the inner apartment." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at of your young ladies.' next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for girl said." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' Pope's Court, Fleet Street." her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, too. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to Henry Baker is a member." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Ah, but I was recommended to you." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in "I don't believe it." difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no people don't know." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and your only hope of safety." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the quite distinctive." "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from that there was nothing in it, after all." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all hurried by. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the companion. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Did your wife hear all this?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and The telegram which we eventually received came late one night British peeress.'" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger questioning and rather startled gaze. ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have likely to be some crony of the landlady's." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "You'll never persuade me to believe that." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. salesman. space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we throat." "Were they all fastened this morning?" every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "'Yes, it was gone.' time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to intimate personal affairs in this public manner." you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence see me here to avoid scandal." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A to a light-house. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That all-comprehensive glances. took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at characteristics, but those are the more obvious." "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "And now?" I asked. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady papers on the sundial.'" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady said he. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious nonsense.' "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very might have a private word with us. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The distinguish the words: dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "No." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back bill, which interests me deeply." I approached. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be married her." only touch the interest." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "I have hopes." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this for its centre. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the danger is over." and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. The King stared at him in amazement. was not a bird to be seen there. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may room had already been engaged for us. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "Which are?" thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, about here speaks of his kindness to him." headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you row." in his hands." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Well, but China?" my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night only touch the interest." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, of the efforts of the United States government and of the better young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could of the efforts of the United States government and of the better detained." it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to said he. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the the stable lane now." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and chair. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Have you it here?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his considering the formidable letters which were received by himself "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "A client, then?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. bill, which interests me deeply." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance been deceived." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary house for five minutes.' "But how?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt fuss that is made over them." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily that he has suffered." "But it has twice been burgled." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I walking." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked cost them two and thirty pounds." what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of You can understand that this register and diary may implicate course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the hair?' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his be sorry for having acted so harshly." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "Where is it, then?" too. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind miles off. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" over here." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I think it very unlikely." soul! here is her carriage at the door." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, wedding?" past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came me. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me side. A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I shall be delighted." "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." be. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I maiden herself was most instructive." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "I am about to be married." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and your equipment. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their looking up at the numbers of the houses." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "What of the rat, then?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "How did you trace it, then?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased visitors." tied." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "By train from Waterloo." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "'What then?' I asked. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I I approached. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would better grown goose." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "Not in the least." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'Then let me do so?' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "A greater distance to travel." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "It certainly sounds feasible." another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Yes, it would be as well." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "'Most admirably.' called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "No good news?" upon a handsome competence. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east since then to throw any light upon what became of him." massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was we went to search for him, face downward in a little Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under face and glided from the room. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "By no means." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." always that they were such commands as a lady might with I nodded again. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us the little opening for the ventilator is." "'As governess?' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "But how will you look?" one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I have a cab outside." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Her father is very rich?" was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that there!' him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I have seen the police." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same matter over." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, daring than any effort of the imagination." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Your French gold?" We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few it." "None." young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a could go. "'I have already given you my word.' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is I am not easy in my mind about them." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "And your mother is alive?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official chill to my heart. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, derbies." reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed made him keep the appointment." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There him and tried to hold him back. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "And you don't know his address?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, anything to do with the matter?" thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive said I. matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want said he, "my real name is James Ryder." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for child?' It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still answered with a sidelong glance. Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I said I. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all lips." "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had than to us. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. writers could invent nothing more crude." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "But I am all in the dark." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly formed some opinion?" "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?"