS*TO*DRIFT*IN*ENGLAND*AND*AMERICA.*GEORGE*III*DECIDED*THAT*HE*WOULD
BE*KING*IN*FACT*AS*WELL*AS*IN*NAME.*ABOUT*THE*SAME*TIME*ENGLAND*BROUGHT
TO*A*CLOSE*THE*LONG*AND*COSTLY*FRENCH*AND*INDIAN*WAR*AND*WAS*STAGGERING
UNDER*A*HEAVY*BURDEN*OF*DEBT*AND*TAXES.*THE*WAR*HAD*BEEN*FOUGHT*PARTLY
IN*DEFENSE*OF*THE*AMERICAN*COLONIES*AND*NOTHING*SEEMED*MORE*REASONABLE
TO*ENGLISH*STATESMEN*THAN*THE*IDEA*THAT*THE*COLONIES*SHOULD*BEAR*PART*OF
THE*COST*OF*THEIR*OWN*DEFENSE.*AT*THIS*JUNCTURE*THERE*CAME*INTO
PROMINENCE,*IN*ROYAL*COUNCILS,*TWO*MEN*BENT*ON*TAXING*AMERICA*AND
CONTROLLING*HER*TRADE,*GRENVILLE*AND*TOWNSHEND.*THE*KING*WAS*WILLING,
THE*ENGLISH*TAXPAYERS*WERE*THANKFUL*FOR*ANY*PROMISE*OF*RELIEF,*AND
STATESMEN*WERE*FOUND*TO*UNDERTAKE*THE*EXPERIMENT.*ENGLAND*THEREFORE*SET
OUT*UPON*A*NEW*COURSE.*SHE*IMPOSED*TAXES*UPON*THE*COLONISTS,*REGULATED
THEIR*TRADE*AND*SET*ROYAL*OFFICERS*UPON*THEM*TO*ENFORCE*THE*LAW.*THIS
ACTION*EVOKED*PROTESTS*FROM*THE*COLONISTS.*THEY*HELD*A*STAMP*ACT
CONGRESS*TO*DECLARE*THEIR*RIGHTS*AND*PETITION*FOR*A*REDRESS*OF
GRIEVANCES.*SOME*OF*THE*MORE*RESTLESS*SPIRITS*RIOTED*IN*THE*STREETS,
SACKED*THE*HOUSES*OF*THE*KING'S*OFFICERS,*AND*TORE*UP*THE*STAMPED*PAPER.

FRIGHTENED*BY*UPRISING,*THE*ENGLISH*GOVERNMENT*DREW*BACK*AND*REPEALED
THE*STAMP*ACT.*THEN*IT*VEERED*AGAIN*AND*RENEWED*ITS*POLICY*OF
INTERFERENCE.*INTERFERENCE*AGAIN*CALLED*FORTH*AMERICAN*PROTESTS.
PROTESTS*AROUSED*SHARPER*RETALIATION.*MORE*BRITISH*REGULARS*WERE*SENT
OVER*TO*KEEP*ORDER.*MORE*IRRITATING*LAWS*WERE*PASSED*BY*PARLIAMENT.
RIOTING*AGAIN*APPEARED:*TEA*WAS*DUMPED*IN*THE*HARBOR*OF*BOSTON*AND
SEIZED*IN*THE*HARBOR*OF*CHARLESTON.*THE*BRITISH*ANSWER*WAS*MORE*FORCE.
THE*RESPONSE*OF*THE*COLONISTS*WAS*A*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS*FOR*DEFENSE.*AN
UNEXPECTED*AND*UNINTENDED*CLASH*OF*ARMS*AT*LEXINGTON*AND*CONCORD*IN*THE
SPRING*OF*1775*BROUGHT*FORTH*FROM*THE*KING*OF*ENGLAND*A*PROCLAMATION:
"THE*AMERICANS*ARE*REBELS!"

THE*DIE*WAS*CAST.*THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION*HAD*BEGUN.*WASHINGTON*WAS*MADE
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF.*ARMIES*WERE*RAISED,*MONEY*WAS*BORROWED,*A*HUGE
VOLUME*OF*PAPER*CURRENCY*WAS*ISSUED,*AND*FOREIGN*AID*WAS*SUMMONED.
FRANKLIN*PLIED*HIS*DIPLOMATIC*ARTS*AT*PARIS*UNTIL*IN*1778*HE*INDUCED
FRANCE*TO*THROW*HER*SWORD*INTO*THE*BALANCE.*THREE*YEARS*LATER,
CORNWALLIS*SURRENDERED*AT*YORKTOWN.*IN*1783,*BY*THE*FORMAL*TREATY*OF
PEACE,*GEORGE*III*ACKNOWLEDGED*THE*INDEPENDENCE*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES.
THE*NEW*NATION,*ENDOWED*WITH*AN*IMPERIAL*DOMAIN*STRETCHING*FROM*THE
ATLANTIC*OCEAN*TO*THE*MISSISSIPPI*RIVER,*BEGAN*ITS*CAREER*AMONG*THE
SOVEREIGN*POWERS*OF*THE*EARTH.

IN*THE*SPHERE*OF*CIVIL*GOVERNMENT,*THE*RESULTS*OF*THE*REVOLUTION*WERE
EQUALLY*REMARKABLE.*ROYAL*OFFICERS*AND*ROYAL*AUTHORITIES*WERE*DRIVEN
FROM*THE*FORMER*DOMINIONS.*ALL*POWER*WAS*DECLARED*TO*BE*IN*THE*PEOPLE.
ALL*THE*COLONIES*BECAME*STATES,*EACH*WITH*ITS*OWN*CONSTITUTION*OR*PLAN
OF*GOVERNMENT.*THE*THIRTEEN*STATES*WERE*UNITED*IN*COMMON*BONDS*UNDER*THE
ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION.*A*REPUBLIC*ON*A*LARGE*SCALE*WAS*INSTITUTED.
THUS*THERE*WAS*BEGUN*AN*ADVENTURE*IN*POPULAR*GOVERNMENT*SUCH*AS*THE
WORLD*HAD*NEVER*SEEN.*COULD*IT*SUCCEED*OR*WAS*IT*DESTINED*TO*BREAK*DOWN
AND*BE*SUPPLANTED*BY*A*MONARCHY?*THE*FATE*OF*WHOLE*CONTINENTS*HUNG*UPON
THE*ANSWER.


=REFERENCES=

J.*FISKE,*_THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION_*(2*VOLS.).

H.*LODGE,*_LIFE*OF*WASHINGTON_*(2*VOLS.).

W.*SUMNER,*_THE*FINANCIER*AND*THE*FINANCES*OF*THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION_.

O.*TREVELYAN,*_THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION_*(4*VOLS.).*A*SYMPATHETIC*ACCOUNT
BY*AN*ENGLISH*HISTORIAN.

M.C.*TYLER,*_LITERARY*HISTORY*OF*THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION_*(2*VOLS.).

C.H.*VAN*TYNE,*_THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION_*(AMERICAN*NATION*SERIES)*AND
_THE*LOYALISTS*IN*THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION_.


=QUESTIONS=

1.*WHAT*WAS*THE*NON-IMPORTATION*AGREEMENT?*BY*WHAT*BODY*WAS*IT*ADOPTED?
WHY*WAS*IT*REVOLUTIONARY*IN*CHARACTER?

2.*CONTRAST*THE*WORK*OF*THE*FIRST*AND*SECOND*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESSES.

3.*WHY*DID*EFFORTS*AT*CONCILIATION*FAIL?

4.*TRACE*THE*GROWTH*OF*AMERICAN*INDEPENDENCE*FROM*OPINION*TO*THE*SPHERE
OF*ACTION.

5.*WHY*IS*THE*DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE*AN*"IMMORTAL"*DOCUMENT?

6.*WHAT*WAS*THE*EFFECT*OF*THE*REVOLUTION*ON*COLONIAL*GOVERNMENTS?*ON
NATIONAL*UNION?

7.*DESCRIBE*THE*CONTEST*BETWEEN*"PATRIOTS"*AND*"TORIES."

8.*WHAT*TOPICS*ARE*CONSIDERED*UNDER*"MILITARY*AFFAIRS"?*DISCUSS*EACH*IN
DETAIL.

9.*CONTRAST*THE*AMERICAN*FORCES*WITH*THE*BRITISH*FORCES*AND*SHOW*HOW*THE
WAR*WAS*WON.

10.*COMPARE*THE*WORK*OF*WOMEN*IN*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*WAR*WITH*THEIR*LABORS
IN*THE*WORLD*WAR*(1917-18).

11.*HOW*WAS*THE*REVOLUTION*FINANCED?

12.*WHY*IS*DIPLOMACY*IMPORTANT*IN*WAR?*DESCRIBE*THE*DIPLOMATIC*TRIUMPH
OF*THE*REVOLUTION.

13.*WHAT*WAS*THE*NATURE*OF*THE*OPPOSITION*IN*ENGLAND*TO*THE*WAR?

14.*GIVE*THE*EVENTS*CONNECTED*WITH*THE*PEACE*SETTLEMENT;*THE*TERMS*OF
PEACE.


=RESEARCH*TOPICS=

=THE*SPIRIT*OF*AMERICA.=--WOODROW*WILSON,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*AMERICAN
PEOPLE_,*VOL.*II,*PP.*98-126.

=AMERICAN*RIGHTS.=--DRAW*UP*A*TABLE*SHOWING*ALL*THE*PRINCIPLES*LAID*DOWN
BY*AMERICAN*LEADERS*IN*(1)*THE*RESOLVES*OF*THE*FIRST*CONTINENTAL
CONGRESS,*MACDONALD,*_DOCUMENTARY*SOURCE*BOOK_,*PP.*162-166;*(2)*THE
DECLARATION*OF*THE*CAUSES*AND*THE*NECESSITY*OF*TAKING*UP*ARMS,
MACDONALD,*PP.*176-183;*AND*(3)*THE*DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE.

=THE*DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE.=--FISKE,*_THE*AMERICAN*REVOLUTION_,
VOL.*I,*PP.*147-197.*ELSON,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,*PP.*250-254.

=DIPLOMACY*AND*THE*FRENCH*ALLIANCE.=--HART,*_AMERICAN*HISTORY*TOLD*BY
CONTEMPORARIES_,*VOL.*II,*PP.*574-590.*FISKE,*VOL.*II,*PP.*1-24.
CALLENDER,*_ECONOMIC*HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,*PP.*159-168;*ELSON,
PP.*275-280.

=BIOGRAPHICAL*STUDIES.=--WASHINGTON,*FRANKLIN,*SAMUEL*ADAMS,*PATRICK
HENRY,*THOMAS*JEFFERSON--EMPHASIZING*THE*PECULIAR*SERVICES*OF*EACH.

=THE*TORIES.=--HART,*_CONTEMPORARIES_,*VOL.*II,*PP.*470-480.

=VALLEY*FORGE.=--FISKE,*VOL.*II,*PP.*25-49.

=THE*BATTLES*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.=--ELSON,*PP.*235-317.

=AN*ENGLISH*VIEW*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.=--GREEN,*_SHORT*HISTORY*OF*ENGLAND_,
CHAP.*X,*SECT.*2.

=ENGLISH*OPINION*AND*THE*REVOLUTION.=--TREVELYAN,*_THE*AMERICAN
REVOLUTION_,*VOL.*III*(OR*PART*2,*VOL.*II),*CHAPS.*XXIV-XXVII.




PART*III.*THE*UNION*AND*NATIONAL*POLITICS




CHAPTER*VII

THE*FORMATION*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION


THE*PROMISE*AND*THE*DIFFICULTIES*OF*AMERICA

THE*RISE*OF*A*YOUNG*REPUBLIC*COMPOSED*OF*THIRTEEN*STATES,*EACH*GOVERNED
BY*OFFICIALS*POPULARLY*ELECTED*UNDER*CONSTITUTIONS*DRAFTED*BY*"THE*PLAIN
PEOPLE,"*WAS*THE*MOST*SIGNIFICANT*FEATURE*OF*THE*EIGHTEENTH*CENTURY.*THE
MAJORITY*OF*THE*PATRIOTS*WHOSE*LABORS*AND*SACRIFICES*HAD*MADE*THIS
POSSIBLE*NATURALLY*LOOKED*UPON*THEIR*WORK*AND*PRONOUNCED*IT*GOOD.*THOSE
AMERICANS,*HOWEVER,*WHO*PEERED*BENEATH*THE*SURFACE*OF*THINGS,*SAW*THAT
THE*DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE,*EVEN*IF*SPLENDIDLY*PHRASED,*AND*PAPER
CONSTITUTIONS,*DRAWN*BY*FINEST*ENTHUSIASM*"UNINSTRUCTED*BY*EXPERIENCE,"
COULD*NOT*ALONE*MAKE*THE*REPUBLIC*GREAT*AND*PROSPEROUS*OR*EVEN*FREE.*ALL
AROUND*THEM*THEY*SAW*CHAOS*IN*FINANCE*AND*IN*INDUSTRY*AND*PERILS*FOR*THE
IMMEDIATE*FUTURE.

=THE*WEAKNESS*OF*THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION.=--THE*GOVERNMENT*UNDER
THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION*HAD*NEITHER*THE*STRENGTH*NOR*THE*RESOURCES
NECESSARY*TO*COPE*WITH*THE*PROBLEMS*OF*RECONSTRUCTION*LEFT*BY*THE*WAR.
THE*SOLE*ORGAN*OF*GOVERNMENT*WAS*A*CONGRESS*COMPOSED*OF*FROM*TWO*TO
SEVEN*MEMBERS*FROM*EACH*STATE*CHOSEN*AS*THE*LEGISLATURE*MIGHT*DIRECT*AND
PAID*BY*THE*STATE.*IN*DETERMINING*ALL*QUESTIONS,*EACH*STATE*HAD*ONE
VOTE--DELAWARE*THUS*ENJOYING*THE*SAME*WEIGHT*AS*VIRGINIA.*THERE*WAS*NO
PRESIDENT*TO*ENFORCE*THE*LAWS.*CONGRESS*WAS*GIVEN*POWER*TO*SELECT*A
COMMITTEE*OF*THIRTEEN--ONE*FROM*EACH*STATE--TO*ACT*AS*AN*EXECUTIVE*BODY
WHEN*IT*WAS*NOT*IN*SESSION;*BUT*THIS*DEVICE,*ON*BEING*TRIED*OUT,*PROVED
A*FAILURE.*THERE*WAS*NO*SYSTEM*OF*NATIONAL*COURTS*TO*WHICH*CITIZENS*AND
STATES*COULD*APPEAL*FOR*THE*PROTECTION*OF*THEIR*RIGHTS*OR*THROUGH*WHICH
THEY*COULD*COMPEL*OBEDIENCE*TO*LAW.*THE*TWO*GREAT*POWERS*OF*GOVERNMENT,
MILITARY*AND*FINANCIAL,*WERE*WITHHELD.*CONGRESS,*IT*IS*TRUE,*COULD
AUTHORIZE*EXPENDITURES*BUT*HAD*TO*RELY*UPON*THE*STATES*FOR*THE*PAYMENT
OF*CONTRIBUTIONS*TO*MEET*ITS*BILLS.*IT*COULD*ALSO*ORDER*THE
ESTABLISHMENT*OF*AN*ARMY,*BUT*IT*COULD*ONLY*REQUEST*THE*STATES*TO*SUPPLY
THEIR*RESPECTIVE*QUOTAS*OF*SOLDIERS.*IT*COULD*NOT*LAY*TAXES*NOR*BRING
ANY*PRESSURE*TO*BEAR*UPON*A*SINGLE*CITIZEN*IN*THE*WHOLE*COUNTRY.*IT
COULD*ACT*ONLY*THROUGH*THE*MEDIUM*OF*THE*STATE*GOVERNMENTS.

=FINANCIAL*AND*COMMERCIAL*DISORDERS.=--IN*THE*FIELD*OF*PUBLIC*FINANCE,
THE*DISORDERS*WERE*PRONOUNCED.*THE*HUGE*DEBT*INCURRED*DURING*THE*WAR*WAS
STILL*OUTSTANDING.*CONGRESS*WAS*UNABLE*TO*PAY*EITHER*THE*INTEREST*OR*THE
PRINCIPAL.*PUBLIC*CREDITORS*WERE*IN*DESPAIR,*AS*THE*MARKET*VALUE*OF
THEIR*BONDS*SANK*TO*TWENTY-FIVE*OR*EVEN*TEN*CENTS*ON*THE*DOLLAR.*THE
CURRENT*BILLS*OF*CONGRESS*WERE*UNPAID.*AS*SOME*ONE*COMPLAINED,*THERE*WAS
NOT*ENOUGH*MONEY*IN*THE*TREASURY*TO*BUY*PEN*AND*INK*WITH*WHICH*TO*RECORD
THE*TRANSACTIONS*OF*THE*SHADOW*LEGISLATURE.*THE*CURRENCY*WAS*IN*UTTER
CHAOS.*MILLIONS*OF*DOLLARS*IN*NOTES*ISSUED*BY*CONGRESS*HAD*BECOME*MERE
TRASH*WORTH*A*CENT*OR*TWO*ON*THE*DOLLAR.*THERE*WAS*NO*OTHER*EXPRESSION
OF*CONTEMPT*SO*FORCEFUL*AS*THE*POPULAR*SAYING:*"NOT*WORTH*A
CONTINENTAL."*TO*MAKE*MATTERS*WORSE,*SEVERAL*OF*THE*STATES*WERE*POURING
NEW*STREAMS*OF*PAPER*MONEY*FROM*THE*PRESS.*ALMOST*THE*ONLY*GOOD*MONEY*IN
CIRCULATION*CONSISTED*OF*ENGLISH,*FRENCH,*AND*SPANISH*COINS,*AND*THE
PUBLIC*WAS*EVEN*DEFRAUDED*BY*THEM*BECAUSE*MONEY*CHANGERS*WERE*BUSY
CLIPPING*AND*FILING*AWAY*THE*METAL.*FOREIGN*COMMERCE*WAS*UNSETTLED.*THE
ENTIRE*BRITISH*SYSTEM*OF*TRADE*DISCRIMINATION*WAS*TURNED*AGAINST*THE
AMERICANS,*AND*CONGRESS,*HAVING*NO*POWER*TO*REGULATE*FOREIGN*COMMERCE,
WAS*UNABLE*TO*RETALIATE*OR*TO*NEGOTIATE*TREATIES*WHICH*IT*COULD*ENFORCE.
DOMESTIC*COMMERCE*WAS*IMPEDED*BY*THE*JEALOUSIES*OF*THE*STATES,*WHICH
ERECTED*TARIFF*BARRIERS*AGAINST*THEIR*NEIGHBORS.*THE*CONDITION*OF*THE
CURRENCY*MADE*THE*EXCHANGE*OF*MONEY*AND*GOODS*EXTREMELY*DIFFICULT,*AND,
AS*IF*TO*INCREASE*THE*CONFUSION,*BACKWARD*STATES*ENACTED*LAWS*HINDERING
THE*PROMPT*COLLECTION*OF*DEBTS*WITHIN*THEIR*BORDERS--AN*EVIL*WHICH
NOTHING*BUT*A*NATIONAL*SYSTEM*OF*COURTS*COULD*CURE.

=CONGRESS*IN*DISREPUTE.=--WITH*TREATIES*SET*AT*NAUGHT*BY*THE*STATES,*THE
LAWS*UNENFORCED,*THE*TREASURY*EMPTY,*AND*THE*PUBLIC*CREDIT*GONE,*THE
CONGRESS*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES*FELL*INTO*UTTER*DISREPUTE.*IT*CALLED*UPON
THE*STATES*TO*PAY*THEIR*QUOTAS*OF*MONEY*INTO*THE*TREASURY,*ONLY*TO*BE
TREATED*WITH*CONTEMPT.*EVEN*ITS*OWN*MEMBERS*LOOKED*UPON*IT*AS*A*SOLEMN
FUTILITY.*SOME*OF*THE*ABLEST*MEN*REFUSED*TO*ACCEPT*ELECTION*TO*IT,*AND
MANY*WHO*DID*TAKE*THE*DOUBTFUL*HONOR*FAILED*TO*ATTEND*THE*SESSIONS.
AGAIN*AND*AGAIN*IT*WAS*IMPOSSIBLE*TO*SECURE*A*QUORUM*FOR*THE*TRANSACTION
OF*BUSINESS.

=TROUBLES*OF*THE*STATE*GOVERNMENTS.=--THE*STATE*GOVERNMENTS,*FREE*TO
PURSUE*THEIR*OWN*COURSE*WITH*NO*INTERFERENCE*FROM*WITHOUT,*HAD*ALMOST*AS
MANY*DIFFICULTIES*AS*THE*CONGRESS.*THEY*TOO*WERE*LOADED*WITH
REVOLUTIONARY*DEBTS*CALLING*FOR*HEAVY*TAXES*UPON*AN*ALREADY*RESTIVE
POPULATION.*OPPRESSED*BY*THEIR*FINANCIAL*BURDENS*AND*DISCOURAGED*BY*THE
FALL*IN*PRICES*WHICH*FOLLOWED*THE*RETURN*OF*PEACE,*THE*FARMERS*OF
SEVERAL*STATES*JOINED*IN*A*CONCERTED*EFFORT*AND*COMPELLED*THEIR
LEGISLATURES*TO*ISSUE*LARGE*SUMS*OF*PAPER*MONEY.*THE*CURRENCY*FELL*IN
VALUE,*BUT*NEVERTHELESS*IT*WAS*FORCED*ON*UNWILLING*CREDITORS*TO*SQUARE
OLD*ACCOUNTS.

IN*EVERY*PART*OF*THE*COUNTRY*LEGISLATIVE*ACTION*FLUCTUATED*VIOLENTLY.
LAWS*WERE*MADE*ONE*YEAR*ONLY*TO*BE*REPEALED*THE*NEXT*AND*REENACTED*THE
THIRD*YEAR.*LANDS*WERE*SOLD*BY*ONE*LEGISLATURE*AND*THE*SALES*WERE
CANCELED*BY*ITS*SUCCESSOR.*UNCERTAINTY*AND*DISTRUST*WERE*THE*NATURAL
CONSEQUENCES.*MEN*OF*SUBSTANCE*LONGED*FOR*SOME*POWER*THAT*WOULD*FORBID
STATES*TO*ISSUE*BILLS*OF*CREDIT,*TO*MAKE*PAPER*MONEY*LEGAL*TENDER*IN
PAYMENT*OF*DEBTS,*OR*TO*IMPAIR*THE*OBLIGATION*OF*CONTRACTS.*MEN*HEAVILY
IN*DEBT,*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*URGED*EVEN*MORE*DRASTIC*ACTION*AGAINST
CREDITORS.

SO*GREAT*DID*THE*DISCONTENT*OF*THE*FARMERS*IN*NEW*HAMPSHIRE*BECOME*IN
1786*THAT*A*MOB*SURROUNDED*THE*LEGISLATURE,*DEMANDING*A*REPEAL*OF*THE
TAXES*AND*THE*ISSUANCE*OF*PAPER*MONEY.*IT*WAS*WITH*DIFFICULTY*THAT*AN
ARMED*REBELLION*WAS*AVOIDED.*IN*MASSACHUSETTS*THE*MALCONTENTS,*UNDER*THE
LEADERSHIP*OF*DANIEL*SHAYS,*A*CAPTAIN*IN*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*ARMY,
ORGANIZED*THAT*SAME*YEAR*OPEN*RESISTANCE*TO*THE*GOVERNMENT*OF*THE*STATE.
SHAYS*AND*HIS*FOLLOWERS*PROTESTED*AGAINST*THE*CONDUCT*OF*CREDITORS*IN
FORECLOSING*MORTGAGES*UPON*THE*DEBT-BURDENED*FARMERS,*AGAINST*THE
LAWYERS*FOR*INCREASING*THE*COSTS*OF*LEGAL*PROCEEDINGS,*AGAINST*THE
SENATE*OF*THE*STATE*THE*MEMBERS*OF*WHICH*WERE*APPORTIONED*AMONG*THE
TOWNS*ON*THE*BASIS*OF*THE*AMOUNT*OF*TAXES*PAID,*AGAINST*HEAVY*TAXES,*AND
AGAINST*THE*REFUSAL*OF*THE*LEGISLATURE*TO*ISSUE*PAPER*MONEY.*THEY*SEIZED
THE*TOWNS*OF*WORCESTER*AND*SPRINGFIELD*AND*BROKE*UP*THE*COURTS*OF
JUSTICE.*ALL*THROUGH*THE*WESTERN*PART*OF*THE*STATE*THE*REVOLT*SPREAD,
SENDING*A*SHOCK*OF*ALARM*TO*EVERY*CENTER*AND*SECTION*OF*THE*YOUNG
REPUBLIC.*ONLY*BY*THE*MOST*VIGOROUS*ACTION*WAS*GOVERNOR*BOWDOIN*ABLE*TO
QUELL*THE*UPRISING;*AND*WHEN*THAT*TASK*WAS*ACCOMPLISHED,*THE*STATE
GOVERNMENT*DID*NOT*DARE*TO*EXECUTE*ANY*OF*THE*PRISONERS*BECAUSE*THEY*HAD
SO*MANY*SYMPATHIZERS.*MOREOVER,*BOWDOIN*AND*SEVERAL*MEMBERS*OF*THE
LEGISLATURE*WHO*HAD*BEEN*MOST*ZEALOUS*IN*THEIR*ATTACKS*ON*THE*INSURGENTS
WERE*DEFEATED*AT*THE*ENSUING*ELECTION.*THE*NEED*OF*NATIONAL*ASSISTANCE
FOR*STATE*GOVERNMENTS*IN*TIMES*OF*DOMESTIC*VIOLENCE*WAS*EVERYWHERE
EMPHASIZED*BY*MEN*WHO*WERE*OPPOSED*TO*REVOLUTIONARY*ACTS.

=ALARM*OVER*DANGERS*TO*THE*REPUBLIC.=--LEADING*AMERICAN*CITIZENS,
WATCHING*THE*DRIFT*OF*AFFAIRS,*WERE*SLOWLY*DRIVEN*TO*THE*CONCLUSION*THAT
THE*NEW*SHIP*OF*STATE*SO*PROUDLY*LAUNCHED*A*FEW*YEARS*BEFORE*WAS
CAREENING*INTO*ANARCHY.*"THE*FACTS*OF*OUR*PEACE*AND*INDEPENDENCE,"*WROTE
A*FRIEND*OF*WASHINGTON,*"DO*NOT*AT*PRESENT*WEAR*SO*PROMISING*AN
APPEARANCE*AS*I*HAD*FONDLY*PAINTED*IN*MY*MIND.*THE*PREJUDICES,
JEALOUSIES,*AND*TURBULENCE*OF*THE*PEOPLE*AT*TIMES*ALMOST*STAGGER*MY
CONFIDENCE*IN*OUR*POLITICAL*ESTABLISHMENTS;*AND*ALMOST*OCCASION*ME*TO
THINK*THAT*THEY*WILL*SHOW*THEMSELVES*UNWORTHY*OF*THE*NOBLE*PRIZE*FOR
WHICH*WE*HAVE*CONTENDED."

WASHINGTON*HIMSELF*WAS*PROFOUNDLY*DISCOURAGED.*ON*HEARING*OF*SHAYS'S
REBELLION,*HE*EXCLAIMED:*"WHAT,*GRACIOUS*GOD,*IS*MAN*THAT*THERE*SHOULD
BE*SUCH*INCONSISTENCY*AND*PERFIDIOUSNESS*IN*HIS*CONDUCT!*IT*IS*BUT*THE
OTHER*DAY*THAT*WE*WERE*SHEDDING*OUR*BLOOD*TO*OBTAIN*THE*CONSTITUTIONS
UNDER*WHICH*WE*NOW*LIVE--CONSTITUTIONS*OF*OUR*OWN*CHOICE*AND*MAKING--AND
NOW*WE*ARE*UNSHEATHING*OUR*SWORD*TO*OVERTURN*THEM."*THE*SAME*YEAR*HE
BURST*OUT*IN*A*LAMENT*OVER*RUMORS*OF*RESTORING*ROYAL*GOVERNMENT.*"I*AM
TOLD*THAT*EVEN*RESPECTABLE*CHARACTERS*SPEAK*OF*A*MONARCHICAL*GOVERNMENT
WITHOUT*HORROR.*FROM*THINKING*PROCEEDS*SPEAKING.*HENCE*TO*ACTING*IS
OFTEN*BUT*A*SINGLE*STEP.*BUT*HOW*IRRESISTIBLE*AND*TREMENDOUS!*WHAT*A
TRIUMPH*FOR*OUR*ENEMIES*TO*VERIFY*THEIR*PREDICTIONS!*WHAT*A*TRIUMPH*FOR
THE*ADVOCATES*OF*DESPOTISM*TO*FIND*THAT*WE*ARE*INCAPABLE*OF*GOVERNING
OURSELVES!"

=CONGRESS*ATTEMPTS*SOME*REFORMS.=--THE*CONGRESS*WAS*NOT*INDIFFERENT*TO
THE*EVENTS*THAT*DISTURBED*WASHINGTON.*ON*THE*CONTRARY*IT*PUT*FORTH*MANY
EFFORTS*TO*CHECK*TENDENCIES*SO*DANGEROUS*TO*FINANCE,*COMMERCE,
INDUSTRIES,*AND*THE*CONFEDERATION*ITSELF.*IN*1781,*EVEN*BEFORE*THE
TREATY*OF*PEACE*WAS*SIGNED,*THE*CONGRESS,*HAVING*FOUND*OUT*HOW*FUTILE
WERE*ITS*TAXING*POWERS,*CARRIED*A*RESOLUTION*OF*AMENDMENT*TO*THE
ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION,*AUTHORIZING*THE*LEVY*OF*A*MODERATE*DUTY*ON
IMPORTS.*YET*THIS*MILD*MEASURE*WAS*REJECTED*BY*THE*STATES.*TWO*YEARS
LATER*THE*CONGRESS*PREPARED*ANOTHER*AMENDMENT*SANCTIONING*THE*LEVY*OF
DUTIES*ON*IMPORTS,*TO*BE*COLLECTED*THIS*TIME*BY*STATE*OFFICERS*AND
APPLIED*TO*THE*PAYMENT*OF*THE*PUBLIC*DEBT.*THIS*MORE*LIMITED*PROPOSAL,
DESIGNED*TO*SAVE*PUBLIC*CREDIT,*LIKEWISE*FAILED.*IN*1786,*THE*CONGRESS
MADE*A*THIRD*APPEAL*TO*THE*STATES*FOR*HELP,*DECLARING*THAT*THEY*HAD*BEEN
SO*IRREGULAR*AND*SO*NEGLIGENT*IN*PAYING*THEIR*QUOTAS*THAT*FURTHER
RELIANCE*UPON*THAT*MODE*OF*RAISING*REVENUES*WAS*DISHONORABLE*AND
DANGEROUS.


