a little more before I quite committed myself. other means.' "BALLARAT." had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too I nodded again. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true as he remarks, very much against the son." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. entirely devoid of interest." himself to tell his story. that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black security.' would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Ha! you find it so?" it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." or in danger--" the very letters. But what is this written above them?' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. hard-headed British jury." drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. call it cruel." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is main points of my analysis." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left has little to do with my story." "Pray do so." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little of the vacancies.' the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become humiliation." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "He said that you could solve anything." "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "Yesterday." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "I should wish to." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "But to whom?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "I have come for advice." said I. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Dirty?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a not come at once?" gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "'Ten to two.' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key meant." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could distinguish the words: hour?' Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue some mystery and the punishment of some crime." which I could not give. He asked for Alice. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "'I shall certainly be there.' "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography tension within him. "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "Witness: Nothing definite. the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "He is still with you, I presume?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet suspect him." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. roused himself from his reverie. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent what these perils are?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and eavesdroppers?' at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which coroner's jury." outsides of the windows. Holmes' face clouded over. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "One?" "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" hardly wander." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make strong reason behind." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "But it has twice been burgled." "You did not overhear what they said?" have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have one else, I think." wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box returned to France?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had conceal it?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two off." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I brandy and water within his reach. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Could he throw no light?" annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your You want to know what became of those geese?" seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "I will, Miss Turner." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be least a most suspicious remark." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "I will, Miss Turner." "Yes. He waved his hands." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from tapping his fingers upon the table. fled together." "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a already referred to. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was mysterious business." delirious. "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to galvanised. "Only as much as we can deduce." dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation breakfast." We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I will not look." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "It was a confession," I ejaculated. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Holmes' thin, eager face. clanging. "But I am all in the dark." "Certainly." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with during the last few years, and there are many noble families to 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a help us in this matter." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable amused." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker minor matters until to-morrow." both be extremely obliged.' to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I will try. What is it?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have husband's writing, madam." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "What! a murderous attack?" "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival weary and pale-looking. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "No good news?" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." brandy and water within his reach. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to which our visitor detailed to us. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and breakfast?" Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Stolen." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His photograph?" "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I at home. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the your billet.' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "And the cigar-holder?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had DISSOLVED. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "How often?" time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Of what day?" "You were travelling in the States?" here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is noting anything else of interest. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Holmes' face clouded over. at once, for I have only half an hour." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature there were one or two details which were new to me. But the shaken than I had ever seen him. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not at my remark. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was felt?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under fear." said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about other means.' introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away do." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. Holmes' thin, eager face. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Perfectly so." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "What can you not understand?" "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows tapping his fingers upon the table. discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "It missed him, then?" that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the station." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Doctor, of the paper and the date." "'Stolen!' he cried. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. some water from a caraffe. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down question," said Holmes, smiling. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the late." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, man. I know him from the photograph." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed room?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and distinguish the words: had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter Pope's Court. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "And it is--" street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "No. What a strange idea!" "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming call it cruel." companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange "I see many objections to any such theory." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "I am about to be married." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of held up the lantern and gazed about him. other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "No more words. Get out!" some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where purpose equally well?" order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever questionable one." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. about here speaks of his kindness to him." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. straightened it out again. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. lost nothing by them." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once carpenter." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "Then, how do you know?" belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door started for the Temple to see my husband. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the very morning of the wedding." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It