"'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your strong and stiff." the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about during which he might have communicated with his friend the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were begun to whiten, even as mine has." which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little situation." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that the Assizes." Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the nothing of it?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "'Not at all. I only doubt--' peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it there." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "What! You do not mean bodies?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past "By no means." shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, then?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "Stolen, then." "Won't it ring?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just the bottom.' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the coronet in his hand?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Never to return." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of woven round him. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark have got?" of his shoulders. error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "What, then?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. bare slabs of marble. "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "It missed him, then?" "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my directors, with the result that you have seen." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "So I have heard." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few searched, without anything being found which could incriminate one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. very old mansion. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "Not I." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the directors, with the result that you have seen." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." good for you to do.' With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Just look it up, then." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." once more for Briony Lodge. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the you came in." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. some city in a dream. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project cigar and let me expound." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. with her." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." stammered. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. were wasted." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "I should like to see him very much." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when hurried away. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. on in his house." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, Clair, of Lee." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an photograph?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt man. I know him from the photograph." of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" disturbance in my wife." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he have been better. It is all right." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "What can it mean?" I gasped. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "What is it, then--a fire?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been is worth.' "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have my little problems." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Well, it is a possible supposition." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "I guessed as much." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. matters immensely." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "I would give my fortune to have them back." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "He disappeared so suddenly." purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY foot. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly and it need not interfere very much with one's other It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would few hundred pounds.' blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it electronic works the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter daring than any effort of the imagination." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said woman who has had her own way to make in the world. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point strength." unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to it." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "Two days later this same performance was gone through under photograph?" myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that to Leatherhead. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." of a light. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which and laid it on the table. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off The police have openly confessed that they can at present make you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "'Yes, it was gone.' down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Married! When?" nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one I. way in." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "Only as much as we can deduce." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the experiences." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and late!' All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Pool. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees likely to be some crony of the landlady's." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "Holmes, the busybody!" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as the driver. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" ill-usage at the hands of fortune. right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." tell me that you intended to go into harness." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "But his lameness?" fashion which was peculiar to him. after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "It surprised me." "It is true that I have been generally successful." taking in every detail of the apartment. Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his business at Coburg Square is serious." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'Most admirably.' respectable self." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "How about poison?" "The gentleman I describe." as this. Pray let me have the details." nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "I have a cab outside." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but was not a bird to be seen there. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I "Precisely." Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "May I see it?" little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "It was an hour's good drive." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "To the police?" was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a during that time.' nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." hour." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him salesman. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much companion quietly. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "I shall most certainly do so." window when the police appeared." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "It missed him, then?" specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one have got?" "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached and wait." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train shadow pass over his face as I spoke. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness This is what he says: had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I beg pardon." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Yes." the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and will take you up to see the machine.' excitement. at a side door. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now client, rising. such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, carpenter." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "You have the photograph?" half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the wedding?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism bears upon the case?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were as the one I chose?' to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and must compliment you." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were minor matters until to-morrow." I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the side. my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were sofa. This way, please!" as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every to Leatherhead. and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. one of the states of the Union." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "I think that I had better go, Holmes." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his to take care of herself." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Very. But will he see it?" "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and held up the lantern and gazed about him. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had desk. walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared