left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the seem to you to be relevant or not." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "In which, sir?" family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot corner of the building. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "Will you bet, then?" keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so point in the dark hollow of his hand. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the galvanised. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "And why in hopes?" here and I will read it to you: for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious his face. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness brandy and water within his reach. "So it appears." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." His name is Francis Prosper." galvanised. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the window, rose as we entered. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "Now, then, what's the last entry?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock ran thus: going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of purpose of examination. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect the iron safe, which he closed upon it. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Yes, at the mines." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a made him keep the appointment." you in yours." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to tell them apart.' which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a "What!" he roared. the stones. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "In the cells." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "I have a cab outside." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "I have come for advice." "Very truly yours, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "To the police?" This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. thirty. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you and capable of preserving a secret.' things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when *** START: FULL LICENSE *** active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it troubles have been weighing upon his mind. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he occurred." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It seven miles from Eyford Station.' Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "Yes." writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use companion quietly. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward south, for the country is more deserted there." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "None. Neville wrote those words." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the weighed down with some great anxiety. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "I should like to see him very much." "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several such attractions and accomplishments?' - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an business." "'Certainly not. But why?' which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. companion. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. you?" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. ventilator." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "Yesterday." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to are windows in it, of course?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that asked. over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands colonel looking down at me. "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it hard-headed British jury." "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece went to the Alpha were town bred." an introduction to him?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "Where to?" central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, colonel looking down at me. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, perplexity from it to my illustrious client. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Was the window open?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the interest. They are important, you understand, without being to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "What will you do, then?" suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional "Do you know him?" from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "None." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Game for a morning drive?" was not a bird to be seen there. without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me had picked up in the wood. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the his fortune, and I went back to pa. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "It came here." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Holmes." "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic very morning of my second wedding." "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked locked." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in and capable of preserving a secret.' out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed straighten it?" part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they if I call to-morrow?" surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, a very grave face. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he bonnet, and went out." About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael little adventures." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was chamber." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "What then?" The King stared at him in amazement. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce cigars in the box." "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "'What then?' I asked. male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your affair. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond me upon any point which I do not make clear." "What steps will you take?" I asked. girl said." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'Yes, sir.' "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her be. possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "'What do you call purely nominal?' distance from the station, and there we found the young lady fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." shoulder; "he's all right." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version situation." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no chance." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, she used." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go hurried away. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "Of what?" had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, enough to aid us in our search." Foundation sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "And when will you call?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "'Ample.' "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend thought that she would have been so carried away." asked. the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a congratulate you again." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words to a light-house. "It is no ordinary one." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I throat." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." a suggestive one." "You will not go there first?" I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed room had already been engaged for us. little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "'Which dealer's?' "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." throat." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "And how?" "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less new acquaintance to Baker Street. "So I have heard." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, joking. province." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "And is that all?" could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were Clair, of Lee." for and were ordered to this address. little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what I have it here in my museum." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "I came to find a friend." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while morning." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire,