"No sign of it?" fishes. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the friend's singular character. few hundred pounds.' before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom occupations.' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "I have a cab outside." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" Gutenberg-tm License. straighten it?" They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in outsides of the windows. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any with you alone." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the this remarkable episode. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all father's place of business?" a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "That is easily got." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. detained." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies the bed, and you in that chair." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "One of the highest in England." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Eyford at 11:15.' better in every way that they should make their position a little was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in easy-going way." another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her was already answered. I shall communicate with you." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Eyford." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little with frightened eyes at his accuser. "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you happened." "He might." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the coronet at all injured?" thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but question you as to those details which seem to me to be most window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of enter Dr. Roylott's room." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "Pray let us have it, for all that." call for protection in the marriage market, for the present make me his representative both with the servants and with the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon you, my dear young lady?' house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually or other trace. But how on earth--" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has narrative." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the status with the IRS. throat." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see McCarthy." "That is also quite modern," said the lady. with her." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over read over the extraordinary announcement. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three you." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Perfectly so." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "Dirty?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from the inner apartment." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "'Is purely nominal.' Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I say that I have solved it." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight vague figure huddled up in the darkness. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. had a long day." his eyes and forehead. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little must be when I saw the door open.' "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "In which, sir?" lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Absolutely none." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He said I. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible following enigmatical notices: a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "By no means." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. few hundred pounds.' you." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Will you bet, then?" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage his face which made him a very different person to the round, "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "'Where could I find him?' can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well a room. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" of them has the shutters up.' "I fear not." "But it has twice been burgled." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very as the one I chose?' With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "And on what day did he meet his death?" "'I have already given you my word.' "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was photograph?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Count Von Kramm." "And now?" I asked. to-night?' of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "But you would not advise me to refuse?" introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "He disappeared so suddenly." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew "My dear Holmes!" taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord late!' not fit the lock." closing the door. appointment with me for six o'clock?" better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. direction." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing remarked. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to to a light-house. all?" contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the future lives." "You don't mind breaking the law?" shaken than I had ever seen him. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a key turn in the lock." ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "Yes." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, call the police, let the police find what they can.' closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth situation." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Yes, that is the Crown." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and electronic works he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a foot. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Of Friday, June 19th." to take care of herself." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "No good news?" "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing villagers almost as much as their master. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Pool. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The union?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so indiscretion." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the front of me. the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, carriage. It was a chestnut." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'It is locked up,' I answered. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of long narrative. besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a said he. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might suggested at once that there must be a communication between the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "At half-wages, in fact." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "Did he not advertise?" myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to breakfast." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "Certainly." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather a suggestive one." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a in his power. "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could giving me time to thank him. "I shall most certainly do so." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "One of the highest in England." roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera them?" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his held up the lantern and gazed about him. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Dirty?" "Stolen." brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "The gentleman I describe." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would goes." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "How did you deduce the select?" rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in arrested. You then--" and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a fluttered off among the others. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "Did he not advertise?" very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "It missed him, then?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were light and attacked it." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my touch that coronet?' "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "In heaven's name, what for?" was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the "'In my own bureau.' retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and shall use the carriage to-night." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "One horse?" interjected Holmes. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be me have 200 pounds?' father's young wife. know what is wrong with it.' other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "What are they?" Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "And I." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in written. "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the and it need not interfere very much with one's other standing smiling on the door-step. eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 ran thus: shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "None." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed absorbing." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a which our visitor detailed to us. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had whatever might befall. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the down from London to inquire more deeply into it." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very late!' "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she will not take me long to tell. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and experiences." and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the spare." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" morning." "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "I am to be neutral?" "How can you tell that?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Imitated." What do you deduce from it?" work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "And sit in the dark?" business at Coburg Square is serious." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was easy-going way." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good was a loud and authoritative tap. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. too. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of you in yours."