THE*CALLING*OF*A*CONSTITUTIONAL*CONVENTION

=HAMILTON*AND*WASHINGTON*URGE*REFORM.=--THE*ATTEMPTS*AT*REFORM*BY*THE
CONGRESS*WERE*ACCOMPANIED*BY*DEMAND*FOR,*BOTH*WITHIN*AND*WITHOUT*THAT
BODY,*A*CONVENTION*TO*FRAME*A*NEW*PLAN*OF*GOVERNMENT.*IN*1780,*THE
YOUTHFUL*ALEXANDER*HAMILTON,*REALIZING*THE*WEAKNESS*OF*THE*ARTICLES,*SO
WIDELY*DISCUSSED,*PROPOSED*A*GENERAL*CONVENTION*FOR*THE*PURPOSE*OF
DRAFTING*A*NEW*CONSTITUTION*ON*ENTIRELY*DIFFERENT*PRINCIPLES.*WITH
TIRELESS*ENERGY*HE*STROVE*TO*BRING*HIS*COUNTRYMEN*TO*HIS*VIEW.
WASHINGTON,*AGREEING*WITH*HIM*ON*EVERY*POINT,*DECLARED,*IN*A*CIRCULAR
LETTER*TO*THE*GOVERNORS,*THAT*THE*DURATION*OF*THE*UNION*WOULD*BE*SHORT
UNLESS*THERE*WAS*LODGED*SOMEWHERE*A*SUPREME*POWER*"TO*REGULATE*AND
GOVERN*THE*GENERAL*CONCERNS*OF*THE*CONFEDERATED*REPUBLIC."*THE*GOVERNOR
OF*MASSACHUSETTS,*DISTURBED*BY*THE*GROWTH*OF*DISCONTENT*ALL*ABOUT*HIM,
SUGGESTED*TO*THE*STATE*LEGISLATURE*IN*1785*THE*ADVISABILITY*OF*A
NATIONAL*CONVENTION*TO*ENLARGE*THE*POWERS*OF*THE*CONGRESS.*THE
LEGISLATURE*APPROVED*THE*PLAN,*BUT*DID*NOT*PRESS*IT*TO*A*CONCLUSION.

[ILLUSTRATION:*ALEXANDER*HAMILTON]

=THE*ANNAPOLIS*CONVENTION.=--ACTION*FINALLY*CAME*FROM*THE*SOUTH.*THE
VIRGINIA*LEGISLATURE,*TAKING*THINGS*INTO*ITS*OWN*HANDS,*CALLED*A
CONFERENCE*OF*DELEGATES*AT*ANNAPOLIS*TO*CONSIDER*MATTERS*OF*TAXATION*AND
COMMERCE.*WHEN*THE*CONVENTION*ASSEMBLED*IN*1786,*IT*WAS*FOUND*THAT*ONLY
FIVE*STATES*HAD*TAKEN*THE*TROUBLE*TO*SEND*REPRESENTATIVES.*THE*LEADERS
WERE*DEEPLY*DISCOURAGED,*BUT*THE*RESOURCEFUL*HAMILTON,*A*DELEGATE*FROM
NEW*YORK,*TURNED*THE*AFFAIR*TO*GOOD*ACCOUNT.*HE*SECURED*THE*ADOPTION*OF
A*RESOLUTION,*CALLING*UPON*THE*CONGRESS*ITSELF*TO*SUMMON*ANOTHER
CONVENTION,*TO*MEET*AT*PHILADELPHIA.

=A*NATIONAL*CONVENTION*CALLED*(1787).=--THE*CONGRESS,*AS*TARDY*AS*EVER,
AT*LAST*DECIDED*IN*FEBRUARY,*1787,*TO*ISSUE*THE*CALL.*FEARING*DRASTIC
CHANGES,*HOWEVER,*IT*RESTRICTED*THE*CONVENTION*TO*"THE*SOLE*AND*EXPRESS
PURPOSE*OF*REVISING*THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION."*JEALOUS*OF*ITS*OWN
POWERS,*IT*ADDED*THAT*ANY*ALTERATIONS*PROPOSED*SHOULD*BE*REFERRED*TO*THE
CONGRESS*AND*THE*STATES*FOR*THEIR*APPROVAL.

EVERY*STATE*IN*THE*UNION,*EXCEPT*RHODE*ISLAND,*RESPONDED*TO*THIS*CALL.
INDEED*SOME*OF*THE*STATES,*HAVING*THE*ANNAPOLIS*RESOLUTION*BEFORE*THEM,
HAD*ALREADY*ANTICIPATED*THE*CONGRESS*BY*SELECTING*DELEGATES*BEFORE*THE
FORMAL*SUMMONS*CAME.*THUS,*BY*THE*PERSISTENCE*OF*GOVERNORS,
LEGISLATURES,*AND*PRIVATE*CITIZENS,*THERE*WAS*BROUGHT*ABOUT*THE
LONG-DESIRED*NATIONAL*CONVENTION.*IN*MAY,*1787,*IT*ASSEMBLED*IN
PHILADELPHIA.

=THE*EMINENT*MEN*OF*THE*CONVENTION.=--ON*THE*ROLL*OF*THAT*MEMORABLE
CONVENTION*WERE*FIFTY-FIVE*MEN,*AT*LEAST*HALF*OF*WHOM*WERE*ACKNOWLEDGED
TO*BE*AMONG*THE*FOREMOST*STATESMEN*AND*THINKERS*IN*AMERICA.*EVERY*FIELD
OF*STATECRAFT*WAS*REPRESENTED*BY*THEM:*WAR*AND*PRACTICAL*MANAGEMENT*IN
WASHINGTON,*WHO*WAS*CHOSEN*PRESIDENT*OF*THE*CONVENTION;*DIPLOMACY*IN
FRANKLIN,*NOW*OLD*AND*FULL*OF*HONOR*IN*HIS*OWN*LAND*AS*WELL*AS*ABROAD;
FINANCE*IN*ALEXANDER*HAMILTON*AND*ROBERT*MORRIS;*LAW*IN*JAMES*WILSON*OF
PENNSYLVANIA;*THE*PHILOSOPHY*OF*GOVERNMENT*IN*JAMES*MADISON,*CALLED*THE
"FATHER*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION."*THEY*WERE*NOT*THEORISTS*BUT*PRACTICAL*MEN,
RICH*IN*POLITICAL*EXPERIENCE*AND*ENDOWED*WITH*DEEP*INSIGHT*INTO*THE
SPRINGS*OF*HUMAN*ACTION.*THREE*OF*THEM*HAD*SERVED*IN*THE*STAMP*ACT
CONGRESS:*DICKINSON*OF*DELAWARE,*WILLIAM*SAMUEL*JOHNSON*OF*CONNECTICUT,
AND*JOHN*RUTLEDGE*OF*SOUTH*CAROLINA.*EIGHT*HAD*BEEN*SIGNERS*OF*THE
DECLARATION*OF*INDEPENDENCE:*READ*OF*DELAWARE,*SHERMAN*OF*CONNECTICUT,
WYTHE*OF*VIRGINIA,*GERRY*OF*MASSACHUSETTS,*FRANKLIN,*ROBERT*MORRIS,
GEORGE*CLYMER,*AND*JAMES*WILSON*OF*PENNSYLVANIA.*ALL*BUT*TWELVE*HAD*AT
SOME*TIME*SERVED*IN*THE*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS*AND*EIGHTEEN*WERE*MEMBERS
OF*THAT*BODY*IN*THE*SPRING*OF*1787.*WASHINGTON,*HAMILTON,*MIFFLIN,*AND
CHARLES*PINCKNEY*HAD*BEEN*OFFICERS*IN*THE*REVOLUTIONARY*ARMY.*SEVEN*OF
THE*DELEGATES*HAD*GAINED*POLITICAL*EXPERIENCE*AS*GOVERNORS*OF*STATES.
"THE*CONVENTION*AS*A*WHOLE,"*ACCORDING*TO*THE*HISTORIAN*HILDRETH,
"REPRESENTED*IN*A*MARKED*MANNER*THE*TALENT,*INTELLIGENCE,*AND
ESPECIALLY*THE*CONSERVATIVE*SENTIMENT*OF*THE*COUNTRY."


THE*FRAMING*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION

=PROBLEMS*INVOLVED.=--THE*GREAT*PROBLEMS*BEFORE*THE*CONVENTION*WERE*NINE
IN*NUMBER:*(1)*SHALL*THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION*BE*REVISED*OR*A*NEW
SYSTEM*OF*GOVERNMENT*CONSTRUCTED?*(2)*SHALL*THE*GOVERNMENT*BE*FOUNDED*ON
STATES*EQUAL*IN*POWER*AS*UNDER*THE*ARTICLES*OR*ON*THE*BROADER*AND*DEEPER
FOUNDATION*OF*POPULATION?*(3)*WHAT*DIRECT*SHARE*SHALL*THE*PEOPLE*HAVE*IN
THE*ELECTION*OF*NATIONAL*OFFICERS?*(4)*WHAT*SHALL*BE*THE*QUALIFICATIONS
FOR*THE*SUFFRAGE?*(5)*HOW*SHALL*THE*CONFLICTING*INTERESTS*OF*THE
COMMERCIAL*AND*THE*PLANTING*STATES*BE*BALANCED*SO*AS*TO*SAFEGUARD*THE
ESSENTIAL*RIGHTS*OF*EACH?*(6)*WHAT*SHALL*BE*THE*FORM*OF*THE*NEW
GOVERNMENT?*(7)*WHAT*POWERS*SHALL*BE*CONFERRED*ON*IT?*(8)*HOW*SHALL*THE
STATE*LEGISLATURES*BE*RESTRAINED*FROM*THEIR*ATTACKS*ON*PROPERTY*RIGHTS
SUCH*AS*THE*ISSUANCE*OF*PAPER*MONEY?*(9)*SHALL*THE*APPROVAL*OF*ALL*THE
STATES*BE*NECESSARY,*AS*UNDER*THE*ARTICLES,*FOR*THE*ADOPTION*AND
AMENDMENT*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION?

=REVISION*OF*THE*ARTICLES*OR*A*NEW*GOVERNMENT?=--THE*MOMENT*THE*FIRST
PROBLEM*WAS*RAISED,*REPRESENTATIVES*OF*THE*SMALL*STATES,*LED*BY*WILLIAM
PATERSON*OF*NEW*JERSEY,*WERE*ON*THEIR*FEET.*THEY*FEARED*THAT,*IF*THE
ARTICLES*WERE*OVERTHROWN,*THE*EQUALITY*AND*RIGHTS*OF*THE*STATES*WOULD*BE
PUT*IN*JEOPARDY.*THEIR*PROTEST*WAS*THEREFORE*VIGOROUS.*THEY*CITED*THE
CALL*ISSUED*BY*THE*CONGRESS*IN*SUMMONING*THE*CONVENTION*WHICH
SPECIFICALLY*STATED*THAT*THEY*WERE*ASSEMBLED*FOR*"THE*SOLE*AND*EXPRESS
PURPOSE*OF*REVISING*THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION."*THEY*CITED*ALSO
THEIR*INSTRUCTIONS*FROM*THEIR*STATE*LEGISLATURES,*WHICH*AUTHORIZED*THEM
TO*"REVISE*AND*AMEND"*THE*EXISTING*SCHEME*OF*GOVERNMENT,*NOT*TO*MAKE*A
REVOLUTION*IN*IT.*TO*DEPART*FROM*THE*AUTHORIZATION*LAID*DOWN*BY*THE
CONGRESS*AND*THE*LEGISLATURES*WOULD*BE*TO*EXCEED*THEIR*POWERS,*THEY
ARGUED,*AND*TO*BETRAY*THE*TRUST*REPOSED*IN*THEM*BY*THEIR*COUNTRYMEN.

TO*THEIR*CONTENTIONS,*RANDOLPH*OF*VIRGINIA*REPLIED:*"WHEN*THE*SALVATION
OF*THE*REPUBLIC*IS*AT*STAKE,*IT*WOULD*BE*TREASON*TO*OUR*TRUST*NOT*TO
PROPOSE*WHAT*WE*FIND*NECESSARY."*HAMILTON,*REMINDING*THE*DELEGATES*THAT
THEIR*WORK*WAS*STILL*SUBJECT*TO*THE*APPROVAL*OF*THE*STATES,*FRANKLY*SAID
THAT*ON*THE*POINT*OF*THEIR*POWERS*HE*HAD*NO*SCRUPLES.*WITH*THE*ISSUE
CLEAR,*THE*CONVENTION*CAST*ASIDE*THE*ARTICLES*AS*IF*THEY*DID*NOT*EXIST
AND*PROCEEDED*TO*THE*WORK*OF*DRAWING*UP*A*NEW*CONSTITUTION,*"LAYING*ITS
FOUNDATIONS*ON*SUCH*PRINCIPLES*AND*ORGANIZING*ITS*POWERS*IN*SUCH*FORM"
AS*TO*THE*DELEGATES*SEEMED*"MOST*LIKELY*TO*AFFECT*THEIR*SAFETY*AND
HAPPINESS."

=A*GOVERNMENT*FOUNDED*ON*STATES*OR*ON*PEOPLE?--THE
COMPROMISE.=--DEFEATED*IN*THEIR*ATTEMPT*TO*LIMIT*THE*CONVENTION*TO*A
MERE*REVISION*OF*THE*ARTICLES,*THE*SPOKESMEN*OF*THE*SMALLER*STATES
REDOUBLED*THEIR*EFFORTS*TO*PRESERVE*THE*EQUALITY*OF*THE*STATES.*THE
SIGNAL*FOR*A*RADICAL*DEPARTURE*FROM*THE*ARTICLES*ON*THIS*POINT*WAS*GIVEN
EARLY*IN*THE*SESSIONS*WHEN*RANDOLPH*PRESENTED*"THE*VIRGINIA*PLAN."*HE
PROPOSED*THAT*THE*NEW*NATIONAL*LEGISLATURE*CONSIST*OF*TWO*HOUSES,*THE
MEMBERS*OF*WHICH*WERE*TO*BE*APPORTIONED*AMONG*THE*STATES*ACCORDING*TO
THEIR*WEALTH*OR*FREE*WHITE*POPULATION,*AS*THE*CONVENTION*MIGHT*DECIDE.
THIS*PLAN*WAS*VEHEMENTLY*CHALLENGED.*PATERSON*OF*NEW*JERSEY*FLATLY
AVOWED*THAT*NEITHER*HE*NOR*HIS*STATE*WOULD*EVER*BOW*TO*SUCH*TYRANNY.*AS
AN*ALTERNATIVE,*HE*PRESENTED*"THE*NEW*JERSEY*PLAN"*CALLING*FOR*A
NATIONAL*LEGISLATURE*OF*ONE*HOUSE*REPRESENTING*STATES*AS*SUCH,*NOT
WEALTH*OR*PEOPLE--A*LEGISLATURE*IN*WHICH*ALL*STATES,*LARGE*OR*SMALL,
WOULD*HAVE*EQUAL*VOICE.*WILSON*OF*PENNSYLVANIA,*ON*BEHALF*OF*THE*MORE
POPULOUS*STATES,*TOOK*UP*THE*GAUNTLET*WHICH*PATERSON*HAD*THROWN*DOWN.*IT
WAS*ABSURD,*HE*URGED,*FOR*180,000*MEN*IN*ONE*STATE*TO*HAVE*THE*SAME
WEIGHT*IN*NATIONAL*COUNSELS*AS*750,000*MEN*IN*ANOTHER*STATE.*"THE
GENTLEMAN*FROM*NEW*JERSEY,"*HE*SAID,*"IS*CANDID.*HE*DECLARES*HIS*OPINION
BOLDLY....*I*WILL*BE*EQUALLY*CANDID....*I*WILL*NEVER*CONFEDERATE*ON*HIS
PRINCIPLES."*SO*THE*BITTER*CONTROVERSY*RAN*ON*THROUGH*MANY*EXCITING
SESSIONS.

GREEK*HAD*MET*GREEK.*THE*CONVENTION*WAS*HOPELESSLY*DEADLOCKED*AND*ON*THE
VERGE*OF*DISSOLUTION,*"SCARCE*HELD*TOGETHER*BY*THE*STRENGTH*OF*A*HAIR,"
AS*ONE*OF*THE*DELEGATES*REMARKED.*A*CRASH*WAS*AVERTED*ONLY*BY*A
COMPROMISE.*INSTEAD*OF*A*CONGRESS*OF*ONE*HOUSE*AS*PROVIDED*BY*THE
ARTICLES,*THE*CONVENTION*AGREED*UPON*A*LEGISLATURE*OF*TWO*HOUSES.*IN*THE
SENATE,*THE*ASPIRATIONS*OF*THE*SMALL*STATES*WERE*TO*BE*SATISFIED,*FOR
EACH*STATE*WAS*GIVEN*TWO*MEMBERS*IN*THAT*BODY.*IN*THE*FORMATION*OF*THE
HOUSE*OF*REPRESENTATIVES,*THE*LARGER*STATES*WERE*PLACATED,*FOR*IT*WAS
AGREED*THAT*THE*MEMBERS*OF*THAT*CHAMBER*WERE*TO*BE*APPORTIONED*AMONG*THE
STATES*ON*THE*BASIS*OF*POPULATION,*COUNTING*THREE-FIFTHS*OF*THE*SLAVES.

=THE*QUESTION*OF*POPULAR*ELECTION.=--THE*METHOD*OF*SELECTING*FEDERAL
OFFICERS*AND*MEMBERS*OF*CONGRESS*ALSO*PRODUCED*AN*ACRIMONIOUS*DEBATE
WHICH*REVEALED*HOW*DEEP-SEATED*WAS*THE*DISTRUST*OF*THE*CAPACITY*OF*THE
PEOPLE*TO*GOVERN*THEMSELVES.*FEW*THERE*WERE*WHO*BELIEVED*THAT*NO*BRANCH
OF*THE*GOVERNMENT*SHOULD*BE*ELECTED*DIRECTLY*BY*THE*VOTERS;*STILL*FEWER
WERE*THERE,*HOWEVER,*WHO*DESIRED*TO*SEE*ALL*BRANCHES*SO*CHOSEN.*ONE*OR
TWO*EVEN*EXPRESSED*A*DESIRE*FOR*A*MONARCHY.*THE*DANGERS*OF*DEMOCRACY
WERE*STRESSED*BY*GERRY*OF*MASSACHUSETTS:*"ALL*THE*EVILS*WE*EXPERIENCE
FLOW*FROM*AN*EXCESS*OF*DEMOCRACY.*THE*PEOPLE*DO*NOT*WANT*VIRTUE*BUT*ARE
THE*DUPES*OF*PRETENDED*PATRIOTS....*I*HAVE*BEEN*TOO*REPUBLICAN
HERETOFORE*BUT*HAVE*BEEN*TAUGHT*BY*EXPERIENCE*THE*DANGER*OF*A*LEVELING
SPIRIT."*TO*THE*"DEMOCRATIC*LICENTIOUSNESS*OF*THE*STATE*LEGISLATURES,"
RANDOLPH*SOUGHT*TO*OPPOSE*A*"FIRM*SENATE."*TO*CHECK*THE*EXCESSES*OF
POPULAR*GOVERNMENT*CHARLES*PINCKNEY*OF*SOUTH*CAROLINA*DECLARED*THAT*NO
ONE*SHOULD*BE*ELECTED*PRESIDENT*WHO*WAS*NOT*WORTH*$100,000*AND*THAT*HIGH
PROPERTY*QUALIFICATIONS*SHOULD*BE*PLACED*ON*MEMBERS*OF*CONGRESS*AND
JUDGES.*OTHER*MEMBERS*OF*THE*CONVENTION*WERE*STOUTLY*OPPOSED*TO*SUCH
"HIGH-TONED*NOTIONS*OF*GOVERNMENT."*FRANKLIN*AND*WILSON,*BOTH*FROM
PENNSYLVANIA,*VIGOROUSLY*CHAMPIONED*POPULAR*ELECTION;*WHILE*MEN*LIKE
MADISON*INSISTED*THAT*AT*LEAST*ONE*PART*OF*THE*GOVERNMENT*SHOULD*REST*ON
THE*BROAD*FOUNDATION*OF*THE*PEOPLE.

OUT*OF*THIS*CLASH*OF*OPINION*ALSO*CAME*COMPROMISE.*ONE*BRANCH,*THE*HOUSE
OF*REPRESENTATIVES,*IT*WAS*AGREED,*WAS*TO*BE*ELECTED*DIRECTLY*BY*THE
VOTERS,*WHILE*THE*SENATORS*WERE*TO*BE*ELECTED*INDIRECTLY*BY*THE*STATE
LEGISLATURES.*THE*PRESIDENT*WAS*TO*BE*CHOSEN*BY*ELECTORS*SELECTED*AS*THE
LEGISLATURES*OF*THE*STATES*MIGHT*DETERMINE,*AND*THE*JUDGES*OF*THE
FEDERAL*COURTS,*SUPREME*AND*INFERIOR,*BY*THE*PRESIDENT*AND*THE*SENATE.

=THE*QUESTION*OF*THE*SUFFRAGE.=--THE*BATTLE*OVER*THE*SUFFRAGE*WAS*SHARP
BUT*BRIEF.*GOUVERNEUR*MORRIS*PROPOSED*THAT*ONLY*LAND*OWNERS*SHOULD*BE
PERMITTED*TO*VOTE.*MADISON*REPLIED*THAT*THE*STATE*LEGISLATURES,*WHICH
HAD*MADE*SO*MUCH*TROUBLE*WITH*RADICAL*LAWS,*WERE*ELECTED*BY*FREEHOLDERS.
AFTER*THE*DEBATE,*THE*DELEGATES,*UNABLE*TO*AGREE*ON*ANY*PROPERTY
LIMITATIONS*ON*THE*SUFFRAGE,*DECIDED*THAT*THE*HOUSE*OF*REPRESENTATIVES
SHOULD*BE*ELECTED*BY*VOTERS*HAVING*THE*"QUALIFICATIONS*REQUISITE*FOR
ELECTORS*OF*THE*MOST*NUMEROUS*BRANCH*OF*THE*STATE*LEGISLATURE."*THUS
THEY*ACCEPTED*THE*SUFFRAGE*PROVISIONS*OF*THE*STATES.

=THE*BALANCE*BETWEEN*THE*PLANTING*AND*THE*COMMERCIAL*STATES.=--AFTER*THE
DEBATES*HAD*GONE*ON*FOR*A*FEW*WEEKS,*MADISON*CAME*TO*THE*CONCLUSION*THAT
THE*REAL*DIVISION*IN*THE*CONVENTION*WAS*NOT*BETWEEN*THE*LARGE*AND*THE
SMALL*STATES*BUT*BETWEEN*THE*PLANTING*SECTION*FOUNDED*ON*SLAVE*LABOR*AND
THE*COMMERCIAL*NORTH.*THUS*HE*ANTICIPATED*BY*NEARLY*THREE-QUARTERS*OF*A
CENTURY*"THE*IRREPRESSIBLE*CONFLICT."*THE*PLANTING*STATES*HAD*NEITHER
THE*FREE*WHITE*POPULATION*NOR*THE*WEALTH*OF*THE*NORTH.*THERE*WERE,
COUNTING*DELAWARE,*SIX*OF*THEM*AS*AGAINST*SEVEN*COMMERCIAL*STATES.
DEPENDENT*FOR*THEIR*PROSPERITY*MAINLY*UPON*THE*SALE*OF*TOBACCO,*RICE,
AND*OTHER*STAPLES*ABROAD,*THEY*FEARED*THAT*CONGRESS*MIGHT*IMPOSE
RESTRAINTS*UPON*THEIR*ENTERPRISE.*BEING*WEAKER*IN*NUMBERS,*THEY*WERE
AFRAID*THAT*THE*MAJORITY*MIGHT*LAY*AN*UNFAIR*BURDEN*OF*TAXES*UPON*THEM.

_REPRESENTATION*AND*TAXATION._--THE*SOUTHERN*MEMBERS*OF*THE*CONVENTION
WERE*THEREFORE*VERY*ANXIOUS*TO*SECURE*FOR*THEIR*SECTION*THE*LARGEST
POSSIBLE*REPRESENTATION*IN*CONGRESS,*AND*AT*THE*SAME*TIME*TO*RESTRAIN
THE*TAXING*POWER*OF*THAT*BODY.*TWO*DEVICES*WERE*THOUGHT*ADAPTED*TO*THESE
ENDS.*ONE*WAS*TO*COUNT*THE*SLAVES*AS*PEOPLE*WHEN*APPORTIONING
REPRESENTATIVES*AMONG*THE*STATES*ACCORDING*TO*THEIR*RESPECTIVE
POPULATIONS;*THE*OTHER*WAS*TO*PROVIDE*THAT*DIRECT*TAXES*SHOULD*BE
APPORTIONED*AMONG*THE*STATES,*IN*PROPORTION*NOT*TO*THEIR*WEALTH*BUT*TO
THE*NUMBER*OF*THEIR*FREE*WHITE*INHABITANTS.*FOR*OBVIOUS*REASONS*THE
NORTHERN*DELEGATES*OBJECTED*TO*THESE*PROPOSALS.*ONCE*MORE*A*COMPROMISE
PROVED*TO*BE*THE*SOLUTION.*IT*WAS*AGREED*THAT*NOT*ALL*THE*SLAVES*BUT
THREE-FIFTHS*OF*THEM*SHOULD*BE*COUNTED*FOR*BOTH*PURPOSES--REPRESENTATION
AND*DIRECT*TAXATION.

_COMMERCE*AND*THE*SLAVE*TRADE._--SOUTHERN*INTERESTS*WERE*ALSO*INVOLVED
IN*THE*PROJECT*TO*CONFER*UPON*CONGRESS*THE*POWER*TO*REGULATE*INTERSTATE
AND*FOREIGN*COMMERCE.*TO*THE*MANUFACTURING*AND*TRADING*STATES*THIS*WAS
ESSENTIAL.*IT*WOULD*PREVENT*INTERSTATE*TARIFFS*AND*TRADE*JEALOUSIES;*IT
WOULD*ENABLE*CONGRESS*TO*PROTECT*AMERICAN*MANUFACTURES*AND*TO*BREAK
DOWN,*BY*APPROPRIATE*RETALIATIONS,*FOREIGN*DISCRIMINATIONS*AGAINST
AMERICAN*COMMERCE.*TO*THE*SOUTH*THE*PROPOSAL*WAS*MENACING*BECAUSE
TARIFFS*MIGHT*INTERFERE*WITH*THE*FREE*EXCHANGE*OF*THE*PRODUCE*OF
PLANTATIONS*IN*EUROPEAN*MARKETS,*AND*NAVIGATION*ACTS*MIGHT*CONFINE*THE
CARRYING*TRADE*TO*AMERICAN,*THAT*IS*NORTHERN,*SHIPS.*THE*IMPORTATION*OF
SLAVES,*MOREOVER,*IT*WAS*FEARED*MIGHT*BE*HEAVILY*TAXED*OR*IMMEDIATELY
PROHIBITED*ALTOGETHER.

THE*RESULT*OF*THIS*AND*RELATED*CONTROVERSIES*WAS*A*DEBATE*ON*THE*MERITS
OF*SLAVERY.*GOUVERNEUR*MORRIS*DELIVERED*HIS*MIND*AND*HEART*ON*THAT
SUBJECT,*DENOUNCING*SLAVERY*AS*A*NEFARIOUS*INSTITUTION*AND*THE*CURSE*OF
HEAVEN*ON*THE*STATES*IN*WHICH*IT*PREVAILED.*MASON*OF*VIRGINIA,*A
SLAVEHOLDER*HIMSELF,*WAS*HARDLY*LESS*OUTSPOKEN,*SAYING:*"SLAVERY
DISCOURAGES*ARTS*AND*MANUFACTURES.*THE*POOR*DESPISE*LABOR*WHEN*PERFORMED
BY*SLAVES.*THEY*PREVENT*THE*MIGRATION*OF*WHITES*WHO*REALLY*STRENGTHEN
AND*ENRICH*A*COUNTRY."

THE*SYSTEM,*HOWEVER,*HAD*ITS*DEFENDERS.*REPRESENTATIVES*FROM*SOUTH
CAROLINA*ARGUED*THAT*THEIR*ENTIRE*ECONOMIC*LIFE*RESTED*ON*SLAVE*LABOR
AND*THAT*THE*HIGH*DEATH*RATE*IN*THE*RICE*SWAMPS*MADE*CONTINUOUS
IMPORTATION*NECESSARY.*ELLSWORTH*OF*CONNECTICUT*TOOK*THE*GROUND*THAT
THE*CONVENTION*SHOULD*NOT*MEDDLE*WITH*SLAVERY.*"THE*MORALITY*OR*WISDOM
OF*SLAVERY,"*HE*SAID,*"ARE*CONSIDERATIONS*BELONGING*TO*THE*STATES.*WHAT
ENRICHES*A*PART*ENRICHES*THE*WHOLE."*TO*THE*FUTURE*HE*TURNED*AN
UNTROUBLED*FACE:*"AS*POPULATION*INCREASES,*POOR*LABORERS*WILL*BE*SO
PLENTY*AS*TO*RENDER*SLAVES*USELESS.*SLAVERY*IN*TIME*WILL*NOT*BE*A*SPECK
IN*OUR*COUNTRY."*VIRGINIA*AND*NORTH*CAROLINA,*ALREADY*OVERSTOCKED*WITH
SLAVES,*FAVORED*PROHIBITING*THE*TRAFFIC*IN*THEM;*BUT*SOUTH*CAROLINA*WAS
ADAMANT.*SHE*MUST*HAVE*FRESH*SUPPLIES*OF*SLAVES*OR*SHE*WOULD*NOT
FEDERATE.

SO*IT*WAS*AGREED*THAT,*WHILE*CONGRESS*MIGHT*REGULATE*FOREIGN*TRADE*BY
MAJORITY*VOTE,*THE*IMPORTATION*OF*SLAVES*SHOULD*NOT*BE*FORBIDDEN*BEFORE
THE*LAPSE*OF*TWENTY*YEARS,*AND*THAT*ANY*IMPORT*TAX*SHOULD*NOT*EXCEED*$10
A*HEAD.*AT*THE*SAME*TIME,*IN*CONNECTION*WITH*THE*REGULATION*OF*FOREIGN
TRADE,*IT*WAS*STIPULATED*THAT*A*TWO-THIRDS*VOTE*IN*THE*SENATE*SHOULD*BE
NECESSARY*IN*THE*RATIFICATION*OF*TREATIES.*A*FURTHER*CONCESSION*TO*THE
SOUTH*WAS*MADE*IN*THE*PROVISION*FOR*THE*RETURN*OF*RUNAWAY*SLAVES--A
PROVISION*ALSO*USEFUL*IN*THE*NORTH,*WHERE*INDENTURED*SERVANTS*WERE*ABOUT
AS*TROUBLESOME*AS*SLAVES*IN*ESCAPING*FROM*THEIR*MASTERS.

=THE*FORM*OF*THE*GOVERNMENT.=--AS*TO*THE*DETAILS*OF*THE*FRAME*OF
GOVERNMENT*AND*THE*GRAND*PRINCIPLES*INVOLVED,*THE*OPINION*OF*THE
CONVENTION*EBBED*AND*FLOWED,*DECISIONS*BEING*TAKEN*IN*THE*HEAT*OF
DEBATE,*ONLY*TO*BE*REVOKED*AND*TAKEN*AGAIN.

_THE*EXECUTIVE._--THERE*WAS*GENERAL*AGREEMENT*THAT*THERE*SHOULD*BE*AN
EXECUTIVE*BRANCH;*FOR*RELIANCE*UPON*CONGRESS*TO*ENFORCE*ITS*OWN*LAWS*AND
TREATIES*HAD*BEEN*A*BROKEN*REED.*ON*THE*CHARACTER*AND*FUNCTIONS*OF*THE
EXECUTIVE,*HOWEVER,*THERE*WERE*MANY*VIEWS.*THE*NEW*JERSEY*PLAN*CALLED
FOR*A*COUNCIL*SELECTED*BY*THE*CONGRESS;*THE*VIRGINIA*PLAN*PROVIDED*THAT
THE*EXECUTIVE*BRANCH*SHOULD*BE*CHOSEN*BY*THE*CONGRESS*BUT*DID*NOT*STATE
WHETHER*IT*SHOULD*BE*COMPOSED*OF*ONE*OR*SEVERAL*PERSONS.*ON*THIS*MATTER
THE*CONVENTION*VOTED*FIRST*ONE*WAY*AND*THEN*ANOTHER;*FINALLY*IT*AGREED
ON*A*SINGLE*EXECUTIVE*CHOSEN*INDIRECTLY*BY*ELECTORS*SELECTED*AS*THE
STATE*LEGISLATURES*MIGHT*DECIDE,*SERVING*FOR*FOUR*YEARS,*SUBJECT*TO
IMPEACHMENT,*AND*ENDOWED*WITH*REGAL*POWERS*IN*THE*COMMAND*OF*THE*ARMY
AND*THE*NAVY*AND*IN*THE*ENFORCEMENT*OF*THE*LAWS.

_THE*LEGISLATIVE*BRANCH--CONGRESS._--AFTER*THE*CONVENTION*HAD*MADE*THE
GREAT*COMPROMISE*BETWEEN*THE*LARGE*AND*SMALL*COMMONWEALTHS*BY*GIVING
REPRESENTATION*TO*STATES*IN*THE*SENATE*AND*TO*POPULATION*IN*THE*HOUSE,
THE*QUESTION*OF*METHODS*OF*ELECTION*HAD*TO*BE*DECIDED.*AS*TO*THE*HOUSE
OF*REPRESENTATIVES*IT*WAS*READILY*AGREED*THAT*THE*MEMBERS*SHOULD*BE
ELECTED*BY*DIRECT*POPULAR*VOTE.*THERE*WAS*ALSO*EASY*AGREEMENT*ON*THE
PROPOSITION*THAT*A*STRONG*SENATE*WAS*NEEDED*TO*CHECK*THE*"TURBULENCE"*OF
THE*LOWER*HOUSE.*FOUR*DEVICES*WERE*FINALLY*SELECTED*TO*ACCOMPLISH*THIS
PURPOSE.*IN*THE*FIRST*PLACE,*THE*SENATORS*WERE*NOT*TO*BE*CHOSEN*DIRECTLY
BY*THE*VOTERS*BUT*BY*THE*LEGISLATURES*OF*THE*STATES,*THUS*REMOVING*THEIR
ELECTION*ONE*DEGREE*FROM*THE*POPULACE.*IN*THE*SECOND*PLACE,*THEIR*TERM
WAS*FIXED*AT*SIX*YEARS*INSTEAD*OF*TWO,*AS*IN*THE*CASE*OF*THE*HOUSE.*IN
THE*THIRD*PLACE,*PROVISION*WAS*MADE*FOR*CONTINUITY*BY*HAVING*ONLY
ONE-THIRD*OF*THE*MEMBERS*GO*OUT*AT*A*TIME*WHILE*TWO-THIRDS*REMAINED*IN
SERVICE.*FINALLY,*IT*WAS*PROVIDED*THAT*SENATORS*MUST*BE*AT*LEAST*THIRTY
YEARS*OLD*WHILE*REPRESENTATIVES*NEED*BE*ONLY*TWENTY-FIVE.

_THE*JUDICIARY._--THE*NEED*FOR*FEDERAL*COURTS*TO*CARRY*OUT*THE*LAW*WAS
HARDLY*OPEN*TO*DEBATE.*THE*FEEBLENESS*OF*THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION
WAS,*IN*A*LARGE*MEASURE,*ATTRIBUTED*TO*THE*WANT*OF*A*JUDICIARY*TO*HOLD
STATES*AND*INDIVIDUALS*IN*OBEDIENCE*TO*THE*LAWS*AND*TREATIES*OF*THE
UNION.*NEVERTHELESS*ON*THIS*POINT*THE*ADVOCATES*OF*STATES'*RIGHTS*WERE
EXTREMELY*SENSITIVE.*THEY*LOOKED*WITH*DISTRUST*UPON*JUDGES*APPOINTED*AT
THE*NATIONAL*CAPITAL*AND*EMANCIPATED*FROM*LOCAL*INTERESTS*AND
TRADITIONS;*THEY*REMEMBERED*WITH*WHAT*INSISTENCE*THEY*HAD*CLAIMED
AGAINST*BRITAIN*THE*RIGHT*OF*LOCAL*TRIAL*BY*JURY*AND*WITH*WHAT
CONSTERNATION*THEY*HAD*VIEWED*THE*PROPOSAL*TO*MAKE*COLONIAL*JUDGES
INDEPENDENT*OF*THE*ASSEMBLIES*IN*THE*MATTER*OF*THEIR*SALARIES.
RELUCTANTLY*THEY*YIELDED*TO*THE*DEMAND*FOR*FEDERAL*COURTS,*CONSENTING*AT
FIRST*ONLY*TO*A*SUPREME*COURT*TO*REVIEW*CASES*HEARD*IN*LOWER*STATE
COURTS*AND*FINALLY*TO*SUCH*ADDITIONAL*INFERIOR*COURTS*AS*CONGRESS*MIGHT
DEEM*NECESSARY.

_THE*SYSTEM*OF*CHECKS*AND*BALANCES._--IT*IS*THUS*APPARENT*THAT*THE
FRAMERS*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION,*IN*SHAPING*THE*FORM*OF*GOVERNMENT,*ARRANGED
FOR*A*DISTRIBUTION*OF*POWER*AMONG*THREE*BRANCHES,*EXECUTIVE,
LEGISLATIVE,*AND*JUDICIAL.*STRICTLY*SPEAKING*WE*MIGHT*SAY*FOUR*BRANCHES,
FOR*THE*LEGISLATURE,*OR*CONGRESS,*WAS*COMPOSED*OF*TWO*HOUSES,*ELECTED*IN
DIFFERENT*WAYS,*AND*ONE*OF*THEM,*THE*SENATE,*WAS*MADE*A*CHECK*ON*THE
PRESIDENT*THROUGH*ITS*POWER*OF*RATIFYING*TREATIES*AND*APPOINTMENTS.*"THE
ACCUMULATION*OF*ALL*POWERS,*LEGISLATIVE,*EXECUTIVE,*AND*JUDICIAL,*IN*THE
SAME*HANDS,"*WROTE*MADISON,*"WHETHER*OF*ONE,*A*FEW,*OR*MANY,*AND*WHETHER
HEREDITARY,*SELF-APPOINTED,*OR*ELECTIVE,*MAY*JUSTLY*BE*PRONOUNCED*THE
VERY*DEFINITION*OF*TYRANNY."*THE*DEVICES*WHICH*THE*CONVENTION*ADOPTED*TO
PREVENT*SUCH*A*CENTRALIZATION*OF*AUTHORITY*WERE*EXCEEDINGLY*INGENIOUS
AND*WELL*CALCULATED*TO*ACCOMPLISH*THE*PURPOSES*OF*THE*AUTHORS.

THE*LEGISLATURE*CONSISTED*OF*TWO*HOUSES,*THE*MEMBERS*OF*WHICH*WERE*TO*BE
APPORTIONED*ON*A*DIFFERENT*BASIS,*ELECTED*IN*DIFFERENT*WAYS,*AND*TO
SERVE*FOR*DIFFERENT*TERMS.*A*VETO*ON*ALL*ITS*ACTS*WAS*VESTED*IN*A
PRESIDENT*ELECTED*IN*A*MANNER*NOT*EMPLOYED*IN*THE*CHOICE*OF*EITHER
BRANCH*OF*THE*LEGISLATURE,*SERVING*FOR*FOUR*YEARS,*AND*SUBJECT*TO
REMOVAL*ONLY*BY*THE*DIFFICULT*PROCESS*OF*IMPEACHMENT.*AFTER*A*LAW*HAD
RUN*THE*GANTLET*OF*BOTH*HOUSES*AND*THE*EXECUTIVE,*IT*WAS*SUBJECT*TO
INTERPRETATION*AND*ANNULMENT*BY*THE*JUDICIARY,*APPOINTED*BY*THE
PRESIDENT*WITH*THE*CONSENT*OF*THE*SENATE*AND*SERVING*FOR*LIFE.*THUS*IT
WAS*MADE*ALMOST*IMPOSSIBLE*FOR*ANY*POLITICAL*PARTY*TO*GET*POSSESSION*OF
ALL*BRANCHES*OF*THE*GOVERNMENT*AT*A*SINGLE*POPULAR*ELECTION.*AS*HAMILTON
REMARKED,*THE*FRIENDS*OF*GOOD*GOVERNMENT*CONSIDERED*"EVERY*INSTITUTION
CALCULATED*TO*RESTRAIN*THE*EXCESS*OF*LAW*MAKING*AND*TO*KEEP*THINGS*IN
THE*SAME*STATE*IN*WHICH*THEY*HAPPEN*TO*BE*AT*ANY*GIVEN*PERIOD*AS*MORE
LIKELY*TO*DO*GOOD*THAN*HARM."

=THE*POWERS*OF*THE*FEDERAL*GOVERNMENT.=--ON*THE*QUESTION*OF*THE*POWERS
TO*BE*CONFERRED*UPON*THE*NEW*GOVERNMENT*THERE*WAS*LESS*OCCASION*FOR*A
SERIOUS*DISPUTE.*EVEN*THE*DELEGATES*FROM*THE*SMALL*STATES*AGREED*WITH
THOSE*FROM*MASSACHUSETTS,*PENNSYLVANIA,*AND*VIRGINIA*THAT*NEW*POWERS
SHOULD*BE*ADDED*TO*THOSE*INTRUSTED*TO*CONGRESS*BY*THE*ARTICLES*OF
CONFEDERATION.*THE*NEW*JERSEY*PLAN*AS*WELL*AS*THE*VIRGINIA*PLAN
RECOGNIZED*THIS*FACT.*SOME*OF*THE*DELEGATES,*LIKE*HAMILTON*AND*MADISON,
EVEN*PROPOSED*TO*GIVE*CONGRESS*A*GENERAL*LEGISLATIVE*AUTHORITY*COVERING
ALL*NATIONAL*MATTERS;*BUT*OTHERS,*FRIGHTENED*BY*THE*SPECTER*OF
NATIONALISM,*INSISTED*ON*SPECIFYING*EACH*POWER*TO*BE*CONFERRED*AND
FINALLY*CARRIED*THE*DAY.

_TAXATION*AND*COMMERCE._--THERE*WERE*NONE*BOLD*ENOUGH*TO*DISSENT*FROM
THE*PROPOSITION*THAT*REVENUE*MUST*BE*PROVIDED*TO*PAY*CURRENT*EXPENSES
AND*DISCHARGE*THE*PUBLIC*DEBT.*WHEN*ONCE*THE*DISPUTE*OVER*THE
APPORTIONMENT*OF*DIRECT*TAXES*AMONG*THE*SLAVE*STATES*WAS*SETTLED,*IT*WAS
AN*EASY*MATTER*TO*DECIDE*THAT*CONGRESS*SHOULD*HAVE*POWER*TO*LAY*AND
COLLECT*TAXES,*DUTIES,*IMPOSTS,*AND*EXCISES.*IN*THIS*WAY*THE*NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT*WAS*FREED*FROM*DEPENDENCE*UPON*STUBBORN*AND*TARDY
LEGISLATURES*AND*ENABLED*TO*COLLECT*FUNDS*DIRECTLY*FROM*CITIZENS.*THERE
WERE*LIKEWISE*NONE*BOLD*ENOUGH*TO*CONTEND*THAT*THE*ANARCHY*OF*STATE
TARIFFS*AND*TRADE*DISCRIMINATIONS*SHOULD*BE*LONGER*ENDURED.*WHEN*THE
FEARS*OF*THE*PLANTING*STATES*WERE*ALLAYED*AND*THE*"BARGAIN"*OVER*THE
IMPORTATION*OF*SLAVES*WAS*REACHED,*THE*CONVENTION*VESTED*IN*CONGRESS*THE
POWER*TO*REGULATE*FOREIGN*AND*INTERSTATE*COMMERCE.

_NATIONAL*DEFENSE._--THE*NECESSITY*FOR*NATIONAL*DEFENSE*WAS*REALIZED,
THOUGH*THE*FEAR*OF*HUGE*MILITARY*ESTABLISHMENTS*WAS*EQUALLY*PRESENT.*THE
OLD*PRACTICE*OF*RELYING*ON*QUOTAS*FURNISHED*BY*THE*STATE*LEGISLATURES
WAS*COMPLETELY*DISCREDITED.*AS*IN*THE*CASE*OF*TAXES*A*DIRECT*AUTHORITY
OVER*CITIZENS*WAS*DEMANDED.*CONGRESS*WAS*THEREFORE*GIVEN*FULL*POWER*TO
RAISE*AND*SUPPORT*ARMIES*AND*A*NAVY.*IT*COULD*EMPLOY*THE*STATE*MILITIA
WHEN*DESIRABLE;*BUT*IT*COULD*AT*THE*SAME*TIME*MAINTAIN*A*REGULAR*ARMY
AND*CALL*DIRECTLY*UPON*ALL*ABLE-BODIED*MALES*IF*THE*NATURE*OF*A*CRISIS
WAS*THOUGHT*TO*REQUIRE*IT.

_THE*"NECESSARY*AND*PROPER"*CLAUSE._--TO*THE*SPECIFIED*POWER*VESTED*IN
CONGRESS*BY*THE*CONSTITUTION,*THE*ADVOCATES*OF*A*STRONG*NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT*ADDED*A*GENERAL*CLAUSE*AUTHORIZING*IT*TO*MAKE*ALL*LAWS
"NECESSARY*AND*PROPER"*FOR*CARRYING*INTO*EFFECT*ANY*AND*ALL*OF*THE
ENUMERATED*POWERS.*THIS*CLAUSE,*INTERPRETED*BY*THAT*MASTER*MIND,*CHIEF
JUSTICE*MARSHALL,*WAS*LATER*CONSTRUED*TO*CONFER*POWERS*AS*WIDE*AS*THE
REQUIREMENTS*OF*A*VAST*COUNTRY*SPANNING*A*CONTINENT*AND*TAKING*ITS*PLACE
AMONG*THE*MIGHTY*NATIONS*OF*THE*EARTH.

=RESTRAINTS*ON*THE*STATES.=--FRAMING*A*GOVERNMENT*AND*ENDOWING*IT*WITH
LARGE*POWERS*WERE*BY*NO*MEANS*THE*SOLE*CONCERN*OF*THE*CONVENTION.*ITS
VERY*EXISTENCE*HAD*BEEN*DUE*QUITE*AS*MUCH*TO*THE*CONDUCT*OF*THE*STATE
LEGISLATURES*AS*TO*THE*FUTILITIES*OF*A*PARALYZED*CONTINENTAL*CONGRESS.
IN*EVERY*STATE,*EXPLAINS*MARSHALL*IN*HIS*_LIFE*OF*WASHINGTON_,*THERE*WAS
A*PARTY*OF*MEN*WHO*HAD*"MARKED*OUT*FOR*THEMSELVES*A*MORE*INDULGENT
COURSE.*VIEWING*WITH*EXTREME*TENDERNESS*THE*CASE*OF*THE*DEBTOR,*THEIR
EFFORTS*WERE*UNCEASINGLY*DIRECTED*TO*HIS*RELIEF.*TO*EXACT*A*FAITHFUL
COMPLIANCE*WITH*CONTRACTS*WAS,*IN*THEIR*OPINION,*A*HARSH*MEASURE*WHICH
THE*PEOPLE*COULD*NOT*BEAR.*THEY*WERE*UNIFORMLY*IN*FAVOR*OF*RELAXING*THE
ADMINISTRATION*OF*JUSTICE,*OF*AFFORDING*FACILITIES*FOR*THE*PAYMENT*OF
DEBTS,*OR*OF*SUSPENDING*THEIR*COLLECTION,*AND*REMITTING*TAXES."

THE*LEGISLATURES*UNDER*THE*DOMINANCE*OF*THESE*MEN*HAD*ENACTED*PAPER
MONEY*LAWS*ENABLING*DEBTORS*TO*DISCHARGE*THEIR*OBLIGATIONS*MORE*EASILY.
THE*CONVENTION*PUT*AN*END*TO*SUCH*PRACTICES*BY*PROVIDING*THAT*NO*STATE
SHOULD*EMIT*BILLS*OF*CREDIT*OR*MAKE*ANYTHING*BUT*GOLD*OR*SILVER*LEGAL
TENDER*IN*THE*PAYMENT*OF*DEBTS.*THE*STATE*LEGISLATURES*HAD*ENACTED*LAWS
ALLOWING*MEN*TO*PAY*THEIR*DEBTS*BY*TURNING*OVER*TO*CREDITORS*LAND*OR
PERSONAL*PROPERTY;*THEY*HAD*REPEALED*THE*CHARTER*OF*AN*ENDOWED*COLLEGE
AND*TAKEN*THE*MANAGEMENT*FROM*THE*HANDS*OF*THE*LAWFUL*TRUSTEES;*AND*THEY
HAD*OTHERWISE*INTERFERED*WITH*THE*ENFORCEMENT*OF*PRIVATE*AGREEMENTS.*THE
CONVENTION,*TAKING*NOTICE*OF*SUCH*MATTERS,*INSERTED*A*CLAUSE*FORBIDDING
STATES*"TO*IMPAIR*THE*OBLIGATION*OF*CONTRACTS."*THE*MORE*VENTUROUS*OF
THE*RADICALS*HAD*IN*MASSACHUSETTS*RAISED*THE*STANDARD*OF*REVOLT*AGAINST
THE*AUTHORITIES*OF*THE*STATE.*THE*CONVENTION*ANSWERED*BY*A*BRIEF
SENTENCE*TO*THE*EFFECT*THAT*THE*PRESIDENT*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES,*TO*BE
EQUIPPED*WITH*A*REGULAR*ARMY,*WOULD*SEND*TROOPS*TO*SUPPRESS*DOMESTIC
INSURRECTIONS*WHENEVER*CALLED*UPON*BY*THE*LEGISLATURE*OR,*IF*IT*WAS*NOT
IN*SESSION,*BY*THE*GOVERNOR*OF*THE*STATE.*TO*MAKE*SURE*THAT*THE
RESTRICTIONS*ON*THE*STATES*WOULD*NOT*BE*DEAD*LETTERS,*THE*FEDERAL
CONSTITUTION,*LAWS,*AND*TREATIES*WERE*MADE*THE*SUPREME*LAW*OF*THE*LAND,
TO*BE*ENFORCED*WHENEVER*NECESSARY*BY*A*NATIONAL*JUDICIARY*AND*EXECUTIVE
AGAINST*VIOLATIONS*ON*THE*PART*OF*ANY*STATE*AUTHORITIES.

=PROVISIONS*FOR*RATIFICATION*AND*AMENDMENT.=--WHEN*THE*FRAME*OF
GOVERNMENT*HAD*BEEN*DETERMINED,*THE*POWERS*TO*BE*VESTED*IN*IT*HAD*BEEN
ENUMERATED,*AND*THE*RESTRICTIONS*UPON*THE*STATES*HAD*BEEN*WRITTEN*INTO
THE*BOND,*THERE*REMAINED*THREE*FINAL*QUESTIONS.*HOW*SHALL*THE
CONSTITUTION*BE*RATIFIED?*WHAT*NUMBER*OF*STATES*SHALL*BE*NECESSARY*TO
PUT*IT*INTO*EFFECT?*HOW*SHALL*IT*BE*AMENDED*IN*THE*FUTURE?

ON*THE*FIRST*POINT,*THE*MANDATE*UNDER*WHICH*THE*CONVENTION*WAS*SITTING
SEEMED*POSITIVE.*THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION*WERE*STILL*IN*EFFECT.
THEY*PROVIDED*THAT*AMENDMENTS*COULD*BE*MADE*ONLY*BY*UNANIMOUS*ADOPTION
IN*CONGRESS*AND*THE*APPROVAL*OF*ALL*THE*STATES.*AS*IF*TO*GIVE*FORCE*TO
THIS*PROVISION*OF*LAW,*THE*CALL*FOR*THE*CONVENTION*HAD*EXPRESSLY*STATED
THAT*ALL*ALTERATIONS*AND*REVISIONS*SHOULD*BE*REPORTED*TO*CONGRESS*FOR
ADOPTION*OR*REJECTION,*CONGRESS*ITSELF*TO*TRANSMIT*THE*DOCUMENT
THEREAFTER*TO*THE*STATES*FOR*THEIR*REVIEW.

TO*HAVE*OBSERVED*THE*STRICT*LETTER*OF*THE*LAW*WOULD*HAVE*DEFEATED*THE
PURPOSES*OF*THE*DELEGATES,*BECAUSE*CONGRESS*AND*THE*STATE*LEGISLATURES
WERE*OPENLY*HOSTILE*TO*SUCH*DRASTIC*CHANGES*AS*HAD*BEEN*MADE.*UNANIMOUS
RATIFICATION,*AS*EVENTS*PROVED,*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*IMPOSSIBLE.*THEREFORE
THE*DELEGATES*DECIDED*THAT*THE*CONSTITUTION*SHOULD*BE*SENT*TO*CONGRESS
WITH*THE*RECOMMENDATION*THAT*IT,*IN*TURN,*TRANSMIT*THE*DOCUMENT,*NOT*TO
THE*STATE*LEGISLATURES,*BUT*TO*CONVENTIONS*HELD*IN*THE*STATES*FOR*THE
SPECIAL*OBJECT*OF*DECIDING*UPON*RATIFICATION.*THIS*PROCESS*WAS*FOLLOWED.
IT*WAS*THEIR*BELIEF*THAT*SPECIAL*CONVENTIONS*WOULD*BE*MORE*FRIENDLY*THAN
THE*STATE*LEGISLATURES.

THE*CONVENTION*WAS*EQUALLY*POSITIVE*IN*DEALING*WITH*THE*PROBLEM*OF*THE
NUMBER*OF*STATES*NECESSARY*TO*ESTABLISH*THE*NEW*CONSTITUTION.*ATTEMPTS
TO*CHANGE*THE*ARTICLES*HAD*FAILED*BECAUSE*AMENDMENT*REQUIRED*THE
APPROVAL*OF*EVERY*STATE*AND*THERE*WAS*ALWAYS*AT*LEAST*ONE*RECALCITRANT
MEMBER*OF*THE*UNION.*THE*OPPOSITION*TO*A*NEW*CONSTITUTION*WAS
UNDOUBTEDLY*FORMIDABLE.*RHODE*ISLAND*HAD*EVEN*REFUSED*TO*TAKE*PART*IN
FRAMING*IT,*AND*HER*HOSTILITY*WAS*DEEP*AND*OPEN.*SO*THE*CONVENTION*CAST
ASIDE*THE*PROVISION*OF*THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION*WHICH*REQUIRED
UNANIMOUS*APPROVAL*FOR*ANY*CHANGE*IN*THE*PLAN*OF*GOVERNMENT;*IT*DECREED
THAT*THE*NEW*CONSTITUTION*SHOULD*GO*INTO*EFFECT*WHEN*RATIFIED*BY*NINE
STATES.

IN*PROVIDING*FOR*FUTURE*CHANGES*IN*THE*CONSTITUTION*ITSELF*THE
CONVENTION*ALSO*THRUST*ASIDE*THE*OLD*RULE*OF*UNANIMOUS*APPROVAL,*AND
DECIDED*THAT*AN*AMENDMENT*COULD*BE*MADE*ON*A*TWO-THIRDS*VOTE*IN*BOTH
HOUSES*OF*CONGRESS*AND*RATIFICATION*BY*THREE-FOURTHS*OF*THE*STATES.*THIS
CHANGE*WAS*OF*PROFOUND*SIGNIFICANCE.*EVERY*STATE*AGREED*TO*BE*BOUND*IN
THE*FUTURE*BY*AMENDMENTS*DULY*ADOPTED*EVEN*IN*CASE*IT*DID*NOT*APPROVE
THEM*ITSELF.*AMERICA*IN*THIS*WAY*SET*OUT*UPON*THE*HIGH*ROAD*THAT*LED
FROM*A*LEAGUE*OF*STATES*TO*A*NATION.


THE*STRUGGLE*OVER*RATIFICATION

ON*SEPTEMBER*17,*1787,*THE*CONSTITUTION,*HAVING*BEEN*FINALLY*DRAFTED*IN
CLEAR*AND*SIMPLE*LANGUAGE,*A*MODEL*TO*ALL*MAKERS*OF*FUNDAMENTAL*LAW,*WAS
ADOPTED.*THE*CONVENTION,*AFTER*NEARLY*FOUR*MONTHS*OF*DEBATE*IN*SECRET
SESSION,*FLUNG*OPEN*THE*DOORS*AND*PRESENTED*TO*THE*AMERICANS*THE
FINISHED*PLAN*FOR*THE*NEW*GOVERNMENT.*THEN*THE*GREAT*DEBATE*PASSED*TO
THE*PEOPLE.

=THE*OPPOSITION.=--STORMS*OF*CRITICISM*AT*ONCE*DESCENDED*UPON*THE
CONSTITUTION.*"FRAUDULENT*USURPATION!"*EXCLAIMED*GERRY,*WHO*HAD*REFUSED
TO*SIGN*IT.*"A*MONSTER"*OUT*OF*THE*"THICK*VEIL*OF*SECRECY,"*DECLAIMED*A
PENNSYLVANIA*NEWSPAPER.*"AN*IRON-HANDED*DESPOTISM*WILL*BE*THE*RESULT,"
PROTESTED*A*THIRD.*"WE,*'THE*LOW-BORN,'"*SARCASTICALLY*WROTE*A*FOURTH,
"WILL*NOW*ADMIT*THE*'SIX*HUNDRED*WELL-BORN'*IMMEDIATELY*TO*ESTABLISH
THIS*MOST*NOBLE,*MOST*EXCELLENT,*AND*TRULY*DIVINE*CONSTITUTION."*THE
PRESIDENT*WILL*BECOME*A*KING;*CONGRESS*WILL*BE*AS*TYRANNICAL*AS
PARLIAMENT*IN*THE*OLD*DAYS;*THE*STATES*WILL*BE*SWALLOWED*UP;*THE*RIGHTS
OF*THE*PEOPLE*WILL*BE*TRAMPLED*UPON;*THE*POOR*MAN'S*JUSTICE*WILL*BE*LOST
IN*THE*ENDLESS*DELAYS*OF*THE*FEDERAL*COURTS--SUCH*WAS*THE*STRAIN*OF*THE
PROTESTS*AGAINST*RATIFICATION.

[ILLUSTRATION:*AN*ADVERTISEMENT*OF*_THE*FEDERALIST_]

=DEFENSE*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION.=--MOVED*BY*THE*TEMPEST*OF*OPPOSITION,
HAMILTON,*MADISON,*AND*JAY*TOOK*UP*THEIR*PENS*IN*DEFENSE*OF*THE
CONSTITUTION.*IN*A*SERIES*OF*NEWSPAPER*ARTICLES*THEY*DISCUSSED*AND
EXPOUNDED*WITH*ELOQUENCE,*LEARNING,*AND*DIGNITY*EVERY*IMPORTANT*CLAUSE
AND*PROVISION*OF*THE*PROPOSED*PLAN.*THESE*PAPERS,*AFTERWARDS*COLLECTED
AND*PUBLISHED*IN*A*VOLUME*KNOWN*AS*_THE*FEDERALIST_,*FORM*THE*FINEST
TEXTBOOK*ON*THE*CONSTITUTION*THAT*HAS*EVER*BEEN*PRINTED.*IT*TAKES*ITS
PLACE,*MOREOVER,*AMONG*THE*WISEST*AND*WEIGHTIEST*TREATISES*ON*GOVERNMENT
EVER*WRITTEN*IN*ANY*LANGUAGE*IN*ANY*TIME.*OTHER*MEN,*NOT*SO*GIFTED,*WERE
NO*LESS*EARNEST*IN*THEIR*SUPPORT*OF*RATIFICATION.*IN*PRIVATE
CORRESPONDENCE,*EDITORIALS,*PAMPHLETS,*AND*LETTERS*TO*THE*NEWSPAPERS,
THEY*URGED*THEIR*COUNTRYMEN*TO*FORGET*THEIR*PARTISANSHIP*AND*ACCEPT*A
CONSTITUTION*WHICH,*IN*SPITE*OF*ANY*DEFECTS*GREAT*OR*SMALL,*WAS*THE
ONLY*GUARANTEE*AGAINST*DISSOLUTION*AND*WARFARE*AT*HOME*AND*DISHONOR*AND
WEAKNESS*ABROAD.

[ILLUSTRATION:*CELEBRATING*THE*RATIFICATION]

=THE*ACTION*OF*THE*STATE*CONVENTIONS.=--BEFORE*THE*END*OF*THE*YEAR,
1787,*THREE*STATES*HAD*RATIFIED*THE*CONSTITUTION:*DELAWARE*AND*NEW
JERSEY*UNANIMOUSLY*AND*PENNSYLVANIA*AFTER*A*SHORT,*THOUGH*SAVAGE,
CONTEST.*CONNECTICUT*AND*GEORGIA*FOLLOWED*EARLY*THE*NEXT*YEAR.*THEN*CAME
THE*BATTLE*ROYAL*IN*MASSACHUSETTS,*ENDING*IN*RATIFICATION*IN*FEBRUARY*BY
THE*NARROW*MARGIN*OF*187*VOTES*TO*168.*IN*THE*SPRING*CAME*THE*NEWS*THAT
MARYLAND*AND*SOUTH*CAROLINA*WERE*"UNDER*THE*NEW*ROOF."*ON*JUNE*21,*NEW
HAMPSHIRE,*WHERE*THE*SENTIMENT*WAS*AT*FIRST*STRONG*ENOUGH*TO*DEFEAT*THE
CONSTITUTION,*JOINED*THE*NEW*REPUBLIC,*INFLUENCED*BY*THE*FAVORABLE
DECISION*IN*MASSACHUSETTS.*SWIFT*COURIERS*WERE*SENT*TO*CARRY*THE*NEWS*TO
NEW*YORK*AND*VIRGINIA,*WHERE*THE*QUESTION*OF*RATIFICATION*WAS*STILL
UNDECIDED.*NINE*STATES*HAD*ACCEPTED*IT*AND*WERE*UNITED,*WHETHER*MORE*SAW
FIT*TO*JOIN*OR*NOT.

MEANWHILE,*HOWEVER,*VIRGINIA,*AFTER*A*LONG*AND*SEARCHING*DEBATE,*HAD
GIVEN*HER*APPROVAL*BY*A*NARROW*MARGIN,*LEAVING*NEW*YORK*AS*THE*NEXT*SEAT
OF*ANXIETY.*IN*THAT*STATE*THE*POPULAR*VOTE*FOR*THE*DELEGATES*TO*THE
CONVENTION*HAD*BEEN*CLEARLY*AND*HEAVILY*AGAINST*RATIFICATION.*EVENTS
FINALLY*DEMONSTRATED*THE*FUTILITY*OF*RESISTANCE,*AND*HAMILTON*BY*GOOD
JUDGMENT*AND*MASTERLY*ARGUMENTS*WAS*AT*LAST*ABLE*TO*MARSHAL*A*MAJORITY
OF*THIRTY*TO*TWENTY-SEVEN*VOTES*IN*FAVOR*OF*RATIFICATION.

THE*GREAT*CONTEST*WAS*OVER.*ALL*THE*STATES,*EXCEPT*NORTH*CAROLINA*AND
RHODE*ISLAND,*HAD*RATIFIED.*"THE*SLOOP*ANARCHY,"*WROTE*AN*EBULLIENT
JOURNALIST,*"WHEN*LAST*HEARD*FROM*WAS*ASHORE*ON*UNION*ROCKS."

=THE*FIRST*ELECTION.=--IN*THE*AUTUMN*OF*1788,*ELECTIONS*WERE*HELD*TO
FILL*THE*PLACES*IN*THE*NEW*GOVERNMENT.*PUBLIC*OPINION*WAS*OVERWHELMINGLY
IN*FAVOR*OF*WASHINGTON*AS*THE*FIRST*PRESIDENT.*YIELDING*TO*THE
IMPORTUNITIES*OF*FRIENDS,*HE*ACCEPTED*THE*POST*IN*THE*SPIRIT*OF*PUBLIC
SERVICE.*ON*APRIL*30,*1789,*HE*TOOK*THE*OATH*OF*OFFICE*AT*FEDERAL*HALL
IN*NEW*YORK*CITY.*"LONG*LIVE*GEORGE*WASHINGTON,*PRESIDENT*OF*THE*UNITED
STATES!"*CRIED*CHANCELLOR*LIVINGSTON*AS*SOON*AS*THE*GENERAL*HAD*KISSED
THE*BIBLE.*THE*CRY*WAS*CAUGHT*BY*THE*ASSEMBLED*MULTITUDE*AND*GIVEN*BACK.
A*NEW*EXPERIMENT*IN*POPULAR*GOVERNMENT*WAS*LAUNCHED.


=REFERENCES=

M.*FARRAND,*_THE*FRAMING*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_.

P.L.*FORD,*_ESSAYS*ON*THE*CONSTITUTION*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_.

_THE*FEDERALIST_*(IN*MANY*EDITIONS).

G.*HUNT,*_LIFE*OF*JAMES*MADISON_.

A.C.*MCLAUGHLIN,*_THE*CONFEDERATION*AND*THE*CONSTITUTION_*(AMERICAN
NATION*SERIES).


=QUESTIONS=

1.*ACCOUNT*FOR*THE*FAILURE*OF*THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION.

2.*EXPLAIN*THE*DOMESTIC*DIFFICULTIES*OF*THE*INDIVIDUAL*STATES.

3.*WHY*DID*EFFORTS*AT*REFORM*BY*THE*CONGRESS*COME*TO*NAUGHT?

4.*NARRATE*THE*EVENTS*LEADING*UP*TO*THE*CONSTITUTIONAL*CONVENTION.

5.*WHO*WERE*SOME*OF*THE*LEADING*MEN*IN*THE*CONVENTION?*WHAT*HAD*BEEN
THEIR*PREVIOUS*TRAINING?

6.*STATE*THE*GREAT*PROBLEMS*BEFORE*THE*CONVENTION.

7.*IN*WHAT*RESPECTS*WERE*THE*PLANTING*AND*COMMERCIAL*STATES*OPPOSED?
WHAT*COMPROMISES*WERE*REACHED?

8.*SHOW*HOW*THE*"CHECK*AND*BALANCE"*SYSTEM*IS*EMBODIED*IN*OUR*FORM*OF
GOVERNMENT.

9.*HOW*DID*THE*POWERS*CONFERRED*UPON*THE*FEDERAL*GOVERNMENT*HELP*CURE
THE*DEFECTS*OF*THE*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION?

10.*IN*WHAT*WAY*DID*THE*PROVISIONS*FOR*RATIFYING*AND*AMENDING*THE
CONSTITUTION*DEPART*FROM*THE*OLD*SYSTEM?

11.*WHAT*WAS*THE*NATURE*OF*THE*CONFLICT*OVER*RATIFICATION?


=RESEARCH*TOPICS=

=ENGLISH*TREATMENT*OF*AMERICAN*COMMERCE.=--CALLENDER,*_ECONOMIC*HISTORY
OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,*PP.*210-220.

=FINANCIAL*CONDITION*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES.=--FISKE,*_CRITICAL*PERIOD*OF
AMERICAN*HISTORY_,*PP.*163-186.

=DISORDERED*COMMERCE.=--FISKE,*PP.*134-162.

=SELFISH*CONDUCT*OF*THE*STATES.=--CALLENDER,*PP.*185-191.

=THE*FAILURE*OF*THE*CONFEDERATION.=--ELSON,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED
STATES_,*PP.*318-326.

=FORMATION*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION.=--(1)*THE*PLANS*BEFORE*THE*CONVENTION,
FISKE,*PP.*236-249;*(2)*THE*GREAT*COMPROMISE,*FISKE,*PP.*250-255;*(3)
SLAVERY*AND*THE*CONVENTION,*FISKE,*PP.*256-266;*AND*(4)*THE*FRAME*OF
GOVERNMENT,*FISKE,*PP.*275-301;*ELSON,*PP.*328-334.

=BIOGRAPHICAL*STUDIES.=--LOOK*UP*THE*HISTORY*AND*SERVICES*OF*THE*LEADERS
IN*THE*CONVENTION*IN*ANY*GOOD*ENCYCLOPEDIA.

=RATIFICATION*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION.=--HART,*_HISTORY*TOLD*BY
CONTEMPORARIES_,*VOL.*III,*PP.*233-254;*ELSON,*PP.*334-340.

=SOURCE*STUDY.=--COMPARE*THE*CONSTITUTION*AND*ARTICLES*OF*CONFEDERATION
UNDER*THE*FOLLOWING*HEADS:*(1)*FRAME*OF*GOVERNMENT;*(2)*POWERS*OF
CONGRESS;*(3)*LIMITS*ON*STATES;*AND*(4)*METHODS*OF*AMENDMENT.*EVERY*LINE
OF*THE*CONSTITUTION*SHOULD*BE*READ*AND*RE-READ*IN*THE*LIGHT*OF*THE
HISTORICAL*CIRCUMSTANCES*SET*FORTH*IN*THIS*CHAPTER.




CHAPTER*VIII

THE*CLASH*OF*POLITICAL*PARTIES


THE*MEN*AND*MEASURES*OF*THE*NEW*GOVERNMENT

=FRIENDS*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION*IN*POWER.=--IN*THE*FIRST*CONGRESS*THAT
ASSEMBLED*AFTER*THE*ADOPTION*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION,*THERE*WERE*ELEVEN
SENATORS,*LED*BY*ROBERT*MORRIS,*THE*FINANCIER,*WHO*HAD*BEEN*DELEGATES*TO
THE*NATIONAL*CONVENTION.*SEVERAL*MEMBERS*OF*THE*HOUSE*OF
REPRESENTATIVES,*HEADED*BY*JAMES*MADISON,*HAD*ALSO*BEEN*AT*PHILADELPHIA
IN*1787.*IN*MAKING*HIS*APPOINTMENTS,*WASHINGTON*STRENGTHENED*THE*NEW
SYSTEM*OF*GOVERNMENT*STILL*FURTHER*BY*A*JUDICIOUS*SELECTION*OF
OFFICIALS.*HE*CHOSE*AS*SECRETARY*OF*THE*TREASURY,*ALEXANDER*HAMILTON,
WHO*HAD*BEEN*THE*MOST*ZEALOUS*FOR*ITS*SUCCESS;*GENERAL*KNOX,*HEAD*OF*THE
WAR*DEPARTMENT,*AND*EDMUND*RANDOLPH,*THE*ATTORNEY-GENERAL,*WERE*LIKEWISE
CONSPICUOUS*FRIENDS*OF*THE*EXPERIMENT.*EVERY*MEMBER*OF*THE*FEDERAL
JUDICIARY*WHOM*WASHINGTON*APPOINTED,*FROM*THE*CHIEF*JUSTICE,*JOHN*JAY,
DOWN*TO*THE*JUSTICES*OF*THE*DISTRICT*COURTS,*HAD*FAVORED*THE
RATIFICATION*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION;*AND*A*MAJORITY*OF*THEM*HAD*SERVED*AS
MEMBERS*OF*THE*NATIONAL*CONVENTION*THAT*FRAMED*THE*DOCUMENT*OR*OF*THE
STATE*RATIFYING*CONVENTIONS.*ONLY*ONE*MAN*OF*INFLUENCE*IN*THE*NEW
GOVERNMENT,*THOMAS*JEFFERSON,*THE*SECRETARY*OF*STATE,*WAS*RECKONED*AS*A
DOUBTER*IN*THE*HOUSE*OF*THE*FAITHFUL.*HE*HAD*EXPRESSED*OPINIONS*BOTH*FOR
AND*AGAINST*THE*CONSTITUTION;*BUT*HE*HAD*BEEN*OUT*OF*THE*COUNTRY*ACTING
AS*THE*MINISTER*AT*PARIS*WHEN*THE*CONSTITUTION*WAS*DRAFTED*AND*RATIFIED.

=AN*OPPOSITION*TO*CONCILIATE.=--THE*INAUGURATION*OF*WASHINGTON*AMID*THE
PLAUDITS*OF*HIS*COUNTRYMEN*DID*NOT*SET*AT*REST*ALL*THE*POLITICAL*TURMOIL
WHICH*HAD*BEEN*AROUSED*BY*THE*ANGRY*CONTEST*OVER*RATIFICATION.*"THE
INTERESTING*NATURE*OF*THE*QUESTION,"*WROTE*JOHN*MARSHALL,*"THE*EQUALITY
OF*THE*PARTIES,*THE*ANIMATION*PRODUCED*INEVITABLY*BY*ARDENT*DEBATE*HAD*A
NECESSARY*TENDENCY*TO*EMBITTER*THE*DISPOSITIONS*OF*THE*VANQUISHED*AND*TO
FIX*MORE*DEEPLY*IN*MANY*BOSOMS*THEIR*PREJUDICES*AGAINST*A*PLAN*OF
GOVERNMENT*IN*OPPOSITION*TO*WHICH*ALL*THEIR*PASSIONS*WERE*ENLISTED."*THE
LEADERS*GATHERED*AROUND*WASHINGTON*WERE*WELL*AWARE*OF*THE*EXCITED*STATE
OF*THE*COUNTRY.*THEY*SAW*RHODE*ISLAND*AND*NORTH*CAROLINA*STILL*OUTSIDE
OF*THE*UNION.[1]*THEY*KNEW*BY*WHAT*SMALL*MARGINS*THE*CONSTITUTION*HAD
BEEN*APPROVED*IN*THE*GREAT*STATES*OF*MASSACHUSETTS,*VIRGINIA,*AND*NEW
YORK.*THEY*WERE*EQUALLY*AWARE*THAT*A*MAJORITY*OF*THE*STATE*CONVENTIONS,
IN*YIELDING*RELUCTANT*APPROVAL*TO*THE*CONSTITUTION,*HAD*DRAWN*A*NUMBER
OF*AMENDMENTS*FOR*IMMEDIATE*SUBMISSION*TO*THE*STATES.

=THE*FIRST*AMENDMENTS--A*BILL*OF*RIGHTS.=--TO*MEET*THE*OPPOSITION,
MADISON*PROPOSED,*AND*THE*FIRST*CONGRESS*ADOPTED,*A*SERIES*OF*AMENDMENTS
TO*THE*CONSTITUTION.*TEN*OF*THEM*WERE*SOON*RATIFIED*AND*BECAME*IN*1791*A
PART*OF*THE*LAW*OF*THE*LAND.*THESE*AMENDMENTS*PROVIDED,*AMONG*OTHER
THINGS,*THAT*CONGRESS*COULD*MAKE*NO*LAW*RESPECTING*THE*ESTABLISHMENT*OF
RELIGION,*ABRIDGING*THE*FREEDOM*OF*SPEECH*OR*OF*THE*PRESS*OR*THE*RIGHT
OF*THE*PEOPLE*PEACEABLY*TO*ASSEMBLE*AND*PETITION*THE*GOVERNMENT*FOR*A
REDRESS*OF*GRIEVANCES.*THEY*ALSO*GUARANTEED*INDICTMENT*BY*GRAND*JURY*AND
TRIAL*BY*JURY*FOR*ALL*PERSONS*CHARGED*BY*FEDERAL*OFFICERS*WITH*SERIOUS
CRIMES.*TO*REASSURE*THOSE*WHO*STILL*FEARED*THAT*LOCAL*RIGHTS*MIGHT*BE
INVADED*BY*THE*FEDERAL*GOVERNMENT,*THE*TENTH*AMENDMENT*EXPRESSLY
PROVIDED*THAT*THE*POWERS*NOT*DELEGATED*TO*THE*UNITED*STATES*BY*THE
CONSTITUTION,*NOR*PROHIBITED*BY*IT*TO*THE*STATES,*ARE*RESERVED*TO*THE
STATES*RESPECTIVELY*OR*TO*THE*PEOPLE.*SEVEN*YEARS*LATER,*THE*ELEVENTH
AMENDMENT*WAS*WRITTEN*IN*THE*SAME*SPIRIT*AS*THE*FIRST*TEN,*AFTER*A
HEATED*DEBATE*OVER*THE*ACTION*OF*THE*SUPREME*COURT*IN*PERMITTING*A
CITIZEN*TO*BRING*A*SUIT*AGAINST*"THE*SOVEREIGN*STATE"*OF*GEORGIA.*THE
NEW*AMENDMENT*WAS*DESIGNED*TO*PROTECT*STATES*AGAINST*THE*FEDERAL
JUDICIARY*BY*FORBIDDING*IT*TO*HEAR*ANY*CASE*IN*WHICH*A*STATE*WAS*SUED*BY
A*CITIZEN.

=FUNDING*THE*NATIONAL*DEBT.=--PAPER*DECLARATIONS*OF*RIGHTS,*HOWEVER,
PAID*NO*BILLS.*TO*THIS*TASK*HAMILTON*TURNED*ALL*HIS*SPLENDID*GENIUS.*AT
THE*VERY*OUTSET*HE*ADDRESSED*HIMSELF*TO*THE*PROBLEM*OF*THE*HUGE*PUBLIC
DEBT,*DAILY*MOUNTING*AS*THE*UNPAID*INTEREST*ACCUMULATED.*IN*A*_REPORT*ON
PUBLIC*CREDIT_*UNDER*DATE*OF*JANUARY*9,*1790,*ONE*OF*THE*FIRST*AND
GREATEST*OF*AMERICAN*STATE*PAPERS,*HE*LAID*BEFORE*CONGRESS*THE*OUTLINES
OF*HIS*PLAN.*HE*PROPOSED*THAT*THE*FEDERAL*GOVERNMENT*SHOULD*CALL*IN*ALL
THE*OLD*BONDS,*CERTIFICATES*OF*INDEBTEDNESS,*AND*OTHER*PROMISES*TO*PAY
WHICH*HAD*BEEN*ISSUED*BY*THE*CONGRESS*SINCE*THE*BEGINNING*OF*THE
REVOLUTION.*THESE*NATIONAL*OBLIGATIONS,*HE*URGED,*SHOULD*BE*PUT*INTO*ONE
CONSOLIDATED*DEBT*RESTING*ON*THE*CREDIT*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES;*TO*THE
HOLDERS*OF*THE*OLD*PAPER*SHOULD*BE*ISSUED*NEW*BONDS*DRAWING*INTEREST*AT
FIXED*RATES.*THIS*PROCESS*WAS*CALLED*"FUNDING*THE*DEBT."*SUCH*A
PROVISION*FOR*THE*SUPPORT*OF*PUBLIC*CREDIT,*HAMILTON*INSISTED,*WOULD
SATISFY*CREDITORS,*RESTORE*LANDED*PROPERTY*TO*ITS*FORMER*VALUE,*AND
FURNISH*NEW*RESOURCES*TO*AGRICULTURE*AND*COMMERCE*IN*THE*FORM*OF*CREDIT
AND*CAPITAL.

=ASSUMPTION*AND*FUNDING*OF*STATE*DEBTS.=--HAMILTON*THEN*TURNED*TO*THE
OBLIGATIONS*INCURRED*BY*THE*SEVERAL*STATES*IN*SUPPORT*OF*THE*REVOLUTION.
THESE*DEBTS*HE*PROPOSED*TO*ADD*TO*THE*NATIONAL*DEBT.*THEY*WERE*TO*BE
"ASSUMED"*BY*THE*UNITED*STATES*GOVERNMENT*AND*PLACED*ON*THE*SAME*SECURE
FOUNDATION*AS*THE*CONTINENTAL*DEBT.*THIS*MEASURE*HE*DEFENDED*NOT*MERELY
ON*GROUNDS*OF*NATIONAL*HONOR.*IT*WOULD,*AS*HE*FORESAW,*GIVE*STRENGTH*TO
THE*NEW*NATIONAL*GOVERNMENT*BY*MAKING*ALL*PUBLIC*CREDITORS,*MEN*OF
SUBSTANCE*IN*THEIR*SEVERAL*COMMUNITIES,*LOOK*TO*THE*FEDERAL,*RATHER*THAN
THE*STATE*GOVERNMENT,*FOR*THE*SATISFACTION*OF*THEIR*CLAIMS.

=FUNDING*AT*FACE*VALUE.=--ON*THE*QUESTION*OF*THE*TERMS*OF*CONSOLIDATION,
ASSUMPTION,*AND*FUNDING,*HAMILTON*HAD*A*FIRM*CONVICTION.*THAT*MILLIONS
OF*DOLLARS'*WORTH*OF*THE*CONTINENTAL*AND*STATE*BONDS*HAD*PASSED*OUT*OF
THE*HANDS*OF*THOSE*WHO*HAD*ORIGINALLY*SUBSCRIBED*THEIR*FUNDS*TO*THE
SUPPORT*OF*THE*GOVERNMENT*OR*HAD*SOLD*SUPPLIES*FOR*THE*REVOLUTIONARY
ARMY*WAS*WELL*KNOWN.*IT*WAS*ALSO*A*MATTER*OF*COMMON*KNOWLEDGE*THAT*A
VERY*LARGE*PART*OF*THESE*BONDS*HAD*BEEN*BOUGHT*BY*SPECULATORS*AT*RUINOUS
FIGURES--TEN,*TWENTY,*AND*THIRTY*CENTS*ON*THE*DOLLAR.*ACCORDINGLY,*IT
HAD*BEEN*SUGGESTED,*EVEN*IN*VERY*RESPECTABLE*QUARTERS,*THAT*A
DISCRIMINATION*SHOULD*BE*MADE*BETWEEN*ORIGINAL*HOLDERS*AND*SPECULATIVE
PURCHASERS.*SOME*WHO*HELD*THIS*OPINION*URGED*THAT*THE*SPECULATORS*WHO
HAD*PAID*NOMINAL*SUMS*FOR*THEIR*BONDS*SHOULD*BE*REIMBURSED*FOR*THEIR
OUTLAYS*AND*THE*ORIGINAL*HOLDERS*PAID*THE*DIFFERENCE;*OTHERS*SAID*THAT
THE*GOVERNMENT*SHOULD*"SCALE*THE*DEBT"*BY*REDEEMING,*NOT*AT*FULL*VALUE
BUT*AT*A*FIGURE*REASONABLY*ABOVE*THE*MARKET*PRICE.*AGAINST*THE
PROPOSITION*HAMILTON*SET*HIS*FACE*LIKE*FLINT.*HE*MAINTAINED*THAT*THE
GOVERNMENT*WAS*HONESTLY*BOUND*TO*REDEEM*EVERY*BOND*AT*ITS*FACE*VALUE,
ALTHOUGH*THE*DIFFICULTY*OF*SECURING*REVENUE*MADE*NECESSARY*A*LOWER*RATE
OF*INTEREST*ON*A*PART*OF*THE*BONDS*AND*THE*DEFERRING*OF*INTEREST*ON
ANOTHER*PART.

=FUNDING*AND*ASSUMPTION*CARRIED.=--THERE*WAS*LITTLE*DIFFICULTY*IN
SECURING*THE*APPROVAL*OF*BOTH*HOUSES*OF*CONGRESS*FOR*THE*FUNDING*OF*THE
NATIONAL*DEBT*AT*FULL*VALUE.*THE*BILL*FOR*THE*ASSUMPTION*OF*STATE*DEBTS,
HOWEVER,*BROUGHT*THE*SHARPEST*DIVISION*OF*OPINIONS.*TO*THE*SOUTHERN
MEMBERS*OF*CONGRESS*ASSUMPTION*WAS*A*GROSS*VIOLATION*OF*STATES'*RIGHTS,
WITHOUT*ANY*WARRANT*IN*THE*CONSTITUTION*AND*DEVISED*IN*THE*INTEREST*OF
NORTHERN*SPECULATORS*WHO,*ANTICIPATING*ASSUMPTION*AND*FUNDING,*HAD
BOUGHT*UP*AT*LOW*PRICES*THE*SOUTHERN*BONDS*AND*OTHER*PROMISES*TO*PAY.
NEW*ENGLAND,*ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*WAS*STRONGLY*IN*FAVOR*OF*ASSUMPTION;
SEVERAL*REPRESENTATIVES*FROM*THAT*SECTION*WERE*RASH*ENOUGH*TO*THREATEN*A
DISSOLUTION*OF*THE*UNION*IF*THE*BILL*WAS*DEFEATED.*TO*THIS*DISPUTE*WAS
ADDED*AN*EQUALLY*BITTER*QUARREL*OVER*THE*LOCATION*OF*THE*NATIONAL
CAPITAL,*THEN*TEMPORARILY*AT*NEW*YORK*CITY.

[ILLUSTRATION:*FIRST*UNITED*STATES*BANK*AT*PHILADELPHIA]

A*DEADLOCK,*ACCOMPANIED*BY*THE*MOST*SURLY*FEELINGS*ON*BOTH*SIDES,
THREATENED*THE*VERY*EXISTENCE*OF*THE*YOUNG*GOVERNMENT.*WASHINGTON*AND
HAMILTON*WERE*THOROUGHLY*ALARMED.*HEARING*OF*THE*EXTREMITY*TO*WHICH*THE
CONTEST*HAD*BEEN*CARRIED*AND*ACTING*ON*THE*APPEAL*FROM*THE*SECRETARY*OF
THE*TREASURY,*JEFFERSON*INTERVENED*AT*THIS*POINT.*BY*SKILLFUL*MANAGEMENT
AT*A*GOOD*DINNER*HE*BROUGHT*THE*OPPOSING*LEADERS*TOGETHER;*AND*THUS*ONCE
MORE,*AS*ON*MANY*OTHER*OCCASIONS,*PEACE*WAS*PURCHASED*AND*THE*UNION
SAVED*BY*COMPROMISE.*THE*BARGAIN*THIS*TIME*CONSISTED*OF*AN*EXCHANGE*OF
VOTES*FOR*ASSUMPTION*IN*RETURN*FOR*VOTES*FOR*THE*CAPITAL.*ENOUGH
SOUTHERN*MEMBERS*VOTED*FOR*ASSUMPTION*TO*PASS*THE*BILL,*AND*A*MAJORITY
WAS*MUSTERED*IN*FAVOR*OF*BUILDING*THE*CAPITAL*ON*THE*BANKS*OF*THE
POTOMAC,*AFTER*LOCATING*IT*FOR*A*TEN-YEAR*PERIOD*AT*PHILADELPHIA*TO
SATISFY*PENNSYLVANIA*MEMBERS.

=THE*UNITED*STATES*BANK.=--ENCOURAGED*BY*THE*SUCCESS*OF*HIS*FUNDING*AND
ASSUMPTION*MEASURES,*HAMILTON*LAID*BEFORE*CONGRESS*A*PROJECT*FOR*A*GREAT
UNITED*STATES*BANK.*HE*PROPOSED*THAT*A*PRIVATE*CORPORATION*BE*CHARTERED
BY*CONGRESS,*AUTHORIZED*TO*RAISE*A*CAPITAL*STOCK*OF*$10,000,000
(THREE-FOURTHS*IN*NEW*SIX*PER*CENT*FEDERAL*BONDS*AND*ONE-FOURTH*IN
SPECIE)*AND*EMPOWERED*TO*ISSUE*PAPER*CURRENCY*UNDER*PROPER*SAFEGUARDS.
MANY*ADVANTAGES,*HAMILTON*CONTENDED,*WOULD*ACCRUE*TO*THE*GOVERNMENT*FROM
THIS*INSTITUTION.*THE*PRICE*OF*THE*GOVERNMENT*BONDS*WOULD*BE*INCREASED,
THUS*ENHANCING*PUBLIC*CREDIT.*A*NATIONAL*CURRENCY*WOULD*BE*CREATED*OF
UNIFORM*VALUE*FROM*ONE*END*OF*THE*LAND*TO*THE*OTHER.*THE*BRANCHES*OF*THE
BANK*IN*VARIOUS*CITIES*WOULD*MAKE*EASY*THE*EXCHANGE*OF*FUNDS*SO*VITAL*TO
COMMERCIAL*TRANSACTIONS*ON*A*NATIONAL*SCALE.*FINALLY,*THROUGH*THE*ISSUE
OF*BANK*NOTES,*THE*MONEY*CAPITAL*AVAILABLE*FOR*AGRICULTURE*AND*INDUSTRY
WOULD*BE*INCREASED,*THUS*STIMULATING*BUSINESS*ENTERPRISE.*JEFFERSON
HOTLY*ATTACKED*THE*BANK*ON*THE*GROUND*THAT*CONGRESS*HAD*NO*POWER
WHATEVER*UNDER*THE*CONSTITUTION*TO*CHARTER*SUCH*A*PRIVATE*CORPORATION.
HAMILTON*DEFENDED*IT*WITH*GREAT*COGENCY.*WASHINGTON,*AFTER*WEIGHING*ALL
OPINIONS,*DECIDED*IN*FAVOR*OF*THE*PROPOSAL.*IN*1791*THE*BILL
ESTABLISHING*THE*FIRST*UNITED*STATES*BANK*FOR*A*PERIOD*OF*TWENTY*YEARS
BECAME*A*LAW.

=THE*PROTECTIVE*TARIFF.=--A*THIRD*PART*OF*HAMILTON'S*PROGRAM*WAS*THE
PROTECTION*OF*AMERICAN*INDUSTRIES.*THE*FIRST*REVENUE*ACT*OF*1789,*THOUGH
DESIGNED*PRIMARILY*TO*BRING*MONEY*INTO*THE*EMPTY*TREASURY,*DECLARED*IN
FAVOR*OF*THE*PRINCIPLE.*THE*FOLLOWING*YEAR*WASHINGTON*REFERRED*TO*THE
SUBJECT*IN*HIS*ADDRESS*TO*CONGRESS.*THEREUPON*HAMILTON*WAS*INSTRUCTED*TO
PREPARE*RECOMMENDATIONS*FOR*LEGISLATIVE*ACTION.*THE*RESULT,*AFTER*A
DELAY*OF*MORE*THAN*A*YEAR,*WAS*HIS*_REPORT*ON*MANUFACTURES_,*ANOTHER
STATE*PAPER*WORTHY,*IN*CLOSENESS*OF*REASONING*AND*KEENNESS*OF
UNDERSTANDING,*OF*A*PLACE*BESIDE*HIS*REPORT*ON*PUBLIC*CREDIT.*HAMILTON
BASED*HIS*ARGUMENT*ON*THE*BROADEST*NATIONAL*GROUNDS:*THE*PROTECTIVE
TARIFF*WOULD,*BY*ENCOURAGING*THE*BUILDING*OF*FACTORIES,*CREATE*A*HOME
MARKET*FOR*THE*PRODUCE*OF*FARMS*AND*PLANTATIONS;*BY*MAKING*THE*UNITED
STATES*INDEPENDENT*OF*OTHER*COUNTRIES*IN*TIMES*OF*PEACE,*IT*WOULD*DOUBLE
ITS*SECURITY*IN*TIME*OF*WAR;*BY*MAKING*USE*OF*THE*LABOR*OF*WOMEN*AND
CHILDREN,*IT*WOULD*TURN*TO*THE*PRODUCTION*OF*GOODS*PERSONS*OTHERWISE
IDLE*OR*ONLY*PARTLY*EMPLOYED;*BY*INCREASING*THE*TRADE*BETWEEN*THE*NORTH
AND*SOUTH*IT*WOULD*STRENGTHEN*THE*LINKS*OF*UNION*AND*ADD*TO*POLITICAL
TIES*THOSE*OF*COMMERCE*AND*INTERCOURSE.*THE*REVENUE*MEASURE*OF*1792*BORE
THE*IMPRESS*OF*THESE*ARGUMENTS.


THE*RISE*OF*POLITICAL*PARTIES

=DISSENSIONS*OVER*HAMILTON'S*MEASURES.=--HAMILTON'S*PLANS,*TOUCHING
DEEPLY*AS*THEY*DID*THE*RESOURCES*OF*INDIVIDUALS*AND*THE*INTERESTS*OF*THE
STATES,*AWAKENED*ALARM*AND*OPPOSITION.*FUNDING*AT*FACE*VALUE,*SAID*HIS
CRITICS,*WAS*A*GOVERNMENT*FAVOR*TO*SPECULATORS;*THE*ASSUMPTION*OF*STATE
DEBTS*WAS*A*DEEP*DESIGN*TO*UNDERMINE*THE*STATE*GOVERNMENTS;*CONGRESS*HAD
NO*CONSTITUTIONAL*POWER*TO*CREATE*A*BANK;*THE*LAW*CREATING*THE*BANK
MERELY*ALLOWED*A*PRIVATE*CORPORATION*TO*MAKE*PAPER*MONEY*AND*LEND*IT*AT
A*HIGH*RATE*OF*INTEREST;*AND*THE*TARIFF*WAS*A*TAX*ON*LAND*AND*LABOR*FOR
THE*BENEFIT*OF*MANUFACTURERS.

HAMILTON'S*REPLY*TO*THIS*BILL*OF*INDICTMENT*WAS*SIMPLE*AND
STRAIGHTFORWARD.*SOME*RASCALLY*SPECULATORS*HAD*PROFITED*FROM*THE*FUNDING
OF*THE*DEBT*AT*FACE*VALUE,*BUT*THAT*WAS*ONLY*AN*INCIDENT*IN*THE
RESTORATION*OF*PUBLIC*CREDIT.*IN*VIEW*OF*THE*JEALOUSIES*OF*THE*STATES*IT
WAS*A*GOOD*THING*TO*REDUCE*THEIR*POWERS*AND*PRETENSIONS.*THE
CONSTITUTION*WAS*NOT*TO*BE*INTERPRETED*NARROWLY*BUT*IN*THE*FULL*LIGHT*OF
NATIONAL*NEEDS.*THE*BANK*WOULD*ENLARGE*THE*AMOUNT*OF*CAPITAL*SO*SORELY
NEEDED*TO*START*UP*AMERICAN*INDUSTRIES,*GIVING*MARKETS*TO*FARMERS*AND
PLANTERS.*THE*TARIFF*BY*CREATING*A*HOME*MARKET*AND*INCREASING
OPPORTUNITIES*FOR*EMPLOYMENT*WOULD*BENEFIT*BOTH*LAND*AND*LABOR.*OUT*OF
SUCH*WISE*POLICIES*FIRMLY*PURSUED*BY*THE*GOVERNMENT,*HE*CONCLUDED,*WERE
BOUND*TO*COME*STRENGTH*AND*PROSPERITY*FOR*THE*NEW*GOVERNMENT*AT*HOME,
CREDIT*AND*POWER*ABROAD.*THIS*VIEW*WASHINGTON*FULLY*INDORSED,*ADDING
THE*WEIGHT*OF*HIS*GREAT*NAME*TO*THE*INHERENT*MERITS*OF*THE*MEASURES
ADOPTED*UNDER*HIS*ADMINISTRATION.

=THE*SHARPNESS*OF*THE*PARTISAN*CONFLICT.=--AS*A*RESULT*OF*THE*CLASH*OF
OPINION,*THE*PEOPLE*OF*THE*COUNTRY*GRADUALLY*DIVIDED*INTO*TWO*PARTIES:
FEDERALISTS*AND*ANTI-FEDERALISTS,*THE*FORMER*LED*BY*HAMILTON,*THE*LATTER
BY*JEFFERSON.*THE*STRENGTH*OF*THE*FEDERALISTS*LAY*IN*THE*CITIES--BOSTON,
PROVIDENCE,*HARTFORD,*NEW*YORK,*PHILADELPHIA,*CHARLESTON--AMONG*THE
MANUFACTURING,*FINANCIAL,*AND*COMMERCIAL*GROUPS*OF*THE*POPULATION*WHO
WERE*EAGER*TO*EXTEND*THEIR*BUSINESS*OPERATIONS.*THE*STRENGTH*OF*THE
ANTI-FEDERALISTS*LAY*MAINLY*AMONG*THE*DEBT-BURDENED*FARMERS*WHO*FEARED
THE*GROWTH*OF*WHAT*THEY*CALLED*"A*MONEY*POWER"*AND*PLANTERS*IN*ALL
SECTIONS*WHO*FEARED*THE*DOMINANCE*OF*COMMERCIAL*AND*MANUFACTURING
INTERESTS.*THE*FARMING*AND*PLANTING*SOUTH,*OUTSIDE*OF*THE*FEW*TOWNS,
FINALLY*PRESENTED*AN*ALMOST*SOLID*FRONT*AGAINST*ASSUMPTION,*THE*BANK,
AND*THE*TARIFF.*THE*CONFLICT*BETWEEN*THE*PARTIES*GREW*STEADILY*IN
BITTERNESS,*DESPITE*THE*CONCILIATORY*AND*ENGAGING*MANNER*IN*WHICH
HAMILTON*PRESENTED*HIS*CAUSE*IN*HIS*STATE*PAPERS*AND*DESPITE*THE
CONSTANT*EFFORTS*OF*WASHINGTON*TO*SOFTEN*THE*ASPERITY*OF*THE
CONTESTANTS.

=THE*LEADERSHIP*AND*DOCTRINES*OF*JEFFERSON.=--THE*PARTY*DISPUTE*HAD*NOT
GONE*FAR*BEFORE*THE*OPPONENTS*OF*THE*ADMINISTRATION*BEGAN*TO*LOOK*TO
JEFFERSON*AS*THEIR*LEADER.*SOME*OF*HAMILTON'S*MEASURES*HE*HAD*APPROVED,
DECLARING*AFTERWARD*THAT*HE*DID*NOT*AT*THE*TIME*UNDERSTAND*THEIR
SIGNIFICANCE.*OTHERS,*PARTICULARLY*THE*BANK,*HE*FIERCELY*ASSAILED.*MORE
THAN*ONCE,*HE*AND*HAMILTON,*SHAKING*VIOLENTLY*WITH*ANGER,*ATTACKED*EACH
OTHER*AT*CABINET*MEETINGS,*AND*NOTHING*SHORT*OF*THE*GRAVE*AND*DIGNIFIED
PLEAS*OF*WASHINGTON*PREVENTED*AN*EARLY*AND*OPEN*BREAK*BETWEEN*THEM.*IN
1794*IT*FINALLY*CAME.*JEFFERSON*RESIGNED*AS*SECRETARY*OF*STATE*AND
RETIRED*TO*HIS*HOME*IN*VIRGINIA*TO*ASSUME,*THROUGH*CORRESPONDENCE*AND
NEGOTIATION,*THE*LEADERSHIP*OF*THE*STEADILY*GROWING*PARTY*OF*OPPOSITION.

SHY*AND*MODEST*IN*MANNER,*HALTING*IN*SPEECH,*DISLIKING*THE*TURMOIL*OF
PUBLIC*DEBATE,*AND*DEEPLY*INTERESTED*IN*SCIENCE*AND*PHILOSOPHY,
JEFFERSON*WAS*NOT*VERY*WELL*FITTED*FOR*THE*STRENUOUS*LIFE*OF*POLITICAL
CONTEST.*NEVERTHELESS,*HE*WAS*AN*AMBITIOUS*AND*SHREWD*NEGOTIATOR.*HE*WAS
ALSO*BY*HONEST*OPINION*AND*MATURED*CONVICTION*THE*EXACT*OPPOSITE*OF
HAMILTON.*THE*LATTER*BELIEVED*IN*A*STRONG,*ACTIVE,*"HIGH-TONED"
GOVERNMENT,*VIGOROUSLY*COMPELLING*IN*ALL*ITS*BRANCHES.*JEFFERSON*LOOKED
UPON*SUCH*GOVERNMENT*AS*DANGEROUS*TO*THE*LIBERTIES*OF*CITIZENS*AND
OPENLY*AVOWED*HIS*FAITH*IN*THE*DESIRABILITY*OF*OCCASIONAL*POPULAR
UPRISINGS.*HAMILTON*DISTRUSTED*THE*PEOPLE.*"YOUR*PEOPLE*IS*A*GREAT
BEAST,"*HE*IS*REPORTED*TO*HAVE*SAID.*JEFFERSON*PROFESSED*HIS*FAITH*IN
THE*PEOPLE*WITH*AN*ABANDON*THAT*WAS*CONSIDERED*RECKLESS*IN*HIS*TIME.

ON*ECONOMIC*MATTERS,*THE*OPINIONS*OF*THE*TWO*LEADERS*WERE*ALSO
HOPELESSLY*AT*VARIANCE.*HAMILTON,*WHILE*CHERISHING*AGRICULTURE,*DESIRED
TO*SEE*AMERICA*A*GREAT*COMMERCIAL*AND*INDUSTRIAL*NATION.*JEFFERSON*WAS
EQUALLY*SET*AGAINST*THIS*COURSE*FOR*HIS*COUNTRY.*HE*FEARED*THE
ACCUMULATION*OF*RICHES*AND*THE*GROWTH*OF*A*LARGE*URBAN*WORKING*CLASS.
THE*MOBS*OF*GREAT*CITIES,*HE*SAID,*ARE*SORES*ON*THE*BODY*POLITIC;
ARTISANS*ARE*USUALLY*THE*DANGEROUS*ELEMENT*THAT*MAKE*REVOLUTIONS;
WORKSHOPS*SHOULD*BE*KEPT*IN*EUROPE*AND*WITH*THEM*THE*ARTISANS*WITH*THEIR
INSIDIOUS*MORALS*AND*MANNERS.*THE*ONLY*SUBSTANTIAL*FOUNDATION*FOR*A
REPUBLIC,*JEFFERSON*BELIEVED*TO*BE*AGRICULTURE.*THE*SPIRIT*OF
INDEPENDENCE*COULD*BE*KEPT*ALIVE*ONLY*BY*FREE*FARMERS,*OWNING*THE*LAND
THEY*TILLED*AND*LOOKING*TO*THE*SUN*IN*HEAVEN*AND*THE*LABOR*OF*THEIR
HANDS*FOR*THEIR*SUSTENANCE.*TRUSTING*AS*HE*DID*IN*THE*INNATE*GOODNESS*OF
HUMAN*NATURE*WHEN*NOURISHED*ON*A*FREE*SOIL,*JEFFERSON*ADVOCATED*THOSE
MEASURES*CALCULATED*TO*FAVOR*AGRICULTURE*AND*TO*ENLARGE*THE*RIGHTS*OF
PERSONS*RATHER*THAN*THE*POWERS*OF*GOVERNMENT.*THUS*HE*BECAME*THE
CHAMPION*OF*THE*INDIVIDUAL*AGAINST*THE*INTERFERENCE*OF*THE*GOVERNMENT,
AND*AN*ARDENT*ADVOCATE*OF*FREEDOM*OF*THE*PRESS,*FREEDOM*OF*SPEECH,*AND
FREEDOM*OF*SCIENTIFIC*INQUIRY.*IT*WAS,*ACCORDINGLY,*NO*MERE*FACTIOUS
SPIRIT*THAT*DROVE*HIM*INTO*OPPOSITION*TO*HAMILTON.

=THE*WHISKY*REBELLION.=--THE*POLITICAL*AGITATION*OF*THE*ANTI-FEDERALISTS
WAS*ACCOMPANIED*BY*AN*ARMED*REVOLT*AGAINST*THE*GOVERNMENT*IN*1794.*THE
OCCASION*FOR*THIS*UPRISING*WAS*ANOTHER*OF*HAMILTON'S*MEASURES,*A*LAW
LAYING*AN*EXCISE*TAX*ON*DISTILLED*SPIRITS,*FOR*THE*PURPOSE*OF*INCREASING
THE*REVENUE*NEEDED*TO*PAY*THE*INTEREST*ON*THE*FUNDED*DEBT.*IT*SO
HAPPENED*THAT*A*VERY*CONSIDERABLE*PART*OF*THE*WHISKY*MANUFACTURED*IN*THE
COUNTRY*WAS*MADE*BY*THE*FARMERS,*ESPECIALLY*ON*THE*FRONTIER,*IN*THEIR
OWN*STILLS.*THE*NEW*REVENUE*LAW*MEANT*THAT*FEDERAL*OFFICERS*WOULD*NOW
COME*INTO*THE*HOMES*OF*THE*PEOPLE,*MEASURE*THEIR*LIQUOR,*AND*TAKE*THE
TAX*OUT*OF*THEIR*POCKETS.*ALL*THE*BITTERNESS*WHICH*FARMERS*FELT*AGAINST
THE*FISCAL*MEASURES*OF*THE*GOVERNMENT*WAS*REDOUBLED.*IN*THE*WESTERN
DISTRICTS*OF*PENNSYLVANIA,*VIRGINIA,*AND*NORTH*CAROLINA,*THEY*REFUSED*TO
PAY*THE*TAX.*IN*PENNSYLVANIA,*SOME*OF*THEM*SACKED*AND*BURNED*THE*HOUSES
OF*THE*TAX*COLLECTORS,*AS*THE*REVOLUTIONISTS*THIRTY*YEARS*BEFORE*HAD
MOBBED*THE*AGENTS*OF*KING*GEORGE*SENT*OVER*TO*SELL*STAMPS.*THEY*WERE*IN
A*FAIR*WAY*TO*NULLIFY*THE*LAW*IN*WHOLE*DISTRICTS*WHEN*WASHINGTON*CALLED
OUT*THE*TROOPS*TO*SUPPRESS*"THE*WHISKY*REBELLION."*THEN*THE*MOVEMENT
COLLAPSED;*BUT*IT*LEFT*BEHIND*A*DEEP-SEATED*RESENTMENT*WHICH*FLARED*UP
IN*THE*ELECTION*OF*SEVERAL*OBDURATE*ANTI-FEDERALIST*CONGRESSMEN*FROM*THE
DISAFFECTED*REGIONS.


FOREIGN*INFLUENCES*AND*DOMESTIC*POLITICS

=THE*FRENCH*REVOLUTION.=--IN*THIS*EXCITING*PERIOD,*WHEN*ALL*AMERICA*WAS
DISTRACTED*BY*PARTISAN*DISPUTES,*A*STORM*BROKE*IN*EUROPE--THE
EPOCH-MAKING*FRENCH*REVOLUTION--WHICH*NOT*ONLY*SHOOK*THE*THRONES*OF*THE
OLD*WORLD*BUT*STIRRED*TO*ITS*DEPTHS*THE*YOUNG*REPUBLIC*OF*THE*NEW*WORLD.
THE*FIRST*SCENE*IN*THIS*DRAMATIC*AFFAIR*OCCURRED*IN*THE*SPRING*OF*1789,
A*FEW*DAYS*AFTER*WASHINGTON*WAS*INAUGURATED.*THE*KING*OF*FRANCE,*LOUIS
XVI,*DRIVEN*INTO*BANKRUPTCY*BY*EXTRAVAGANCE*AND*COSTLY*WARS,*WAS*FORCED
TO*RESORT*TO*HIS*PEOPLE*FOR*FINANCIAL*HELP.*ACCORDINGLY*HE*CALLED,*FOR
THE*FIRST*TIME*IN*MORE*THAN*ONE*HUNDRED*FIFTY*YEARS,*A*MEETING*OF*THE
NATIONAL*PARLIAMENT,*THE*"ESTATES*GENERAL,"*COMPOSED*OF*REPRESENTATIVES
OF*THE*"THREE*ESTATES"--THE*CLERGY,*NOBILITY,*AND*COMMONERS.*ACTING
UNDER*POWERFUL*LEADERS,*THE*COMMONERS,*OR*"THIRD*ESTATE,"*SWEPT*ASIDE
THE*CLERGY*AND*NOBILITY*AND*RESOLVED*THEMSELVES*INTO*A*NATIONAL
ASSEMBLY.*THIS*STIRRED*THE*COUNTRY*TO*ITS*DEPTHS.

[ILLUSTRATION:*_FROM*AN*OLD*PRINT_

LOUIS*XVI*IN*THE*HANDS*OF*THE*MOB]

GREAT*EVENTS*FOLLOWED*IN*SWIFT*SUCCESSION.*ON*JULY*14,*1789,*THE
BASTILLE,*AN*OLD*ROYAL*PRISON,*SYMBOL*OF*THE*KING'S*ABSOLUTISM,*WAS
STORMED*BY*A*PARIS*CROWD*AND*DESTROYED.*ON*THE*NIGHT*OF*AUGUST*4,*THE
FEUDAL*PRIVILEGES*OF*THE*NOBILITY*WERE*ABOLISHED*BY*THE*NATIONAL
ASSEMBLY*AMID*GREAT*EXCITEMENT.*A*FEW*DAYS*LATER*CAME*THE*FAMOUS
DECLARATION*OF*THE*RIGHTS*OF*MAN,*PROCLAIMING*THE*SOVEREIGNTY*OF*THE
PEOPLE*AND*THE*PRIVILEGES*OF*CITIZENS.*IN*THE*AUTUMN*OF*1791,*LOUIS*XVI
WAS*FORCED*TO*ACCEPT*A*NEW*CONSTITUTION*FOR*FRANCE*VESTING*THE
LEGISLATIVE*POWER*IN*A*POPULAR*ASSEMBLY.*LITTLE*DISORDER*ACCOMPANIED
THESE*STARTLING*CHANGES.*TO*ALL*APPEARANCES*A*PEACEFUL*REVOLUTION*HAD
STRIPPED*THE*FRENCH*KING*OF*HIS*ROYAL*PREROGATIVES*AND*BASED*THE
GOVERNMENT*OF*HIS*COUNTRY*ON*THE*CONSENT*OF*THE*GOVERNED.

=AMERICAN*INFLUENCE*IN*FRANCE.=--IN*UNDERTAKING*THEIR*GREAT*POLITICAL
REVOLT*THE*FRENCH*HAD*BEEN*ENCOURAGED*BY*THE*OUTCOME*OF*THE*AMERICAN
REVOLUTION.*OFFICERS*AND*SOLDIERS,*WHO*HAD*SERVED*IN*THE*AMERICAN*WAR,
REPORTED*TO*THEIR*FRENCH*COUNTRYMEN*MARVELOUS*TALES.*AT*THE*FRUGAL*TABLE
OF*GENERAL*WASHINGTON,*IN*COUNCIL*WITH*THE*UNPRETENTIOUS*FRANKLIN,*OR*AT
CONFERENCES*OVER*THE*STRATEGY*OF*WAR,*FRENCH*NOBLEMEN*OF*ANCIENT*LINEAGE
LEARNED*TO*RESPECT*BOTH*THE*TALENTS*AND*THE*SIMPLE*CHARACTER*OF*THE
LEADERS*IN*THE*GREAT*REPUBLICAN*COMMONWEALTH*BEYOND*THE*SEAS.*TRAVELERS,
WHO*HAD*GONE*TO*SEE*THE*EXPERIMENT*IN*REPUBLICANISM*WITH*THEIR*OWN*EYES,
CARRIED*HOME*TO*THE*KING*AND*RULING*CLASS*STORIES*OF*AN*ASTOUNDING
SYSTEM*OF*POPULAR*GOVERNMENT.

ON*THE*OTHER*HAND*THE*DALLIANCE*WITH*AMERICAN*DEMOCRACY*WAS*REGARDED*BY
FRENCH*CONSERVATIVES*AS*PLAYING*WITH*FIRE.*"WHEN*WE*THINK*OF*THE*FALSE
IDEAS*OF*GOVERNMENT*AND*PHILANTHROPY,"*WROTE*ONE*OF*LAFAYETTE'S*AIDES,
"WHICH*THESE*YOUTHS*ACQUIRED*IN*AMERICA*AND*PROPAGATED*IN*FRANCE*WITH*SO
MUCH*ENTHUSIASM*AND*SUCH*DEPLORABLE*SUCCESS--FOR*THIS*MANIA*OF*IMITATION
POWERFULLY*AIDED*THE*REVOLUTION,*THOUGH*IT*WAS*NOT*THE*SOLE*CAUSE*OF
IT--WE*ARE*BOUND*TO*CONFESS*THAT*IT*WOULD*HAVE*BEEN*BETTER,*BOTH*FOR
THEMSELVES*AND*FOR*US,*IF*THESE*YOUNG*PHILOSOPHERS*IN*RED-HEELED*SHOES
HAD*STAYED*AT*HOME*IN*ATTENDANCE*ON*THE*COURT."

=EARLY*AMERICAN*OPINION*OF*THE*FRENCH*REVOLUTION.=--SO*CLOSE*WERE*THE
TIES*BETWEEN*THE*TWO*NATIONS*THAT*IT*IS*NOT*SURPRISING*TO*FIND*EVERY
STEP*IN*THE*FIRST*STAGES*OF*THE*FRENCH*REVOLUTION*GREETED*WITH*APPLAUSE
IN*THE*UNITED*STATES.*"LIBERTY*WILL*HAVE*ANOTHER*FEATHER*IN*HER*CAP,"
EXULTANTLY*WROTE*A*BOSTON*EDITOR.*"IN*NO*PART*OF*THE*GLOBE,"*SOBERLY
WROTE*JOHN*MARSHALL,*"WAS*THIS*REVOLUTION*HAILED*WITH*MORE*JOY*THAN*IN
AMERICA....*BUT*ONE*SENTIMENT*EXISTED."*THE*MAIN*KEY*TO*THE*BASTILLE,
SENT*TO*WASHINGTON*AS*A*MEMENTO,*WAS*ACCEPTED*AS*"A*TOKEN*OF*THE
VICTORY*GAINED*BY*LIBERTY."*THOMAS*PAINE*SAW*IN*THE*GREAT*EVENT*"THE
FIRST*RIPE*FRUITS*OF*AMERICAN*PRINCIPLES*TRANSPLANTED*INTO*EUROPE."
FEDERALISTS*AND*ANTI-FEDERALISTS*REGARDED*THE*NEW*CONSTITUTION*OF*FRANCE
AS*ANOTHER*VINDICATION*OF*AMERICAN*IDEALS.

=THE*REIGN*OF*TERROR.=--WHILE*PROFUSE*CONGRATULATIONS*WERE*BEING
EXCHANGED,*RUMORS*BEGAN*TO*COME*THAT*ALL*WAS*NOT*WELL*IN*FRANCE.*MANY
NOBLEMEN,*ENRAGED*AT*THE*LOSS*OF*THEIR*SPECIAL*PRIVILEGES,*FLED*INTO
GERMANY*AND*PLOTTED*AN*INVASION*OF*FRANCE*TO*OVERTHROW*THE*NEW*SYSTEM*OF
GOVERNMENT.*LOUIS*XVI*ENTERED*INTO*NEGOTIATIONS*WITH*HIS*BROTHER
MONARCHS*ON*THE*CONTINENT*TO*SECURE*THEIR*HELP*IN*THE*SAME*ENTERPRISE,
AND*HE*FINALLY*BETRAYED*TO*THE*FRENCH*PEOPLE*HIS*TRUE*SENTIMENTS*BY
ATTEMPTING*TO*ESCAPE*FROM*HIS*KINGDOM,*ONLY*TO*BE*CAPTURED*AND*TAKEN
BACK*TO*PARIS*IN*DISGRACE.

A*NEW*PHASE*OF*THE*REVOLUTION*NOW*OPENED.*THE*WORKING*PEOPLE,*EXCLUDED
FROM*ALL*SHARE*IN*THE*GOVERNMENT*BY*THE*FIRST*FRENCH*CONSTITUTION,
BECAME*RESTLESS,*ESPECIALLY*IN*PARIS.*ASSEMBLING*ON*THE*CHAMPS*DE*MARS,
A*GREAT*OPEN*FIELD,*THEY*SIGNED*A*PETITION*CALLING*FOR*ANOTHER
CONSTITUTION*GIVING*THEM*THE*SUFFRAGE.*WHEN*TOLD*TO*DISPERSE,*THEY
REFUSED*AND*WERE*FIRED*UPON*BY*THE*NATIONAL*GUARD.*THIS*"MASSACRE,"*AS
IT*WAS*CALLED,*ENRAGED*THE*POPULACE.*A*RADICAL*PARTY,*KNOWN*AS
"JACOBINS,"*THEN*SPRANG*UP,*TAKING*ITS*NAME*FROM*A*JACOBIN*MONASTERY*IN
WHICH*IT*HELD*ITS*SESSIONS.*IN*A*LITTLE*WHILE*IT*BECAME*THE*MASTER*OF
THE*POPULAR*CONVENTION*CONVOKED*IN*SEPTEMBER,*1792.*THE*MONARCHY*WAS
IMMEDIATELY*ABOLISHED*AND*A*REPUBLIC*ESTABLISHED.*ON*JANUARY*21,*1793,
LOUIS*WAS*SENT*TO*THE*SCAFFOLD.*TO*THE*WAR*ON*AUSTRIA,*ALREADY*RAGING,
WAS*ADDED*A*WAR*ON*ENGLAND.*THEN*CAME*THE*REIGN*OF*TERROR,*DURING*WHICH
RADICALS*IN*POSSESSION*OF*THE*CONVENTION*EXECUTED*IN*LARGE*NUMBERS
COUNTER-REVOLUTIONISTS*AND*THOSE*SUSPECTED*OF*SYMPATHY*WITH*THE
MONARCHY.*THEY*SHOT*DOWN*PEASANTS*WHO*ROSE*IN*INSURRECTION*AGAINST*THEIR
RULE*AND*ESTABLISHED*A*RELENTLESS*DICTATORSHIP.*CIVIL*WAR*FOLLOWED.
TERRIBLE*ATROCITIES*WERE*COMMITTED*ON*BOTH*SIDES*IN*THE*NAME*OF*LIBERTY,
AND*IN*THE*NAME*OF*MONARCHY.*TO*AMERICANS*OF*CONSERVATIVE*TEMPER*IT*NOW
SEEMED*THAT*THE*REVOLUTION,*SO*AUSPICIOUSLY*BEGUN,*HAD*DEGENERATED*INTO
ANARCHY*AND*MERE*BLOODTHIRSTY*STRIFE.

=BURKE*SUMMONS*THE*WORLD*TO*WAR*ON*FRANCE.=--IN*ENGLAND,*EDMUND*BURKE
LED*THE*FIGHT*AGAINST*THE*NEW*FRENCH*PRINCIPLES*WHICH*HE*FEARED*MIGHT
SPREAD*TO*ALL*EUROPE.*IN*HIS*_REFLECTIONS*ON*THE*FRENCH*REVOLUTION_,
WRITTEN*IN*1790,*HE*ATTACKED*WITH*TERRIBLE*WRATH*THE*WHOLE*PROGRAM*OF
POPULAR*GOVERNMENT;*HE*CALLED*FOR*WAR,*RELENTLESS*WAR,*UPON*THE*FRENCH
AS*MONSTERS*AND*OUTLAWS;*HE*DEMANDED*THAT*THEY*BE*REDUCED*TO*ORDER*BY
THE*RESTORATION*OF*THE*KING*TO*FULL*POWER*UNDER*THE*PROTECTION*OF*THE
ARMS*OF*EUROPEAN*NATIONS.

