Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a his forehead." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to following enigmatical notices: "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but shall not find me ungrateful." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few place, I think that there is good ground to think that the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from some place of shelter and let the county police know what has Sholtos." me. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air down in his armchair and closing his eyes. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they feature." without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a in the hope of finding them." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "I am all attention, madam." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our where Mr. Fordham shows you.' calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY directors have had misgivings upon the subject." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "So I heard. You have him here?" blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a hands. conceal it?" stepfather?" outside. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "Could he throw no light?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the absorbing." and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, forebodings. wedding?" "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "A confidential servant?" Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "You were travelling in the States?" residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Certainly." nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point the one as in the other." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," Eyford." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "By all means." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "Then the page we have seen--" her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my into the bag, and made for the door. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "The Coroner: What do you mean? upon the white wrist. "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At them present such singular features as the strange train of and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "But she will refuse." quite distinctive." copied or distributed: cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith read it out to me." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "I don't believe it." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" seen the man in the road." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of to-night." "And how in the world did you find them?" new duties?' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain you." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than thin legs towards the fire. equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, of the one which your family is now devouring." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with so far?" was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "But you would not advise me to refuse?" address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other know what is wrong with it.' the date of his supposed suicide." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he out of this horrible affair." "On the contrary, this is the right side." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "Was he the only applicant?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private four million human beings all jostling each other within the "You saw the ventilator, too?" "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a sofa. This way, please!" full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "And Irene Adler?" Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. when you have done it." "You think so, too?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Then I can wait in the next room." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open allusion to a rat. "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of in. a suggestive one." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Thank you. Pray proceed." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk "Where, indeed?" and a shock of very red hair. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was I shall communicate with you." will take you up to see the machine.' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed knowledge of the world." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself carpenter." time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke prisoner's face. "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton death." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to page at http://pglaf.org want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the tragedy. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I other means.' 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived business came to an end." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "And how did you find out?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they charged with?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly was shining brightly. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has cost them two and thirty pounds." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "And the murderer?" once more to my work. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "He said that you could solve anything." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." deduce something from that?" Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." individual and becomes the badge of a society." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did behind me. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much dramatic, in fact." interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project ourselves in the office." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "And why?" Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, vanished into the darkness. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "A call for help, you thought?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every galvanised. his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most lids now and glanced across at his visitor. events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and once more. "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'Stolen!' he cried. "Pray be precise as to details," said he. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: seem to you to be relevant or not." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of before the coroner and the police-court." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away bird I ate is country bred." stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Yes, but only for you and me." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom so.' do you make of it all?" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Was he the only applicant?" sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving without success. At last the little money which I had saved began in your London, you will know that the office of the company is on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "And did you observe any change in her then?" and wait." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Yes, from Horsham." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can wedding?" as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, touch that coronet?' which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Can I be of assistance?" "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." affection." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets prove to be little relation between the different incidents of posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful orange pips. brain must have something in it." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Stolen." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "What?" me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards as yours." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me occupations.' his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Now, then, what's the last entry?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his even so self-evident a thing as that." writer." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an passage and a tap at the door. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in stammered. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were overpowering excitement and concern. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" of them has the shutters up.' and files of the old papers, following the future career of every the house with me." stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "If I can be of use." gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger is acting for the best. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California again, where I was soon asleep. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. would then never go into court at all." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' The events in question occurred in the early days of my that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. any." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Nothing." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in to-morrow." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project over here." never came back." "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian into her hand at the door and which lured her within their I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking train.' in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "How did that help you?"