=PAINE'S*DEFENSE*OF*THE*FRENCH*REVOLUTION.=--TO*COUNTERACT*THE*CAMPAIGN
OF*HATE*AGAINST*THE*FRENCH,*THOMAS*PAINE*REPLIED*TO*BURKE*IN*ANOTHER*OF
HIS*FAMOUS*TRACTS,*_THE*RIGHTS*OF*MAN_,*WHICH*WAS*GIVEN*TO*THE*AMERICAN
PUBLIC*IN*AN*EDITION*CONTAINING*A*LETTER*OF*APPROVAL*FROM*JEFFERSON.
BURKE,*SAID*PAINE,*HAD*BEEN*MOURNING*ABOUT*THE*GLORIES*OF*THE*FRENCH
MONARCHY*AND*ARISTOCRACY*BUT*HAD*FORGOTTEN*THE*STARVING*PEASANTS*AND*THE
OPPRESSED*PEOPLE;*HAD*WEPT*OVER*THE*PLUMAGE*AND*NEGLECTED*THE*DYING
BIRD.*BURKE*HAD*DENIED*THE*RIGHT*OF*THE*FRENCH*PEOPLE*TO*CHOOSE*THEIR
OWN*GOVERNORS,*BLANDLY*FORGETTING*THAT*THE*ENGLISH*GOVERNMENT*IN*WHICH
HE*SAW*FINAL*PERFECTION*ITSELF*RESTED*ON*TWO*REVOLUTIONS.*HE*HAD*BOASTED
THAT*THE*KING*OF*ENGLAND*HELD*HIS*CROWN*IN*CONTEMPT*OF*THE*DEMOCRATIC
SOCIETIES.*PAINE*ANSWERED:*"IF*I*ASK*A*MAN*IN*AMERICA*IF*HE*WANTS*A
KING,*HE*RETORTS*AND*ASKS*ME*IF*I*TAKE*HIM*FOR*AN*IDIOT."*TO*THE*CHARGE
THAT*THE*DOCTRINES*OF*THE*RIGHTS*OF*MAN*WERE*"NEW*FANGLED,"*PAINE
REPLIED*THAT*THE*QUESTION*WAS*NOT*WHETHER*THEY*WERE*NEW*OR*OLD*BUT
WHETHER*THEY*WERE*RIGHT*OR*WRONG.*AS*TO*THE*FRENCH*DISORDERS*AND
DIFFICULTIES,*HE*BADE*THE*WORLD*WAIT*TO*SEE*WHAT*WOULD*BE*BROUGHT*FORTH
IN*DUE*TIME.

=THE*EFFECT*OF*THE*FRENCH*REVOLUTION*ON*AMERICAN*POLITICS.=--THE*COURSE
OF*THE*FRENCH*REVOLUTION*AND*THE*CONTROVERSIES*ACCOMPANYING*IT,
EXERCISED*A*PROFOUND*INFLUENCE*ON*THE*FORMATION*OF*THE*FIRST*POLITICAL
PARTIES*IN*AMERICA.*THE*FOLLOWERS*OF*HAMILTON,*NOW*PROUD*OF*THE*NAME
"FEDERALISTS,"*DREW*BACK*IN*FRIGHT*AS*THEY*HEARD*OF*THE*CRUEL*DEEDS
COMMITTED*DURING*THE*REIGN*OF*TERROR.*THEY*TURNED*SAVAGELY*UPON*THE
REVOLUTIONISTS*AND*THEIR*FRIENDS*IN*AMERICA,*DENOUNCING*AS*"JACOBIN"
EVERYBODY*WHO*DID*NOT*CONDEMN*LOUDLY*ENOUGH*THE*PROCEEDINGS*OF*THE
FRENCH*REPUBLIC.*A*MASSACHUSETTS*PREACHER*ROUNDLY*ASSAILED*"THE
ATHEISTICAL,*ANARCHICAL,*AND*IN*OTHER*RESPECTS*IMMORAL*PRINCIPLES*OF*THE
FRENCH*REPUBLICANS";*HE*THEN*PROCEEDED*WITH*EQUAL*PASSION*TO*ATTACK
JEFFERSON*AND*THE*ANTI-FEDERALISTS,*WHOM*HE*CHARGED*WITH*SPREADING*FALSE
FRENCH*PROPAGANDA*AND*BETRAYING*AMERICA.*"THE*EDITORS,*PATRONS,*AND
ABETTORS*OF*THESE*VEHICLES*OF*SLANDER,"*HE*EXCLAIMED,*"OUGHT*TO*BE
CONSIDERED*AND*TREATED*AS*ENEMIES*TO*THEIR*COUNTRY....*OF*ALL*TRAITORS
THEY*ARE*THE*MOST*AGGRAVATEDLY*CRIMINAL;*OF*ALL*VILLAINS,*THEY*ARE*THE
MOST*INFAMOUS*AND*DETESTABLE."

THE*ANTI-FEDERALISTS,*AS*A*MATTER*OF*FACT,*WERE*GENERALLY*FAVORABLE*TO
THE*REVOLUTION*ALTHOUGH*THEY*DEPLORED*MANY*OF*THE*EVENTS*ASSOCIATED*WITH
IT.*PAINE'S*PAMPHLET,*INDORSED*BY*JEFFERSON,*WAS*WIDELY*READ.*DEMOCRATIC
SOCIETIES,*AFTER*THE*FASHION*OF*FRENCH*POLITICAL*CLUBS,*AROSE*IN*THE
CITIES;*THE*COALITION*OF*EUROPEAN*MONARCHS*AGAINST*FRANCE*WAS*DENOUNCED
AS*A*COALITION*AGAINST*THE*VERY*PRINCIPLES*OF*REPUBLICANISM;*AND*THE
EXECUTION*OF*LOUIS*XVI*WAS*OPENLY*CELEBRATED*AT*A*BANQUET*IN
PHILADELPHIA.*HARMLESS*TITLES,*SUCH*AS*"SIR,"*"THE*HONORABLE,"*AND*"HIS
EXCELLENCY,"*WERE*DECRIED*AS*ARISTOCRATIC*AND*SOME*OF*THE*MORE*EXCITED
INSISTED*ON*ADOPTING*THE*FRENCH*TITLE,*"CITIZEN,"*SPEAKING,*FOR*EXAMPLE,
OF*"CITIZEN*JUDGE"*AND*"CITIZEN*TOASTMASTER."*PAMPHLETS*IN*DEFENSE*OF
THE*FRENCH*STREAMED*FROM*THE*PRESS,*WHILE*SUBSIDIZED*NEWSPAPERS*KEPT*THE
PROPAGANDA*IN*FULL*SWING.

=THE*EUROPEAN*WAR*DISTURBS*AMERICAN*COMMERCE.=--THIS*BATTLE*OF*WITS,*OR
RATHER*CONTEST*IN*CALUMNY,*MIGHT*HAVE*GONE*ON*INDEFINITELY*IN*AMERICA
WITHOUT*PRODUCING*ANY*SERIOUS*RESULTS,*HAD*IT*NOT*BEEN*FOR*THE*WAR
BETWEEN*ENGLAND*AND*FRANCE,*THEN*RAGING.*THE*ENGLISH,*HAVING*COMMAND*OF
THE*SEAS,*CLAIMED*THE*RIGHT*TO*SEIZE*AMERICAN*PRODUCE*BOUND*FOR*FRENCH
PORTS*AND*TO*CONFISCATE*AMERICAN*SHIPS*ENGAGED*IN*CARRYING*FRENCH*GOODS.
ADDING*FUEL*TO*A*FIRE*ALREADY*HOT*ENOUGH,*THEY*BEGAN*TO*SEARCH*AMERICAN
SHIPS*AND*TO*CARRY*OFF*BRITISH-BORN*SAILORS*FOUND*ON*BOARD*AMERICAN
VESSELS.

=THE*FRENCH*APPEAL*FOR*HELP.=--AT*THE*SAME*TIME*THE*FRENCH*REPUBLIC
TURNED*TO*THE*UNITED*STATES*FOR*AID*IN*ITS*WAR*ON*ENGLAND*AND*SENT*OVER
AS*ITS*DIPLOMATIC*REPRESENTATIVE*"CITIZEN"*GENET,*AN*ARDENT*SUPPORTER*OF
THE*NEW*ORDER.*ON*HIS*ARRIVAL*AT*CHARLESTON,*HE*WAS*GREETED*WITH*FERVOR
BY*THE*ANTI-FEDERALISTS.*AS*HE*MADE*HIS*WAY*NORTH,*HE*WAS*WINED*AND
DINED*AND*GIVEN*POPULAR*OVATIONS*THAT*TURNED*HIS*HEAD.*HE*THOUGHT*THE
WHOLE*COUNTRY*WAS*READY*TO*JOIN*THE*FRENCH*REPUBLIC*IN*ITS*CONTEST*WITH
ENGLAND.*GENET*THEREFORE*ATTEMPTED*TO*USE*THE*AMERICAN*PORTS*AS*THE*BASE
OF*OPERATIONS*FOR*FRENCH*PRIVATEERS*PREYING*ON*BRITISH*MERCHANT*SHIPS;
AND*HE*INSISTED*THAT*THE*UNITED*STATES*WAS*IN*HONOR*BOUND*TO*HELP*FRANCE
UNDER*THE*TREATY*OF*1778.

=THE*PROCLAMATION*OF*NEUTRALITY*AND*THE*JAY*TREATY.=--UNMOVED*BY*THE

RISING*TIDE*OF*POPULAR*SYMPATHY*FOR*FRANCE,*WASHINGTON*TOOK*A*FIRM
COURSE.*HE*RECEIVED*GENET*COLDLY.*THE*DEMAND*THAT*THE*UNITED*STATES*AID
FRANCE*UNDER*THE*OLD*TREATY*OF*ALLIANCE*HE*ANSWERED*BY*PROCLAIMING*THE
NEUTRALITY*OF*AMERICA*AND*WARNING*AMERICAN*CITIZENS*AGAINST*HOSTILE*ACTS
TOWARD*EITHER*FRANCE*OR*ENGLAND.*WHEN*GENET*CONTINUED*TO*HOLD*MEETINGS,
ISSUE*MANIFESTOES,*AND*STIR*UP*THE*PEOPLE*AGAINST*ENGLAND,*WASHINGTON
ASKED*THE*FRENCH*GOVERNMENT*TO*RECALL*HIM.*THIS*ACT*HE*FOLLOWED*UP*BY
SENDING*THE*CHIEF*JUSTICE,*JOHN*JAY,*ON*A*PACIFIC*MISSION*TO*ENGLAND.

THE*RESULT*WAS*THE*CELEBRATED*JAY*TREATY*OF*1794.*BY*ITS*TERMS*GREAT
BRITAIN*AGREED*TO*WITHDRAW*HER*TROOPS*FROM*THE*WESTERN*FORTS*WHERE*THEY
HAD*BEEN*SINCE*THE*WAR*FOR*INDEPENDENCE*AND*TO*GRANT*CERTAIN*SLIGHT
TRADE*CONCESSIONS.*THE*CHIEF*SOURCES*OF*BITTERNESS--THE*FAILURE*OF*THE
BRITISH*TO*RETURN*SLAVES*CARRIED*OFF*DURING*THE*REVOLUTION,*THE*SEIZURE
OF*AMERICAN*SHIPS,*AND*THE*IMPRESSMENT*OF*SAILORS--WERE*NOT*TOUCHED,
MUCH*TO*THE*DISTRESS*OF*EVERYBODY*IN*AMERICA,*INCLUDING*LOYAL
FEDERALISTS.*NEVERTHELESS,*WASHINGTON,*DREADING*AN*ARMED*CONFLICT*WITH
ENGLAND,*URGED*THE*SENATE*TO*RATIFY*THE*TREATY.*THE*WEIGHT*OF*HIS
INFLUENCE*CARRIED*THE*DAY.

AT*THIS,*THE*HOSTILITY*OF*THE*ANTI-FEDERALISTS*KNEW*NO*BOUNDS.*JEFFERSON
DECLARED*THE*JAY*TREATY*"AN*INFAMOUS*ACT*WHICH*IS*REALLY*NOTHING*MORE
THAN*AN*ALLIANCE*BETWEEN*ENGLAND*AND*THE*ANGLO-MEN*OF*THIS*COUNTRY,
AGAINST*THE*LEGISLATURE*AND*THE*PEOPLE*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES."*HAMILTON,
DEFENDING*IT*WITH*HIS*USUAL*COURAGE,*WAS*STONED*BY*A*MOB*IN*NEW*YORK*AND
DRIVEN*FROM*THE*PLATFORM*WITH*BLOOD*STREAMING*FROM*HIS*FACE.*JAY*WAS
BURNED*IN*EFFIGY.*EVEN*WASHINGTON*WAS*NOT*SPARED.*THE*HOUSE*OF
REPRESENTATIVES*WAS*OPENLY*HOSTILE.*TO*DISPLAY*ITS*FEELINGS,*IT*CALLED
UPON*THE*PRESIDENT*FOR*THE*PAPERS*RELATIVE*TO*THE*TREATY*NEGOTIATIONS,
ONLY*TO*BE*MORE*HIGHLY*INCENSED*BY*HIS*FLAT*REFUSAL*TO*PRESENT*THEM,*ON
THE*GROUND*THAT*THE*HOUSE*DID*NOT*SHARE*IN*THE*TREATY-MAKING*POWER.

=WASHINGTON*RETIRES*FROM*POLITICS.=--SUCH*ANGRY*CONTESTS*CONFIRMED*THE
PRESIDENT*IN*HIS*SLOWLY*MATURING*DETERMINATION*TO*RETIRE*AT*THE*END*OF
HIS*SECOND*TERM*IN*OFFICE.*HE*DID*NOT*BELIEVE*THAT*A*THIRD*TERM*WAS
UNCONSTITUTIONAL*OR*IMPROPER;*BUT,*WORN*OUT*BY*HIS*LONG*AND*ARDUOUS
LABORS*IN*WAR*AND*IN*PEACE*AND*WOUNDED*BY*HARSH*ATTACKS*FROM*FORMER
FRIENDS,*HE*LONGED*FOR*THE*QUIET*OF*HIS*BEAUTIFUL*ESTATE*AT*MOUNT
VERNON.

IN*SEPTEMBER,*1796,*ON*THE*EVE*OF*THE*PRESIDENTIAL*ELECTION,*WASHINGTON
ISSUED*HIS*FAREWELL*ADDRESS,*ANOTHER*STATE*PAPER*TO*BE*TREASURED*AND
READ*BY*GENERATIONS*OF*AMERICANS*TO*COME.*IN*THIS*ADDRESS*HE*DIRECTED
THE*ATTENTION*OF*THE*PEOPLE*TO*THREE*SUBJECTS*OF*LASTING*INTEREST.*HE
WARNED*THEM*AGAINST*SECTIONAL*JEALOUSIES.*HE*REMONSTRATED*AGAINST*THE
SPIRIT*OF*PARTISANSHIP,*SAYING*THAT*IN*GOVERNMENT*"OF*THE*POPULAR
CHARACTER,*IN*GOVERNMENT*PURELY*ELECTIVE,*IT*IS*A*SPIRIT*NOT*TO*BE
ENCOURAGED."*HE*LIKEWISE*CAUTIONED*THE*PEOPLE*AGAINST*"THE*INSIDIOUS
WILES*OF*FOREIGN*INFLUENCE,"*SAYING:*"EUROPE*HAS*A*SET*OF*PRIMARY
INTERESTS*WHICH*TO*US*HAVE*NONE*OR*A*VERY*REMOTE*RELATION.*HENCE*SHE
MUST*BE*ENGAGED*IN*FREQUENT*CONTROVERSIES,*THE*CAUSES*OF*WHICH*ARE
ESSENTIALLY*FOREIGN*TO*OUR*CONCERNS.*HENCE,*THEREFORE,*IT*WOULD*BE
UNWISE*IN*US*TO*IMPLICATE*OURSELVES,*BY*ARTIFICIAL*TIES,*IN*THE*ORDINARY
VICISSITUDES*OF*HER*POLITICS*OR*THE*ORDINARY*COMBINATIONS*AND*COLLISIONS
OF*HER*FRIENDSHIPS*OR*ENMITIES....*WHY*FOREGO*THE*ADVANTAGES*OF*SO
PECULIAR*A*SITUATION?...*IT*IS*OUR*TRUE*POLICY*TO*STEER*CLEAR*OF
PERMANENT*ALLIANCES*WITH*ANY*PORTION*OF*THE*FOREIGN*WORLD....*TAKING
CARE*ALWAYS*TO*KEEP*OURSELVES,*BY*SUITABLE*ESTABLISHMENTS,*ON*A
RESPECTABLE*DEFENSIVE*POSTURE,*WE*MAY*SAFELY*TRUST*TO*TEMPORARY
ALLIANCES*FOR*EXTRAORDINARY*EMERGENCIES."

=THE*CAMPAIGN*OF*1796--ADAMS*ELECTED.=--ON*HEARING*OF*THE*RETIREMENT*OF
WASHINGTON,*THE*ANTI-FEDERALISTS*CAST*OFF*ALL*RESTRAINTS.*IN*HONOR*OF
FRANCE*AND*IN*OPPOSITION*TO*WHAT*THEY*WERE*PLEASED*TO*CALL*THE
MONARCHICAL*TENDENCIES*OF*THE*FEDERALISTS,*THEY*BOLDLY*ASSUMED*THE*NAME
"REPUBLICAN";*THE*TERM*"DEMOCRAT,"*THEN*APPLIED*ONLY*TO*OBSCURE*AND
DESPISED*RADICALS,*HAD*NOT*COME*INTO*GENERAL*USE.*THEY*SELECTED
JEFFERSON*AS*THEIR*CANDIDATE*FOR*PRESIDENT*AGAINST*JOHN*ADAMS,*THE
FEDERALIST*NOMINEE,*AND*CARRIED*ON*SUCH*A*SPIRITED*CAMPAIGN*THAT*THEY
CAME*WITHIN*FOUR*VOTES*OF*ELECTING*HIM.

THE*SUCCESSFUL*CANDIDATE,*ADAMS,*WAS*NOT*FITTED*BY*TRAINING*OR*OPINION
FOR*CONCILIATING*A*DETERMINED*OPPOSITION.*HE*WAS*A*RESERVED*AND*STUDIOUS
MAN.*HE*WAS*NEITHER*A*GOOD*SPEAKER*NOR*A*SKILLFUL*NEGOTIATOR.*IN*ONE*OF
HIS*BOOKS*HE*HAD*DECLARED*HIMSELF*IN*FAVOR*OF*"GOVERNMENT*BY*AN
ARISTOCRACY*OF*TALENTS*AND*WEALTH"--AN*OFFENSE*WHICH*THE*REPUBLICANS
NEVER*FORGAVE.*WHILE*JOHN*MARSHALL*FOUND*HIM*"A*SENSIBLE,*PLAIN,*CANDID,
GOOD-TEMPERED*MAN,"*JEFFERSON*COULD*SEE*IN*HIM*NOTHING*BUT*A*"MONOCRAT"
AND*"ANGLO-MAN."*HAD*IT*NOT*BEEN*FOR*THE*CONDUCT*OF*THE*FRENCH
GOVERNMENT,*ADAMS*WOULD*HARDLY*HAVE*ENJOYED*A*MOMENT'S*GENUINE
POPULARITY*DURING*HIS*ADMINISTRATION.

=THE*QUARREL*WITH*FRANCE.=--THE*FRENCH*DIRECTORY,*THE*EXECUTIVE
DEPARTMENT*ESTABLISHED*UNDER*THE*CONSTITUTION*OF*1795,*MANAGED,*HOWEVER,
TO*STIR*THE*ANGER*OF*REPUBLICANS*AND*FEDERALISTS*ALIKE.*IT*REGARDED*THE
JAY*TREATY*AS*A*REBUKE*TO*FRANCE*AND*A*FLAGRANT*VIOLATION*OF*OBLIGATIONS
SOLEMNLY*REGISTERED*IN*THE*TREATY*OF*1778.*ACCORDINGLY*IT*REFUSED*TO
RECEIVE*THE*AMERICAN*MINISTER,*TREATED*HIM*IN*A*HUMILIATING*WAY,*AND
FINALLY*TOLD*HIM*TO*LEAVE*THE*COUNTRY.*OVERLOOKING*THIS*AFFRONT*IN*HIS
ANXIETY*TO*MAINTAIN*PEACE,*ADAMS*DISPATCHED*TO*FRANCE*A*COMMISSION*OF
EMINENT*MEN*WITH*INSTRUCTIONS*TO*REACH*AN*UNDERSTANDING*WITH*THE*FRENCH
REPUBLIC.*ON*THEIR*ARRIVAL,*THEY*WERE*CHAGRINED*TO*FIND,*INSTEAD*OF*A
DECENT*RECEPTION,*AN*INDIRECT*DEMAND*FOR*AN*APOLOGY*RESPECTING*THE*PAST
CONDUCT*OF*THE*AMERICAN*GOVERNMENT,*A*PAYMENT*IN*CASH,*AND*AN*ANNUAL
TRIBUTE*AS*THE*PRICE*OF*CONTINUED*FRIENDSHIP.*WHEN*THE*NEWS*OF*THIS
AFFAIR*REACHED*PRESIDENT*ADAMS,*HE*PROMPTLY*LAID*IT*BEFORE*CONGRESS,
REFERRING*TO*THE*FRENCHMEN*WHO*HAD*MADE*THE*DEMANDS*AS*"MR.*X,*MR.*Y,
AND*MR.*Z."

THIS*INSULT,*COUPLED*WITH*THE*FACT*THAT*FRENCH*PRIVATEERS,*LIKE*THE
BRITISH,*WERE*PREYING*UPON*AMERICAN*COMMERCE,*ENRAGED*EVEN*THE
REPUBLICANS*WHO*HAD*BEEN*LOUDEST*IN*THE*PROFESSION*OF*THEIR*FRENCH
SYMPATHIES.*THEY*FORGOT*THEIR*WRATH*OVER*THE*JAY*TREATY*AND*JOINED*WITH
THE*FEDERALISTS*IN*SHOUTING:*"MILLIONS*FOR*DEFENSE,*NOT*A*CENT*FOR
TRIBUTE!"*PREPARATIONS*FOR*WAR*WERE*MADE*ON*EVERY*HAND.*WASHINGTON*WAS
ONCE*MORE*CALLED*FROM*MOUNT*VERNON*TO*TAKE*HIS*OLD*POSITION*AT*THE*HEAD
OF*THE*ARMY.*INDEED,*FIGHTING*ACTUALLY*BEGAN*UPON*THE*HIGH*SEAS*AND*WENT
ON*WITHOUT*A*FORMAL*DECLARATION*OF*WAR*UNTIL*THE*YEAR*1800.*BY*THAT*TIME
THE*DIRECTORY*HAD*BEEN*OVERTHROWN.*A*TREATY*WAS*READILY*MADE*WITH
NAPOLEON,*THE*FIRST*CONSUL,*WHO*WAS*BEGINNING*HIS*REMARKABLE*CAREER*AS
CHIEF*OF*THE*FRENCH*REPUBLIC,*SOON*TO*BE*TURNED*INTO*AN*EMPIRE.

=ALIEN*AND*SEDITION*LAWS.=--FLUSHED*WITH*SUCCESS,*THE*FEDERALISTS
DETERMINED,*IF*POSSIBLE,*TO*PUT*AN*END*TO*RADICAL*FRENCH*INFLUENCE*IN
AMERICA*AND*TO*SILENCE*REPUBLICAN*OPPOSITION.*THEY*THEREFORE*PASSED*TWO
DRASTIC*LAWS*IN*THE*SUMMER*OF*1798:*THE*ALIEN*AND*SEDITION*ACTS.

THE*FIRST*OF*THESE*MEASURES*EMPOWERED*THE*PRESIDENT*TO*EXPEL*FROM*THE
COUNTRY*OR*TO*IMPRISON*ANY*ALIEN*WHOM*HE*REGARDED*AS*"DANGEROUS"*OR*"HAD
REASONABLE*GROUNDS*TO*SUSPECT"*OF*"ANY*TREASONABLE*OR*SECRET
MACHINATIONS*AGAINST*THE*GOVERNMENT."

THE*SECOND*OF*THE*MEASURES,*THE*SEDITION*ACT,*PENALIZED*NOT*ONLY*THOSE
WHO*ATTEMPTED*TO*STIR*UP*UNLAWFUL*COMBINATIONS*AGAINST*THE*GOVERNMENT
BUT*ALSO*EVERY*ONE*WHO*WROTE,*UTTERED,*OR*PUBLISHED*"ANY*FALSE,
SCANDALOUS,*AND*MALICIOUS*WRITING*...*AGAINST*THE*GOVERNMENT*OF*THE
UNITED*STATES*OR*EITHER*HOUSE*OF*CONGRESS,*OR*THE*PRESIDENT*OF*THE
UNITED*STATES,*WITH*INTENT*TO*DEFAME*SAID*GOVERNMENT*...*OR*TO*BRING
THEM*OR*EITHER*OF*THEM*INTO*CONTEMPT*OR*DISREPUTE."*THIS*MEASURE*WAS
HURRIED*THROUGH*CONGRESS*IN*SPITE*OF*THE*OPPOSITION*AND*THE*CLEAR
PROVISION*IN*THE*CONSTITUTION*THAT*CONGRESS*SHALL*MAKE*NO*LAW*ABRIDGING
THE*FREEDOM*OF*SPEECH*OR*OF*THE*PRESS.*EVEN*MANY*FEDERALISTS*FEARED*THE
CONSEQUENCES*OF*THE*ACTION.*HAMILTON*WAS*ALARMED*WHEN*HE*READ*THE*BILL,
EXCLAIMING:*"LET*US*NOT*ESTABLISH*A*TYRANNY.*ENERGY*IS*A*VERY*DIFFERENT
THING*FROM*VIOLENCE."*JOHN*MARSHALL*TOLD*HIS*FRIENDS*IN*VIRGINIA*THAT,
HAD*HE*BEEN*IN*CONGRESS,*HE*WOULD*HAVE*OPPOSED*THE*TWO*BILLS*BECAUSE*HE
THOUGHT*THEM*"USELESS"*AND*"CALCULATED*TO*CREATE*UNNECESSARY*DISCONTENTS
AND*JEALOUSIES."

THE*ALIEN*LAW*WAS*NOT*ENFORCED;*BUT*IT*GAVE*GREAT*OFFENSE*TO*THE*IRISH
AND*FRENCH*WHOSE*ACTIVITIES*AGAINST*THE*AMERICAN*GOVERNMENT'S*POLICY
RESPECTING*GREAT*BRITAIN*PUT*THEM*IN*DANGER*OF*PRISON.*THE*SEDITION*LAW,
ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*WAS*VIGOROUSLY*APPLIED.*SEVERAL*EDITORS*OF*REPUBLICAN
NEWSPAPERS*SOON*FOUND*THEMSELVES*IN*JAIL*OR*BROKEN*BY*RUINOUS*FINES*FOR
THEIR*CAUSTIC*CRITICISMS*OF*THE*FEDERALIST*PRESIDENT*AND*HIS*POLICIES.
BYSTANDERS*AT*POLITICAL*MEETINGS,*WHO*UTTERED*SENTIMENTS*WHICH,*THOUGH
UNGENEROUS*AND*SEVERE,*SEEM*HARMLESS*ENOUGH*NOW,*WERE*HURRIED*BEFORE
FEDERALIST*JUDGES*AND*PROMPTLY*FINED*AND*IMPRISONED.*ALTHOUGH*THE
PROSECUTIONS*WERE*NOT*NUMEROUS,*THEY*AROUSED*A*KEEN*RESENTMENT.*THE
REPUBLICANS*WERE*CONVINCED*THAT*THEIR*POLITICAL*OPPONENTS,*HAVING
SADDLED*UPON*THE*COUNTRY*HAMILTON'S*FISCAL*SYSTEM*AND*THE*BRITISH
TREATY,*WERE*BENT*ON*SILENCING*ALL*CENSURE.*THE*MEASURES*THEREFORE*HAD
EXACTLY*THE*OPPOSITE*EFFECT*FROM*THAT*WHICH*THEIR*AUTHORS*INTENDED.
INSTEAD*OF*HELPING*THE*FEDERALIST*PARTY,*THEY*MADE*CRITICISM*OF*IT*MORE
BITTER*THAN*EVER.

=THE*KENTUCKY*AND*VIRGINIA*RESOLUTIONS.=--JEFFERSON*WAS*QUICK*TO*TAKE
ADVANTAGE*OF*THE*DISCONTENT.*HE*DRAFTED*A*SET*OF*RESOLUTIONS*DECLARING
THE*SEDITION*LAW*NULL*AND*VOID,*AS*VIOLATING*THE*FEDERAL*CONSTITUTION.
HIS*RESOLUTIONS*WERE*PASSED*BY*THE*KENTUCKY*LEGISLATURE*LATE*IN*1798,
SIGNED*BY*THE*GOVERNOR,*AND*TRANSMITTED*TO*THE*OTHER*STATES*FOR*THEIR
CONSIDERATION.*THOUGH*RECEIVING*UNFAVORABLE*REPLIES*FROM*A*NUMBER*OF
NORTHERN*STATES,*KENTUCKY*THE*FOLLOWING*YEAR*REAFFIRMED*ITS*POSITION*AND
DECLARED*THAT*THE*NULLIFICATION*OF*ALL*UNCONSTITUTIONAL*ACTS*OF*CONGRESS
WAS*THE*RIGHTFUL*REMEDY*TO*BE*USED*BY*THE*STATES*IN*THE*REDRESS*OF
GRIEVANCES.*IT*THUS*DEFIED*THE*FEDERAL*GOVERNMENT*AND*ANNOUNCED*A
DOCTRINE*HOSTILE*TO*NATIONALITY*AND*FRAUGHT*WITH*TERRIBLE*MEANING*FOR
THE*FUTURE.*IN*THE*NEIGHBORING*STATE*OF*VIRGINIA,*MADISON*LED*A*MOVEMENT
AGAINST*THE*ALIEN*AND*SEDITION*LAWS.*HE*INDUCED*THE*LEGISLATURE*TO*PASS
RESOLUTIONS*CONDEMNING*THE*ACTS*AS*UNCONSTITUTIONAL*AND*CALLING*UPON*THE
OTHER*STATES*TO*TAKE*PROPER*MEANS*TO*PRESERVE*THEIR*RIGHTS*AND*THE
RIGHTS*OF*THE*PEOPLE.

=THE*REPUBLICAN*TRIUMPH*IN*1800.=--THUS*THE*WAY*WAS*PREPARED*FOR*THE
ELECTION*OF*1800.*THE*REPUBLICANS*LEFT*NO*STONE*UNTURNED*IN*THEIR
EFFORTS*TO*PLACE*ON*THE*FEDERALIST*CANDIDATE,*PRESIDENT*ADAMS,*ALL*THE
ODIUM*OF*THE*ALIEN*AND*SEDITION*LAWS,*IN*ADDITION*TO*RESPONSIBILITY*FOR
APPROVING*HAMILTON'S*MEASURES*AND*POLICIES.*THE*FEDERALISTS,*DIVIDED*IN
COUNCILS*AND*COLD*IN*THEIR*AFFECTION*FOR*ADAMS,*MADE*A*POOR*CAMPAIGN.
THEY*TRIED*TO*DISCREDIT*THEIR*OPPONENTS*WITH*EPITHETS*OF*"JACOBINS"*AND
"ANARCHISTS"--TERMS*WHICH*HAD*BEEN*WEAKENED*BY*EXCESSIVE*USE.*WHEN*THE
VOTE*WAS*COUNTED,*IT*WAS*FOUND*THAT*ADAMS*HAD*BEEN*DEFEATED;*WHILE*THE
REPUBLICANS*HAD*CARRIED*THE*ENTIRE*SOUTH*AND*NEW*YORK*ALSO*AND*SECURED
EIGHT*OF*THE*FIFTEEN*ELECTORAL*VOTES*CAST*BY*PENNSYLVANIA.*"OUR*BELOVED
ADAMS*WILL*NOW*CLOSE*HIS*BRIGHT*CAREER,"*LAMENTED*A*FEDERALIST
NEWSPAPER.*"SONS*OF*FACTION,*DEMAGOGUES*AND*HIGH*PRIESTS*OF*ANARCHY,*NOW
YOU*HAVE*CAUSE*TO*TRIUMPH!"

[ILLUSTRATION:*_AN*OLD*CARTOON_

A*QUARREL*BETWEEN*A*FEDERALIST*AND*A*REPUBLICAN*IN*THE*HOUSE*OF
REPRESENTATIVES]

JEFFERSON'S*ELECTION,*HOWEVER,*WAS*STILL*UNCERTAIN.*BY*A*CURIOUS
PROVISION*IN*THE*CONSTITUTION,*PRESIDENTIAL*ELECTORS*WERE*REQUIRED*TO
VOTE*FOR*TWO*PERSONS*WITHOUT*INDICATING*WHICH*OFFICE*EACH*WAS*TO*FILL,
THE*ONE*RECEIVING*THE*HIGHEST*NUMBER*OF*VOTES*TO*BE*PRESIDENT*AND*THE
CANDIDATE*STANDING*NEXT*TO*BE*VICE*PRESIDENT.*IT*SO*HAPPENED*THAT*AARON
BURR,*THE*REPUBLICAN*CANDIDATE*FOR*VICE*PRESIDENT,*HAD*RECEIVED*THE*SAME
NUMBER*OF*VOTES*AS*JEFFERSON;*AS*NEITHER*HAD*A*MAJORITY*THE*ELECTION*WAS
THROWN*INTO*THE*HOUSE*OF*REPRESENTATIVES,*WHERE*THE*FEDERALISTS*HELD*THE
BALANCE*OF*POWER.*ALTHOUGH*IT*WAS*WELL*KNOWN*THAT*BURR*WAS*NOT*EVEN*A
CANDIDATE*FOR*PRESIDENT,*HIS*FRIENDS*AND*MANY*FEDERALISTS*BEGAN
INTRIGUING*FOR*HIS*ELECTION*TO*THAT*HIGH*OFFICE.*HAD*IT*NOT*BEEN*FOR*THE
VIGOROUS*ACTION*OF*HAMILTON*THE*PRIZE*MIGHT*HAVE*BEEN*SNATCHED*OUT*OF
JEFFERSON'S*HANDS.*NOT*UNTIL*THE*THIRTY-SIXTH*BALLOT*ON*FEBRUARY*17,
1801,*WAS*THE*GREAT*ISSUE*DECIDED*IN*HIS*FAVOR.[2]


=REFERENCES=

J.S.*BASSETT,*_THE*FEDERALIST*SYSTEM_*(AMERICAN*NATION*SERIES).

C.A.*BEARD,*_ECONOMIC*ORIGINS*OF*JEFFERSONIAN*DEMOCRACY_.

H.*LODGE,*_ALEXANDER*HAMILTON_.

J.T.*MORSE,*_THOMAS*JEFFERSON_.


=QUESTIONS=

1.*WHO*WERE*THE*LEADERS*IN*THE*FIRST*ADMINISTRATION*UNDER*THE
CONSTITUTION?

2.*WHAT*STEP*WAS*TAKEN*TO*APPEASE*THE*OPPOSITION?

3.*ENUMERATE*HAMILTON'S*GREAT*MEASURES*AND*EXPLAIN*EACH*IN*DETAIL.

4.*SHOW*THE*CONNECTION*BETWEEN*THE*PARTS*OF*HAMILTON'S*SYSTEM.

5.*CONTRAST*THE*GENERAL*POLITICAL*VIEWS*OF*HAMILTON*AND*JEFFERSON.

6.*WHAT*WERE*THE*IMPORTANT*RESULTS*OF*THE*"PEACEFUL"*FRENCH*REVOLUTION
(1789-92)?

7.*EXPLAIN*THE*INTERACTION*OF*OPINION*BETWEEN*FRANCE*AND*THE*UNITED
STATES.

8.*HOW*DID*THE*"REIGN*OF*TERROR"*CHANGE*AMERICAN*OPINION?

9.*WHAT*WAS*THE*BURKE-PAINE*CONTROVERSY?

10.*SHOW*HOW*THE*WAR*IN*EUROPE*AFFECTED*AMERICAN*COMMERCE*AND*INVOLVED
AMERICA*WITH*ENGLAND*AND*FRANCE.

11.*WHAT*WERE*AMERICAN*POLICIES*WITH*REGARD*TO*EACH*OF*THOSE*COUNTRIES?

12.*WHAT*WAS*THE*OUTCOME*OF*THE*ALIEN*AND*SEDITION*ACTS?


=RESEARCH*TOPICS=

=EARLY*FEDERAL*LEGISLATION.=--COMAN,*_INDUSTRIAL*HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED
STATES_,*PP.*133-156;*ELSON,*_HISTORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES_,*PP.
341-348.

=HAMILTON'S*REPORT*ON*PUBLIC*CREDIT.=--MACDONALD,*_DOCUMENTARY*SOURCE
BOOK_,*PP.*233-243.

=THE*FRENCH*REVOLUTION.=--ROBINSON*AND*BEARD,*_DEVELOPMENT*OF*MODERN
EUROPE_,*VOL.*I,*PP.*224-282;*ELSON,*PP.*351-354.

=THE*BURKE-PAINE*CONTROVERSY.=--MAKE*AN*ANALYSIS*OF*BURKE'S*_REFLECTIONS
ON*THE*FRENCH*REVOLUTION_*AND*PAINE'S*_RIGHTS*OF*MAN_.

=THE*ALIEN*AND*SEDITION*ACTS.=--MACDONALD,*_DOCUMENTARY*SOURCE*BOOK_,
PP.*259-267;*ELSON,*PP.*367-375.

=KENTUCKY*AND*VIRGINIA*RESOLUTIONS.=--MACDONALD,*PP.*267-278.

=SOURCE*STUDIES.=--MATERIALS*IN*HART,*_AMERICAN*HISTORY*TOLD*BY
CONTEMPORARIES_,*VOL.*III,*PP.*255-343.

=BIOGRAPHICAL*STUDIES.=--ALEXANDER*HAMILTON,*JOHN*ADAMS,*THOMAS
JEFFERSON,*AND*ALBERT*GALLATIN.

=THE*TWELFTH*AMENDMENT.=--CONTRAST*THE*PROVISION*IN*THE*ORIGINAL
CONSTITUTION*WITH*THE*TERMS*OF*THE*AMENDMENT.*_SEE_*APPENDIX.

FOOTNOTES:

[1]*NORTH*CAROLINA*RATIFIED*IN*NOVEMBER,*1789,*AND*RHODE*ISLAND*IN*MAY,
1790.

[2]*TO*PREVENT*A*REPETITION*OF*SUCH*AN*UNFORTUNATE*AFFAIR,*THE*TWELFTH
AMENDMENT*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION*WAS*ADOPTED*IN*1804,*CHANGING*SLIGHTLY*THE
METHOD*OF*ELECTING*THE*PRESIDENT.




CHAPTER*IX

THE*JEFFERSONIAN*REPUBLICANS*IN*POWER


REPUBLICAN*PRINCIPLES*AND*POLICIES

=OPPOSITION*TO*STRONG*CENTRAL*GOVERNMENT.=--CHERISHING*ESPECIALLY*THE
AGRICULTURAL*INTEREST,*AS*JEFFERSON*SAID,*THE*REPUBLICANS*WERE*IN*THE
BEGINNING*PROVINCIAL*IN*THEIR*CONCERN*AND*OUTLOOK.*THEIR*ATTACHMENT*TO
AMERICA*WAS,*CERTAINLY,*AS*STRONG*AS*THAT*OF*HAMILTON;*BUT*THEY*REGARDED
THE*STATE,*RATHER*THAN*THE*NATIONAL*GOVERNMENT,*AS*THE*PROPER*CENTER*OF
POWER*AND*AFFECTION.*INDEED,*A*LARGE*PART*OF*THE*RANK*AND*FILE*HAD*BEEN
AMONG*THE*OPPONENTS*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION*IN*THE*DAYS*OF*ITS*ADOPTION.
JEFFERSON*HAD*ENTERTAINED*DOUBTS*ABOUT*IT*AND*MONROE,*DESTINED*TO*BE*THE
FIFTH*PRESIDENT,*HAD*BEEN*ONE*OF*THE*BITTER*FOES*OF*RATIFICATION.*THE
FORMER*WENT*SO*FAR*IN*THE*DIRECTION*OF*LOCAL*AUTONOMY*THAT*HE*EXALTED
THE*STATE*ABOVE*THE*NATION*IN*THE*KENTUCKY*RESOLUTIONS*OF*1798,
DECLARING*THE*CONSTITUTION*TO*BE*A*MERE*COMPACT*AND*THE*STATES*COMPETENT
TO*INTERPRET*AND*NULLIFY*FEDERAL*LAW.*THIS*WAS*PROVINCIALISM*WITH*A
VENGEANCE.*"IT*IS*JEALOUSY,*NOT*CONFIDENCE,*WHICH*PRESCRIBES*LIMITED
CONSTITUTIONS,"*WROTE*JEFFERSON*FOR*THE*KENTUCKY*LEGISLATURE.*JEALOUSY
OF*THE*NATIONAL*GOVERNMENT,*NOT*CONFIDENCE*IN*IT--THIS*IS*THE*IDEAL*THAT
REFLECTED*THE*PROVINCIAL*AND*AGRICULTURAL*INTEREST.

=REPUBLICAN*SIMPLICITY.=--EVERY*ACT*OF*THE*JEFFERSONIAN*PARTY*DURING*ITS
EARLY*DAYS*OF*POWER*WAS*IN*ACCORD*WITH*THE*IDEALS*OF*GOVERNMENT*WHICH*IT
PROFESSED.*IT*HAD*OPPOSED*ALL*POMP*AND*CEREMONY,*CALCULATED*TO*GIVE
WEIGHT*AND*DIGNITY*TO*THE*CHIEF*EXECUTIVE*OF*THE*NATION,*AS*SYMBOLS*OF
MONARCHY*AND*HIGH*PREROGATIVE.*APPROPRIATELY,*THEREFORE,*JEFFERSON'S
INAUGURATION*ON*MARCH*4,*1801,*THE*FIRST*AT*THE*NEW*CAPITAL*AT
WASHINGTON,*WAS*MARKED*BY*EXTREME*SIMPLICITY.*IN*KEEPING*WITH*THIS
PROCEDURE*HE*QUIT*THE*PRACTICE,*FOLLOWED*BY*WASHINGTON*AND*ADAMS,*OF
READING*PRESIDENTIAL*ADDRESSES*TO*CONGRESS*IN*JOINT*ASSEMBLY*AND*ADOPTED
IN*ITS*STEAD*THE*PLAN*OF*SENDING*HIS*MESSAGES*IN*WRITING--A*CUSTOM*THAT
WAS*CONTINUED*UNBROKEN*UNTIL*1913*WHEN*PRESIDENT*WILSON*RETURNED*TO*THE
EXAMPLE*SET*BY*THE*FIRST*CHIEF*MAGISTRATE.

=REPUBLICAN*MEASURES.=--THE*REPUBLICANS*HAD*COMPLAINED*OF*A*GREAT
NATIONAL*DEBT*AS*THE*SOURCE*OF*A*DANGEROUS*"MONEY*POWER,"*GIVING
STRENGTH*TO*THE*FEDERAL*GOVERNMENT;*ACCORDINGLY*THEY*BEGAN*TO*PAY*IT*OFF
AS*RAPIDLY*AS*POSSIBLE.*THEY*HAD*HELD*COMMERCE*IN*LOW*ESTEEM*AND*LOOKED
UPON*A*LARGE*NAVY*AS*A*MERE*DEVICE*TO*PROTECT*IT;*CONSEQUENTLY*THEY
REDUCED*THE*NUMBER*OF*WARSHIPS.*THEY*HAD*OBJECTED*TO*EXCISE*TAXES,
PARTICULARLY*ON*WHISKY;*THESE*THEY*QUICKLY*ABOLISHED,*TO*THE*INTENSE
SATISFACTION*OF*THE*FARMERS.*THEY*HAD*PROTESTED*AGAINST*THE*HEAVY*COST
OF*THE*FEDERAL*GOVERNMENT;*THEY*REDUCED*EXPENSES*BY*DISCHARGING*HUNDREDS
OF*MEN*FROM*THE*ARMY*AND*ABOLISHING*MANY*OFFICES.

THEY*HAD*SAVAGELY*CRITICIZED*THE*SEDITION*LAW*AND*JEFFERSON*REFUSED*TO
ENFORCE*IT.*THEY*HAD*BEEN*DEEPLY*OFFENDED*BY*THE*ASSAULT*ON*FREEDOM*OF
SPEECH*AND*PRESS*AND*THEY*PROMPTLY*IMPEACHED*SAMUEL*CHASE,*A*JUSTICE*OF
THE*SUPREME*COURT,*WHO*HAD*BEEN*ESPECIALLY*SEVERE*IN*HIS*ATTACKS*UPON
OFFENDERS*UNDER*THE*SEDITION*ACT.*THEIR*FAILURE*TO*CONVICT*JUSTICE*CHASE
BY*A*NARROW*MARGIN*WAS*DUE*TO*NO*LACK*OF*ZEAL*ON*THEIR*PART*BUT*TO*THE
FEDERALIST*STRENGTH*IN*THE*SENATE*WHERE*THE*TRIAL*WAS*HELD.*THEY*HAD
REGARDED*THE*APPOINTMENT*OF*A*LARGE*NUMBER*OF*FEDERAL*JUDGES*DURING*THE
LAST*HOURS*OF*ADAMS'*ADMINISTRATION*AS*AN*ATTEMPT*TO*INTRENCH
FEDERALISTS*IN*THE*JUDICIARY*AND*TO*ENLARGE*THE*SPHERE*OF*THE*NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT.*ACCORDINGLY,*THEY*AT*ONCE*REPEALED*THE*ACT*CREATING*THE*NEW
JUDGESHIPS,*THUS*DEPRIVING*THE*"MIDNIGHT*APPOINTEES"*OF*THEIR*POSTS.
THEY*HAD*CONSIDERED*THE*FEDERAL*OFFICES,*CIVIL*AND*MILITARY,*AS*SOURCES
OF*GREAT*STRENGTH*TO*THE*FEDERALISTS*AND*JEFFERSON,*THOUGH*COMMITTED*TO
THE*PRINCIPLE*THAT*OFFICES*SHOULD*BE*OPEN*TO*ALL*AND*DISTRIBUTED
ACCORDING*TO*MERIT,*WAS*CAREFUL*TO*FILL*MOST*OF*THE*VACANCIES*AS*THEY
OCCURRED*WITH*TRUSTED*REPUBLICANS.*TO*HIS*CREDIT,*HOWEVER,*IT*MUST*BE
SAID*THAT*HE*DID*NOT*MAKE*WHOLESALE*REMOVALS*TO*FIND*ROOM*FOR*PARTY
WORKERS.

THE*REPUBLICANS*THUS*HEWED*TO*THE*LINE*OF*THEIR*GENERAL*POLICY*OF
RESTRICTING*THE*WEIGHT,*DIGNITY,*AND*ACTIVITY*OF*THE*NATIONAL
GOVERNMENT.*YET*THERE*WERE*NO*REPUBLICANS,*AS*THE*FEDERALISTS*ASSERTED,
PREPARED*TO*URGE*SERIOUS*MODIFICATIONS*IN*THE*CONSTITUTION.*"IF*THERE*BE
ANY*AMONG*US*WHO*WISH*TO*DISSOLVE*THIS*UNION*OR*TO*CHANGE*ITS*REPUBLICAN
FORM,"*WROTE*JEFFERSON*IN*HIS*FIRST*INAUGURAL,*"LET*THEM*STAND
UNDISTURBED*AS*MONUMENTS*OF*THE*SAFETY*WITH*WHICH*ERROR*OF*OPINION*MAY
BE*TOLERATED*WHERE*REASON*IS*LEFT*FREE*TO*COMBAT*IT."*AFTER*RECITING*THE
FORTUNATE*CIRCUMSTANCES*OF*CLIMATE,*SOIL,*AND*ISOLATION*WHICH*MADE*THE
FUTURE*OF*AMERICA*SO*FULL*OF*PROMISE,*JEFFERSON*CONCLUDED:*"A*WISE*AND
FRUGAL*GOVERNMENT*WHICH*SHALL*RESTRAIN*MEN*FROM*INJURING*ONE*ANOTHER,
SHALL*LEAVE*THEM*OTHERWISE*FREE*TO*REGULATE*THEIR*OWN*PURSUITS*OF
INDUSTRY*AND*IMPROVEMENT*AND*SHALL*NOT*TAKE*FROM*THE*MOUTH*OF*LABOUR*THE
BREAD*IT*HAS*EARNED.*THIS*IS*THE*SUM*OF*GOOD*GOVERNMENT;*AND*THIS*IS
NECESSARY*TO*CLOSE*THE*CIRCLE*OF*OUR*FELICITIES."

IN*ALL*THIS*THE*REPUBLICANS*HAD*NOT*RECKONED*WITH*DESTINY.*IN*A*FEW
SHORT*YEARS*THAT*LAY*AHEAD*IT*WAS*THEIR*FATE*TO*DOUBLE*THE*TERRITORY*OF
THE*COUNTRY,*MAKING*INEVITABLE*A*CONTINENTAL*NATION;*TO*GIVE*THE
CONSTITUTION*A*GENEROUS*INTERPRETATION*THAT*SHOCKED*MANY*A*FEDERALIST;
TO*WAGE*WAR*ON*BEHALF*OF*AMERICAN*COMMERCE;*TO*REESTABLISH*THE*HATED
UNITED*STATES*BANK;*TO*ENACT*A*HIGH*PROTECTIVE*TARIFF;*TO*SEE*THEIR
FEDERALIST*OPPONENTS*IN*THEIR*TURN*DISCREDITED*AS*NULLIFIERS*AND
PROVINCIALS;*TO*ANNOUNCE*HIGH*NATIONAL*DOCTRINES*IN*FOREIGN*AFFAIRS;*AND
TO*BEHOLD*THE*CONSTITUTION*EXALTED*AND*DEFENDED*AGAINST*THE*PRETENSIONS
OF*STATES*BY*A*SON*OF*OLD*VIRGINIA,*JOHN*MARSHALL,*CHIEF*JUSTICE*OF*THE
SUPREME*COURT*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES.


THE*REPUBLICANS*AND*THE*GREAT*WEST

=EXPANSION*AND*LAND*HUNGER.=--THE*FIRST*OF*THE*GREAT*MEASURES*WHICH
DROVE*THE*REPUBLICANS*OUT*UPON*THIS*NEW*NATIONAL*COURSE--THE*PURCHASE
OF*THE*LOUISIANA*TERRITORY--WAS*THE*PRODUCT*OF*CIRCUMSTANCES*RATHER*THAN
OF*THEIR*DELIBERATE*CHOOSING.*IT*WAS*NOT*THE*LACK*OF*LAND*FOR*HIS
CHERISHED*FARMERS*THAT*LED*JEFFERSON*TO*ADD*SUCH*AN*IMMENSE*DOMAIN*TO
THE*ORIGINAL*POSSESSIONS*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES.*IN*THE*NORTHWEST
TERRITORY,*NOW*EMBRACING*OHIO,*INDIANA,*ILLINOIS,*MICHIGAN,*WISCONSIN,
AND*A*PORTION*OF*MINNESOTA,*SETTLEMENTS*WERE*MAINLY*CONFINED*TO*THE
NORTH*BANK*OF*THE*OHIO*RIVER.*TO*THE*SOUTH,*IN*KENTUCKY*AND*TENNESSEE,
WHERE*THERE*WERE*MORE*THAN*ONE*HUNDRED*THOUSAND*WHITE*PEOPLE*WHO*HAD
PUSHED*OVER*THE*MOUNTAINS*FROM*VIRGINIA*AND*THE*CAROLINAS,*THERE*WERE
STILL*WIDE*REACHES*OF*UNTILLED*SOIL.*THE*ALABAMA*AND*MISSISSIPPI*REGIONS
WERE*VAST*INDIAN*FRONTIERS*OF*THE*STATE*OF*GEORGIA,*UNSETTLED*AND*ALMOST
UNEXPLORED.*EVEN*TO*THE*WILDEST*IMAGINATION*THERE*SEEMED*TO*BE*TERRITORY
ENOUGH*TO*SATISFY*THE*LAND*HUNGER*OF*THE*AMERICAN*PEOPLE*FOR*A*CENTURY
TO*COME.

=THE*SIGNIFICANCE*OF*THE*MISSISSIPPI*RIVER.=--AT*ALL*EVENTS*THE*EAST,
THEN*THE*CENTER*OF*POWER,*SAW*NO*GOOD*REASON*FOR*EXPANSION.*THE*PLANTERS
OF*THE*CAROLINAS,*THE*MANUFACTURERS*OF*PENNSYLVANIA,*THE*IMPORTERS*OF
NEW*YORK,*THE*SHIPBUILDERS*OF*NEW*ENGLAND,*LOOKING*TO*THE*SEABOARD*AND
TO*EUROPE*FOR*TRADE,*REFINEMENTS,*AND*SOMETIMES*THEIR*IDEAS*OF
GOVERNMENT,*WERE*SLOW*TO*APPRECIATE*THE*PLACE*OF*THE*WEST*IN*NATIONAL
ECONOMY.*THE*BETTER*EDUCATED*THE*EASTERNERS*WERE,*THE*LESS,*IT*SEEMS,
THEY*COMPREHENDED*THE*DESTINY*OF*THE*NATION.*SONS*OF*FEDERALIST*FATHERS
AT*WILLIAMS*COLLEGE,*AFTER*A*LONG*DEBATE*DECIDED*BY*A*VOTE*OF*FIFTEEN*TO
ONE*THAT*THE*PURCHASE*OF*LOUISIANA*WAS*UNDESIRABLE.

ON*THE*OTHER*HAND,*THE*PIONEERS*OF*KENTUCKY,*OHIO,*AND*TENNESSEE,
UNLEARNED*IN*BOOKS,*SAW*WITH*THEIR*OWN*EYES*THE*RESOURCES*OF*THE
WILDERNESS.*MANY*OF*THEM*HAD*BEEN*ACROSS*THE*MISSISSIPPI*AND*HAD*BEHELD
THE*RICH*LANDS*AWAITING*THE*PLOW*OF*THE*WHITE*MAN.*DOWN*THE*GREAT*RIVER
THEY*FLOATED*THEIR*WHEAT,*CORN,*AND*BACON*TO*OCEAN-GOING*SHIPS*BOUND*FOR
THE*PORTS*OF*THE*SEABOARD*OR*FOR*EUROPE.*THE*LAND*JOURNEYS*OVER*THE
MOUNTAIN*BARRIERS*WITH*BULKY*FARM*PRODUCE,*THEY*KNEW*FROM*EXPERIENCE,
WERE*ALMOST*IMPOSSIBLE,*AND*COSTLY*AT*BEST.*NAILS,*BOLTS*OF*CLOTH,*TEA,
AND*COFFEE*COULD*GO*OR*COME*THAT*WAY,*BUT*NOT*CORN*AND*BACON.*A*FREE
OUTLET*TO*THE*SEA*BY*THE*MISSISSIPPI*WAS*AS*ESSENTIAL*TO*THE*PIONEERS*OF
THE*KENTUCKY*REGION*AS*THE*HARBOR*OF*BOSTON*TO*THE*MERCHANT*PRINCES*OF
THAT*METROPOLIS.

=LOUISIANA*UNDER*SPANISH*RULE.=--FOR*THIS*REASON*THEY*WATCHED*WITH*DEEP
SOLICITUDE*THE*FORTUNES*OF*THE*SPANISH*KING*TO*WHOM,*AT*THE*CLOSE*OF*THE
SEVEN*YEARS'*WAR,*HAD*FALLEN*THE*LOUISIANA*TERRITORY*STRETCHING*FROM*NEW
ORLEANS*TO*THE*ROCKY*MOUNTAINS.*WHILE*HE*CONTROLLED*THE*MOUTH*OF*THE
MISSISSIPPI*THERE*WAS*LITTLE*TO*FEAR,*FOR*HE*HAD*NEITHER*THE*ARMY*NOR
THE*NAVY*NECESSARY*TO*RESIST*ANY*INVASION*OF*AMERICAN*TRADE.*MOREOVER,
WASHINGTON*HAD*BEEN*ABLE,*BY*THE*EXERCISE*OF*GREAT*TACT,*TO*SECURE*FROM
SPAIN*IN*1795*A*TRADING*PRIVILEGE*THROUGH*NEW*ORLEANS*WHICH*SATISFIED
THE*PRESENT*REQUIREMENTS*OF*THE*FRONTIERSMEN*EVEN*IF*IT*DID*NOT*ALLAY
THEIR*FEARS*FOR*THE*FUTURE.*SO*THINGS*STOOD*WHEN*A*SWIFT*SUCCESSION*OF
EVENTS*ALTERED*THE*WHOLE*SITUATION.

=LOUISIANA*TRANSFERRED*TO*FRANCE.=--IN*JULY,*1802,*A*ROYAL*ORDER*FROM
SPAIN*INSTRUCTED*THE*OFFICIALS*AT*NEW*ORLEANS*TO*CLOSE*THE*PORT*TO
AMERICAN*PRODUCE.*ABOUT*THE*SAME*TIME*A*DISTURBING*RUMOR,*LONG*CURRENT,
WAS*CONFIRMED--NAPOLEON*HAD*COERCED*SPAIN*INTO*RETURNING*LOUISIANA*TO
FRANCE*BY*A*SECRET*TREATY*SIGNED*IN*1800.*"THE*SCALERS*OF*THE*ALPS*AND
CONQUERORS*OF*VENICE"*NOW*LOOKED*ACROSS*THE*SEA*FOR*NEW*SCENES*OF
ADVENTURE.*THE*WEST*WAS*ABLAZE*WITH*EXCITEMENT.*A*CALL*FOR*WAR*RAN
THROUGH*THE*FRONTIER;*EXPEDITIONS*WERE*ORGANIZED*TO*PREVENT*THE*LANDING
OF*THE*FRENCH;*AND*PETITIONS*FOR*INSTANT*ACTION*FLOODED*IN*UPON
JEFFERSON.

=JEFFERSON*SEES*THE*DANGER.=--JEFFERSON,*THE*FRIEND*OF*FRANCE*AND*SWORN
ENEMY*OF*ENGLAND,*COMPELLED*TO*CHOOSE*IN*THE*INTEREST*OF*AMERICA,*NEVER
WINCED.*"THE*CESSION*OF*LOUISIANA*AND*THE*FLORIDAS*BY*SPAIN*TO*FRANCE,"
HE*WROTE*TO*LIVINGSTON,*THE*AMERICAN*MINISTER*IN*PARIS,*"WORKS*SORELY*ON
THE*UNITED*STATES.*IT*COMPLETELY*REVERSES*ALL*THE*POLITICAL*RELATIONS*OF
THE*UNITED*STATES*AND*WILL*FORM*A*NEW*EPOCH*IN*OUR*POLITICAL*COURSE....
THERE*IS*ON*THE*GLOBE*ONE*SINGLE*SPOT,*THE*POSSESSOR*OF*WHICH*IS*OUR
NATURAL*AND*HABITUAL*ENEMY.*IT*IS*NEW*ORLEANS*THROUGH*WHICH*THE*PRODUCE
OF*THREE-EIGHTHS*OF*OUR*TERRITORY*MUST*PASS*TO*MARKET....*FRANCE,
PLACING*HERSELF*IN*THAT*DOOR,*ASSUMES*TO*US*AN*ATTITUDE*OF*DEFIANCE.
SPAIN*MIGHT*HAVE*RETAINED*IT*QUIETLY*FOR*YEARS.*HER*PACIFIC
DISPOSITIONS,*HER*FEEBLE*STATE*WOULD*INDUCE*HER*TO*INCREASE*OUR
FACILITIES*THERE....*NOT*SO*CAN*IT*EVER*BE*IN*THE*HANDS*OF*FRANCE....
THE*DAY*THAT*FRANCE*TAKES*POSSESSION*OF*NEW*ORLEANS*FIXES*THE*SENTENCE
WHICH*IS*TO*RESTRAIN*HER*FOREVER*WITHIN*HER*LOW*WATER*MARK....*IT*SEALS
THE*UNION*OF*THE*TWO*NATIONS*WHO*IN*CONJUNCTION*CAN*MAINTAIN*EXCLUSIVE
POSSESSION*OF*THE*OCEAN.*FROM*THAT*MOMENT*WE*MUST*MARRY*OURSELVES*TO*THE
BRITISH*FLEET*AND*NATION....*THIS*IS*NOT*A*STATE*OF*THINGS*WE*SEEK*OR
DESIRE.*IT*IS*ONE*WHICH*THIS*MEASURE,*IF*ADOPTED*BY*FRANCE,*FORCES*ON*US
AS*NECESSARILY*AS*ANY*OTHER*CAUSE*BY*THE*LAWS*OF*NATURE*BRINGS*ON*ITS
NECESSARY*EFFECT."

=LOUISIANA*PURCHASED.=--ACTING*ON*THIS*BELIEF,*BUT*APPARENTLY*SEEING
ONLY*THE*MISSISSIPPI*OUTLET*AT*STAKE,*JEFFERSON*SENT*HIS*FRIEND,*JAMES
MONROE,*TO*FRANCE*WITH*THE*POWER*TO*BUY*NEW*ORLEANS*AND*WEST*FLORIDA.
BEFORE*MONROE*ARRIVED,*THE*REGULAR*MINISTER,*LIVINGSTON,*HAD*ALREADY
CONVINCED*NAPOLEON*THAT*IT*WOULD*BE*WELL*TO*SELL*TERRITORY*WHICH*MIGHT
BE*WRESTED*FROM*HIM*AT*ANY*MOMENT*BY*THE*BRITISH*SEA*POWER,*ESPECIALLY
AS*THE*WAR,*TEMPORARILY*STOPPED*BY*THE*PEACE*OF*AMIENS,*WAS*ONCE*MORE
RAGING*IN*EUROPE.*WISE*AS*HE*WAS*IN*HIS*DAY,*LIVINGSTON*HAD*AT*FIRST*NO
THOUGHT*OF*BUYING*THE*WHOLE*LOUISIANA*COUNTRY.*HE*WAS*SIMPLY*DAZED*WHEN
NAPOLEON*OFFERED*TO*SELL*THE*ENTIRE*DOMAIN*AND*GET*RID*OF*THE*BUSINESS
ALTOGETHER.*THOUGH*STAGGERED*BY*THE*PROPOSAL,*HE*AND*MONROE*DECIDED*TO
ACCEPT.*ON*APRIL*30,*THEY*SIGNED*THE*TREATY*OF*CESSION,*AGREEING*TO*PAY
$11,250,000*IN*SIX*PER*CENT*BONDS*AND*TO*DISCHARGE*CERTAIN*DEBTS*DUE
FRENCH*CITIZENS,*MAKING*IN*ALL*APPROXIMATELY*FIFTEEN*MILLIONS.*SPAIN
PROTESTED,*NAPOLEON'S*BROTHER*FUMED,*FRENCH*NEWSPAPERS*OBJECTED;*BUT*THE
DEED*WAS*DONE.

=JEFFERSON*AND*HIS*CONSTITUTIONAL*SCRUPLES.=--WHEN*THE*NEWS*OF*THIS
EXTRAORDINARY*EVENT*REACHED*THE*UNITED*STATES,*THE*PEOPLE*WERE*FILLED
WITH*ASTONISHMENT,*AND*NO*ONE*WAS*MORE*SURPRISED*THAN*JEFFERSON*HIMSELF.
HE*HAD*THOUGHT*OF*BUYING*NEW*ORLEANS*AND*WEST*FLORIDA*FOR*A*SMALL*SUM,
AND*NOW*A*VAST*DOMAIN*HAD*BEEN*DUMPED*INTO*THE*LAP*OF*THE*NATION.*HE*WAS
PUZZLED.*ON*LOOKING*INTO*THE*CONSTITUTION*HE*FOUND*NOT*A*LINE
AUTHORIZING*THE*PURCHASE*OF*MORE*TERRITORY*AND*SO*HE*DRAFTED*AN
AMENDMENT*DECLARING*"LOUISIANA,*AS*CEDED*BY*FRANCE,--A*PART*OF*THE
UNITED*STATES."*HE*HAD*BELABORED*THE*FEDERALISTS*FOR*PILING*UP*A*BIG
NATIONAL*DEBT*AND*HE*COULD*HARDLY*ENDURE*THE*THOUGHT*OF*ISSUING*MORE
BONDS*HIMSELF.

IN*THE*MIDST*OF*HIS*DOUBTS*CAME*THE*NEWS*THAT*NAPOLEON*MIGHT*WITHDRAW
FROM*THE*BARGAIN.*THOROUGHLY*ALARMED*BY*THAT,*JEFFERSON*PRESSED*THE
SENATE*FOR*A*RATIFICATION*OF*THE*TREATY.*HE*STILL*CLUNG*TO*HIS*ORIGINAL
IDEA*THAT*THE*CONSTITUTION*DID*NOT*WARRANT*THE*PURCHASE;*BUT*HE*LAMELY
CONCLUDED:*"IF*OUR*FRIENDS*SHALL*THINK*DIFFERENTLY,*I*SHALL*CERTAINLY
ACQUIESCE*WITH*SATISFACTION;*CONFIDENT*THAT*THE*GOOD*SENSE*OF*OUR
COUNTRY*WILL*CORRECT*THE*EVIL*OF*CONSTRUCTION*WHEN*IT*SHALL*PRODUCE*ILL
EFFECTS."*THUS*THE*STANCH*ADVOCATE*OF*"STRICT*INTERPRETATION"*CUT*LOOSE
FROM*HIS*OWN*DOCTRINE*AND*INTRUSTED*THE*CONSTRUCTION*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION
TO*"THE*GOOD*SENSE"*OF*HIS*COUNTRYMEN.

=THE*TREATY*RATIFIED.=--THIS*UNUSUAL*TRANSACTION,*SO*FAVORABLE*TO*THE
WEST,*AROUSED*THE*IRE*OF*THE*SEABOARD*FEDERALISTS.*SOME*DENOUNCED*IT*AS
UNCONSTITUTIONAL,*EASILY*FORGETTING*HAMILTON'S*MASTERLY*DEFENSE*OF*THE
BANK,*ALSO*NOT*MENTIONED*IN*THE*CONSTITUTION.*OTHERS*URGED*THAT,*IF*"THE
HOWLING*WILDERNESS"*EVER*SHOULD*BE*SETTLED,*IT*WOULD*TURN*AGAINST*THE
EAST,*FORM*NEW*COMMERCIAL*CONNECTIONS,*AND*ESCAPE*FROM*FEDERAL*CONTROL.
STILL*OTHERS*PROTESTED*THAT*THE*PURCHASE*WOULD*LEAD*INEVITABLY*TO*THE
DOMINANCE*OF*A*"HOTCH*POTCH*OF*WILD*MEN*FROM*THE*FAR*WEST."*FEDERALISTS,
WHO*THOUGHT*"THE*BROAD*BACK*OF*AMERICA"*COULD*READILY*BEAR*HAMILTON'S
CONSOLIDATED*DEBT,*NOW*WENT*INTO*AGONIES*OVER*A*BOND*ISSUE*OF*LESS*THAN
ONE-SIXTH*OF*THAT*AMOUNT.*BUT*IN*VAIN.*JEFFERSON'S*PARTY*WITH*A*HIGH
HAND*CARRIED*THE*DAY.*THE*SENATE,*AFTER*HEARING*THE*FEDERALIST*PROTEST,
RATIFIED*THE*TREATY.*IN*DECEMBER,*1803,*THE*FRENCH*FLAG*WAS*HAULED*DOWN
FROM*THE*OLD*GOVERNMENT*BUILDINGS*IN*NEW*ORLEANS*AND*THE*STARS*AND
STRIPES*WERE*HOISTED*AS*A*SIGN*THAT*THE*LAND*OF*CORONADO,*DE*SOTO,
MARQUETTE,*AND*LA*SALLE*HAD*PASSED*FOREVER*TO*THE*UNITED*STATES.

[ILLUSTRATION:*THE*UNITED*STATES*IN*1805]

BY*A*SINGLE*STROKE,*THE*ORIGINAL*TERRITORY*OF*THE*UNITED*STATES*WAS*MORE
THAN*DOUBLED.*WHILE*THE*BOUNDARIES*OF*THE*PURCHASE*WERE*UNCERTAIN,*IT*IS
SAFE*TO*SAY*THAT*THE*LOUISIANA*TERRITORY*INCLUDED*WHAT*IS*NOW*ARKANSAS,
MISSOURI,*IOWA,*OKLAHOMA,*KANSAS,*NEBRASKA,*SOUTH*DAKOTA,*AND*LARGE
PORTIONS*OF*LOUISIANA,*MINNESOTA,*NORTH*DAKOTA,*COLORADO,*MONTANA,*AND
WYOMING.*THE*FARM*LANDS*THAT*THE*FRIENDS*OF*"A*LITTLE*AMERICA"*ON*THE
SEACOAST*DECLARED*A*HOPELESS*WILDERNESS*WERE,*WITHIN*A*HUNDRED*YEARS,
FULLY*OCCUPIED*AND*VALUED*AT*NEARLY*SEVEN*BILLION*DOLLARS--ALMOST*FIVE
HUNDRED*TIMES*THE*PRICE*PAID*TO*NAPOLEON.

=WESTERN*EXPLORATIONS.=--HAVING*TAKEN*THE*FATEFUL*STEP,*JEFFERSON*WISELY
BEGAN*TO*MAKE*THE*MOST*OF*IT.*HE*PREPARED*FOR*THE*OPENING*OF*THE*NEW
COUNTRY*BY*SENDING*THE*LEWIS*AND*CLARK*EXPEDITION*TO*EXPLORE*IT,
DISCOVER*ITS*RESOURCES,*AND*LAY*OUT*AN*OVERLAND*ROUTE*THROUGH*THE
MISSOURI*VALLEY*AND*ACROSS*THE*GREAT*DIVIDE*TO*THE*PACIFIC.*THE*STORY*OF
THIS*MIGHTY*EXPLOIT,*WHICH*BEGAN*IN*THE*SPRING*OF*1804*AND*ENDED*IN*THE
AUTUMN*OF*1806,*WAS*SET*DOWN*WITH*SKILL*AND*PAINS*IN*THE*JOURNAL*OF
LEWIS*AND*CLARK;*WHEN*PUBLISHED*EVEN*IN*A*SHORT*FORM,*IT*INVITED*THE
FORWARD-LOOKING*MEN*OF*THE*EAST*TO*TAKE*THOUGHT*ABOUT*THE*WESTERN
EMPIRE.*AT*THE*SAME*TIME*ZEBULON*PIKE,*IN*A*SERIES*OF*JOURNEYS,*EXPLORED
THE*SOURCES*OF*THE*MISSISSIPPI*RIVER*AND*PENETRATED*THE*SPANISH
TERRITORIES*OF*THE*FAR*SOUTHWEST.*THUS*SCOUTS*AND*PIONEERS*CONTINUED*THE
WORK*OF*DIPLOMATS.


THE*REPUBLICAN*WAR*FOR*COMMERCIAL*INDEPENDENCE

=THE*ENGLISH*AND*FRENCH*BLOCKADES.=--IN*ADDITION*TO*BRINGING*LOUISIANA
TO*THE*UNITED*STATES,*THE*REOPENING*OF*THE*EUROPEAN*WAR*IN*1803,*AFTER*A
SHORT*LULL,*RENEWED*IN*AN*ACUTE*FORM*THE*COMMERCIAL*DIFFICULTIES*THAT
HAD*PLAGUED*THE*COUNTRY*ALL*DURING*THE*ADMINISTRATIONS*OF*WASHINGTON*AND
ADAMS.*THE*REPUBLICANS*WERE*NOW*PLUNGED*INTO*THE*HORNETS'*NEST.*THE
PARTY*WHOSE*ARDENT*SPIRITS*HAD*BURNED*JAY*IN*EFFIGY,*STONED*HAMILTON*FOR
DEFENDING*HIS*TREATY,*JEERED*WASHINGTON'S*PROCLAMATION*OF*NEUTRALITY,
AND*SPOKEN*BITTERLY*OF*"TIMID*TRADERS,"*COULD*NO*LONGER*TAKE*REFUGE*IN
CRITICISM.*IT*HAD*TO*ACT.

ITS*TROUBLES*TOOK*A*SERIOUS*TURN*IN*1806.*ENGLAND,*IN*A*DETERMINED
EFFORT*TO*BRING*FRANCE*TO*HER*KNEES*BY*STARVATION,*DECLARED*THE*COAST*OF
EUROPE*BLOCKADED*FROM*BREST*TO*THE*MOUTH*OF*THE*ELBE*RIVER.*NAPOLEON
RETALIATED*BY*HIS*BERLIN*DECREE*OF*NOVEMBER,*1806,*BLOCKADING*THE
BRITISH*ISLES--A*MEASURE*TERRIFYING*TO*AMERICAN*SHIP*OWNERS*WHOSE
VESSELS*WERE*LIABLE*TO*SEIZURE*BY*ANY*FRENCH*ROVER,*THOUGH*NAPOLEON*HAD
NO*NAVY*TO*MAKE*GOOD*HIS*PROCLAMATION.*GREAT*BRITAIN*COUNTERED*WITH*A
STILL*MORE*IRRITATING*DECREE--THE*ORDERS*IN*COUNCIL*OF*1807.*IT*MODIFIED
ITS*BLOCKADE,*BUT*IN*SO*DOING*MERELY*AUTHORIZED*AMERICAN*SHIPS*NOT
CARRYING*MUNITIONS*OF*WAR*TO*COMPLETE*THEIR*VOYAGE*TO*THE*CONTINENT,*ON
CONDITION*OF*THEIR*STOPPING*AT*A*BRITISH*PORT,*SECURING*A*LICENSE,*AND
PAYING*A*TAX.*THIS,*RESPONDED*NAPOLEON,*WAS*THE*HEIGHT*OF*INSOLENCE,*AND
HE*DENOUNCED*IT*AS*A*GROSS*VIOLATION*OF*INTERNATIONAL*LAW.*HE*THEN
CLOSED*THE*CIRCLE*OF*AMERICAN*TROUBLES*BY*ISSUING*HIS*MILAN*DECREE*OF
DECEMBER,*1807.*THIS*ORDER*DECLARED*THAT*ANY*SHIP*WHICH*COMPLIED*WITH
THE*BRITISH*RULES*WOULD*BE*SUBJECT*TO*SEIZURE*AND*CONFISCATION*BY*FRENCH
AUTHORITIES.

=THE*IMPRESSMENT*OF*SEAMEN.=--THAT*WAS*NOT*ALL.*GREAT*BRITAIN,*IN*DIRE
NEED*OF*MEN*FOR*HER*NAVY,*ADOPTED*THE*PRACTICE*OF*STOPPING*AMERICAN
SHIPS,*SEARCHING*THEM,*AND*CARRYING*AWAY*BRITISH-BORN*SAILORS*FOUND*ON
BOARD.*BRITISH*SAILORS*WERE*SO*BADLY*TREATED,*SO*CRUELLY*FLOGGED*FOR
TRIVIAL*CAUSES,*AND*SO*MEANLY*FED*THAT*THEY*FLED*IN*CROWDS*TO*THE
AMERICAN*MARINE.*IN*MANY*CASES*IT*WAS*DIFFICULT*TO*TELL*WHETHER*SEAMEN
WERE*ENGLISH*OR*AMERICAN.*THEY*SPOKE*THE*SAME*LANGUAGE,*SO*THAT*LANGUAGE
WAS*NO*TEST.*ROVERS*ON*THE*DEEP*AND*STRAGGLERS*IN*THE*PORTS*OF*BOTH
COUNTRIES,*THEY*FREQUENTLY*HAD*NO*PAPERS*TO*SHOW*THEIR*NATIVITY.
MOREOVER,*GREAT*BRITAIN*HELD*TO*THE*OLD*RULE--"ONCE*AN*ENGLISHMAN,
ALWAYS*AN*ENGLISHMAN"--A*DOCTRINE*REJECTED*BY*THE*UNITED*STATES*IN
FAVOR*OF*THE*PRINCIPLE*THAT*A*MAN*COULD*CHOOSE*THE*NATION*TO*WHICH*HE
WOULD*GIVE*ALLEGIANCE.*BRITISH*SEA*CAPTAINS,*SOMETIMES*BY*MISTAKE,*AND
OFTEN*ENOUGH*WITH*RECKLESS*INDIFFERENCE,*CARRIED*AWAY*INTO*SERVITUDE*IN
THEIR*OWN*NAVY*GENUINE*AMERICAN*CITIZENS.*THE*PROCESS*ITSELF,*EVEN*WHEN
EXECUTED*WITH*ALL*THE*CIVILITIES*OF*LAW,*WAS*PAINFUL*ENOUGH,*FOR*IT
MEANT*THAT*AMERICAN*SHIPS*WERE*FORCED*TO*"COME*TO,"*AND*COMPELLED*TO
REST*SUBMISSIVELY*UNDER*BRITISH*GUNS*UNTIL*THE*SEARCHING*PARTY*HAD*PRIED
INTO*RECORDS,*QUESTIONED*SEAMEN,*SEIZED*AND*HANDCUFFED*VICTIMS.*SAINTS
COULD*NOT*HAVE*DONE*THIS*WORK*WITHOUT*RAISING*ANGRY*PASSIONS,*AND*ONLY
SAINTS*COULD*HAVE*ENDURED*IT*WITH*PATIENCE*AND*FORTITUDE.

HAD*THE*ENACTMENT*OF*THE*SCENES*BEEN*CONFINED*TO*THE*HIGH*SEAS*AND
KNOWLEDGE*OF*THEM*TO*RUMORS*AND*NEWSPAPER*STORIES,*AMERICAN*RESENTMENT
MIGHT*NOT*HAVE*BEEN*SO*INTENSE;*BUT*MANY*A*SEARCH*AND*SEIZURE*WAS*MADE
IN*SIGHT*OF*LAND.*BRITISH*AND*FRENCH*VESSELS*PATROLLED*THE*COASTS,
FIRING*ON*ONE*ANOTHER*AND*CHASING*ONE*ANOTHER*IN*AMERICAN*WATERS*WITHIN
THE*THREE-MILE*LIMIT.*WHEN,*IN*THE*SUMMER*OF*1807,*THE*AMERICAN*FRIGATE
_CHESAPEAKE_*REFUSED*TO*SURRENDER*MEN*ALLEGED*TO*BE*DESERTERS*FROM*KING
GEORGE'S*NAVY,*THE*BRITISH*WARSHIP*_LEOPARD_*OPENED*FIRE,*KILLING*THREE
MEN*AND*WOUNDING*EIGHTEEN*MORE--AN*ACT*WHICH*EVEN*THE*BRITISH*MINISTRY
COULD*HARDLY*EXCUSE.*IF*THE*FRENCH*WERE*LESS*FREQUENTLY*THE*OFFENDERS,
IT*WAS*NOT*BECAUSE*OF*THEIR*TENDERNESS*ABOUT*AMERICAN*RIGHTS*BUT*BECAUSE
SO*FEW*OF*THEIR*SHIPS*ESCAPED*THE*HAWK-EYED*BRITISH*NAVY*TO*OPERATE*IN
AMERICAN*WATERS.

=THE*LOSSES*IN*AMERICAN*COMMERCE.=--THIS*HIGH-HANDED*CONDUCT*ON*THE*PART
OF*EUROPEAN*BELLIGERENTS*WAS*VERY*INJURIOUS*TO*AMERICAN*TRADE.*BY*THEIR
ENTERPRISE,*AMERICAN*SHIPPERS*HAD*BECOME*THE*FOREMOST*CARRIERS*ON*THE
ATLANTIC*OCEAN.*IN*A*DECADE*THEY*HAD*DOUBLED*THE*TONNAGE*OF*AMERICAN
MERCHANT*SHIPS*UNDER*THE*AMERICAN*FLAG,*TAKING*THE*PLACE*OF*THE*FRENCH
MARINE*WHEN*BRITAIN*SWEPT*THAT*FROM*THE*SEAS,*AND*SUPPLYING*BRITAIN*WITH
THE*SINEWS*OF*WAR*FOR*THE*CONTEST*WITH*THE*NAPOLEONIC*EMPIRE.*THE
AMERICAN*SHIPPING*ENGAGED*IN*FOREIGN*TRADE*EMBRACED*363,110*TONS*IN
1791;*669,921*TONS*IN*1800;*AND*ALMOST*1,000,000*TONS*IN*1810.*SUCH*WAS
THE*ENTERPRISE*ATTACKED*BY*THE*BRITISH*AND*FRENCH*DECREES.*AMERICAN
SHIPS*BOUND*FOR*GREAT*BRITAIN*WERE*LIABLE*TO*BE*CAPTURED*BY*FRENCH
PRIVATEERS*WHICH,*IN*SPITE*OF*THE*DISASTERS*OF*THE*NILE*AND*TRAFALGAR,
RANGED*THE*SEAS.*AMERICAN*SHIPS*DESTINED*FOR*THE*CONTINENT,*IF*THEY
FAILED*TO*STOP*AT*BRITISH*PORTS*AND*PAY*TRIBUTE,*WERE*IN*GREAT*DANGER*OF
CAPTURE*BY*THE*SLEEPLESS*BRITISH*NAVY*AND*ITS*SWARM*OF*AUXILIARIES.
AMERICAN*SEA*CAPTAINS*WHO,*IN*FEAR*OF*BRITISH*VENGEANCE,*HEEDED*THE
ORDERS*IN*COUNCIL*AND*PAID*THE*TAX*WERE*ALMOST*CERTAIN*TO*FALL*A*PREY*TO
FRENCH*VENGEANCE,*FOR*THE*FRENCH*WERE*VIGOROUS*IN*EXECUTING*THE*MILAN
DECREE.

=JEFFERSON'S*POLICY.=--THE*PRESIDENT'S*DILEMMA*WAS*DISTRESSING.*BOTH*THE
BELLIGERENTS*IN*EUROPE*WERE*GUILTY*OF*DEPREDATIONS*ON*AMERICAN*COMMERCE.
WAR*ON*BOTH*OF*THEM*WAS*OUT*OF*THE*QUESTION.*WAR*ON*FRANCE*WAS
IMPOSSIBLE*BECAUSE*SHE*HAD*NO*TERRITORY*ON*THIS*SIDE*OF*THE*WATER*WHICH
COULD*BE*REACHED*BY*AMERICAN*TROOPS*AND*HER*NAVAL*FORCES*HAD*BEEN
SHATTERED*AT*THE*BATTLES*OF*THE*NILE*AND*TRAFALGAR.*WAR*ON*GREAT
BRITAIN,*A*POWER*WHICH*JEFFERSON'S*FOLLOWERS*FEARED*AND*DISTRUSTED,*WAS
POSSIBLE*BUT*NOT*INVITING.*JEFFERSON*SHRANK*FROM*IT.*A*MAN*OF*PEACE,*HE
DISLIKED*WAR'S*BRAZEN*CLAMOR;*A*MAN*OF*KINDLY*SPIRIT,*HE*WAS*STARTLED*AT
THE*DEATH*AND*DESTRUCTION*WHICH*IT*BROUGHT*IN*ITS*TRAIN.*SO*FOR*THE
EIGHT*YEARS*JEFFERSON*STEERED*AN*EVEN*COURSE,*SUGGESTING*MEASURE*AFTER
MEASURE*WITH*A*VIEW*TO*AVOIDING*BLOODSHED.*HE*SENT,*IT*IS*TRUE,
COMMODORE*PREBLE*IN*1803*TO*PUNISH*MEDITERRANEAN*PIRATES*PREYING*UPON
AMERICAN*COMMERCE;*BUT*A*GREAT*WAR*HE*EVADED*WITH*PASSIONATE
EARNESTNESS,*TRYING*IN*ITS*PLACE*EVERY*OTHER*EXPEDIENT*TO*PROTECT
AMERICAN*RIGHTS.

=THE*EMBARGO*AND*NON-INTERCOURSE*ACTS.=--IN*1806,*CONGRESS*PASSED*AND
JEFFERSON*APPROVED*A*NON-IMPORTATION*ACT*CLOSING*AMERICAN*PORTS*TO
CERTAIN*PRODUCTS*FROM*BRITISH*DOMINIONS--A*MEASURE*INTENDED*AS*A*CLUB
OVER*THE*BRITISH*GOVERNMENT'S*HEAD.*THIS*LAW,*FAILING*IN*ITS*PURPOSE,
JEFFERSON*PROPOSED*AND*CONGRESS*ADOPTED*IN*DECEMBER,*1807,*THE*EMBARGO
ACT*FORBIDDING*ALL*VESSELS*TO*LEAVE*AMERICAN*HARBORS*FOR*FOREIGN*PORTS.
FRANCE*AND*ENGLAND*WERE*TO*BE*BROUGHT*TO*TERMS*BY*CUTTING*OFF*THEIR
SUPPLIES.

THE*RESULT*OF*THE*EMBARGO*WAS*PATHETIC.*ENGLAND*AND*FRANCE*REFUSED*TO
GIVE*UP*SEARCH*AND*SEIZURE.*AMERICAN*SHIP*OWNERS*WHO,*LURED*BY*HUGE
PROFITS,*HAD*FORMERLY*BEEN*WILLING*TO*TAKE*THE*RISK*WERE*NOW*RESTRAINED
BY*LAW*TO*THEIR*HOME*PORTS.*EVERY*SECTION*SUFFERED.*THE*SOUTH*AND*WEST
FOUND*THEIR*MARKETS*FOR*COTTON,*RICE,*TOBACCO,*CORN,*AND*BACON
CURTAILED.*THUS*THEY*LEARNED*BY*BITTER*EXPERIENCE*THE*NATIONAL
SIGNIFICANCE*OF*COMMERCE.*SHIP*MASTERS,*SHIP*BUILDERS,*LONGSHOREMEN,*AND
SAILORS*WERE*THROWN*OUT*OF*EMPLOYMENT*WHILE*THE*PRICES*OF*FOREIGN*GOODS
DOUBLED.*THOSE*WHO*OBEYED*THE*LAW*WERE*RUINED;*VIOLATORS*OF*THE*LAW
SMUGGLED*GOODS*INTO*CANADA*AND*FLORIDA*FOR*SHIPMENT*ABROAD.

JEFFERSON'S*FRIENDS*ACCEPTED*THE*MEDICINE*WITH*A*WRY*FACE*AS*THE*ONLY
ALTERNATIVE*TO*SUPINE*SUBMISSION*OR*OPEN*WAR.*HIS*OPPONENTS,*WITHOUT
OFFERING*ANY*SOLUTION*OF*THEIR*OWN,*DENOUNCED*IT*AS*A*CONTEMPTIBLE*PLAN
THAT*BROUGHT*NEITHER*RELIEF*NOR*HONOR.*BESET*BY*THE*CLAMOR*THAT*AROSE*ON
ALL*SIDES,*CONGRESS,*IN*THE*CLOSING*DAYS*OF*JEFFERSON'S*ADMINISTRATION,
REPEALED*THE*EMBARGO*LAW*AND*SUBSTITUTED*A*NON-INTERCOURSE*ACT
FORBIDDING*TRADE*WITH*ENGLAND*AND*FRANCE*WHILE*PERMITTING*IT*WITH*OTHER
COUNTRIES--A*MEASURE*EQUALLY*FUTILE*IN*STAYING*THE*DEPREDATIONS*ON
AMERICAN*SHIPPING.

=JEFFERSON*RETIRES*IN*FAVOR*OF*MADISON.=--JEFFERSON,*EXHAUSTED*BY
ENDLESS*WRANGLING*AND*WOUNDED,*AS*WASHINGTON*HAD*BEEN,*BY*SAVAGE
CRITICISM,*WELCOMED*MARCH*4,*1809.*HIS*FRIENDS*URGED*HIM*TO*"STAY*BY*THE
SHIP"*AND*ACCEPT*A*THIRD*TERM.*HE*DECLINED,*SAYING*THAT*ELECTION*FOR
LIFE*MIGHT*RESULT*FROM*REPEATED*REELECTION.*IN*FOLLOWING*WASHINGTON'S
COURSE*AND*DEFENDING*IT*ON*PRINCIPLE,*HE*SET*AN*EXAMPLE*TO*ALL*HIS
SUCCESSORS,*MAKING*THE*"THIRD*TERM*DOCTRINE"*A*PART*OF*AMERICAN
UNWRITTEN*LAW.

HIS*INTIMATE*FRIEND,*JAMES*MADISON,*TO*WHOM*HE*TURNED*OVER*THE*BURDENS
OF*HIS*HIGH*OFFICE*WAS,*LIKE*HIMSELF,*A*MAN*OF*PEACE.*MADISON*HAD*BEEN*A
LEADER*SINCE*THE*DAYS*OF*THE*REVOLUTION,*BUT*IN*LEGISLATIVE*HALLS*AND
COUNCIL*CHAMBERS,*NOT*ON*THE*FIELD*OF*BATTLE.*SMALL*IN*STATURE,
SENSITIVE*IN*FEELINGS,*STUDIOUS*IN*HABITS,*HE*WAS*NO*MAN*FOR*THE*ROUGH
AND*TUMBLE*OF*PRACTICAL*POLITICS.*HE*HAD*TAKEN*A*PROMINENT*AND
DISTINGUISHED*PART*IN*THE*FRAMING*AND*THE*ADOPTION*OF*THE*CONSTITUTION.
HE*HAD*SERVED*IN*THE*FIRST*CONGRESS*AS*A*FRIEND*OF*HAMILTON'S*MEASURES.
LATER*HE*ATTACHED*H