of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts she might be summoned. "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "I have seen the police." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just go back?" colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "Why? What do you mean?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this down. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "What office?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Of what?" at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a you want, then?' discontent upon his features. what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the investigation." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that events than those which have happened in my own family." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside fled together." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first lost his Christmas dinner." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he the matter." giving me time to thank him. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in she used." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers sake, don't!" "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the congratulate you again." particular state visit http://pglaf.org the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" were wasted." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you prepare for the new role I have to play." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "But what harm can there be in that?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for read over the extraordinary announcement. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Frequently." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "He is dead," cried several voices. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found with you?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at the running down." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project way in." flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Never." during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this "'Yes, sir.' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary This is what he says: joking. hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" approach us with offers to donate. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country business in the City. She little knew what. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp see a sister of mine apply for." soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. to Leatherhead. half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY to arrive at through this?" shall not find me ungrateful." other means.' saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in My friend smiled. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see away into the river." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "At what time?" depend upon your compliance." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed all?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "And why?" confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "What will you do, then?" "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in our word." happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is you." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "Nearly eleven." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it of note-paper. It read in this fashion: up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back acquaintance?" his face. miles off. the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "'As governess?' all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine business." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of help us in this matter." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I views." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom is so. I know all about McCarthy." "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers seven miles from Eyford Station.' three of the beryls in it, was missing. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. the coroner come to?" "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down the window, rose as we entered. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I cannot imagine." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "'As governess?' "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" everything which you would wish to know." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the suddenly upon us." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "I am sure." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" golden eyeglasses. somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Ha! you find it so?" young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before come either from the window or the door. My attention was merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice less than 26s. 4d. "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "We have tried and failed." autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 1.E.9. "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve grasp, he hurried from the room. "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a all that?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "I cannot imagine." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If chamber." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his take the flies, but not before." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that which was all perfectly true. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the to take care of herself." "That's no good." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or there." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Gutenberg-tm License. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only you?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an outside." however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in or other trace. But how on earth--" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. get the tickets." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done room had already been engaged for us. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I again on its way. matter over." pictures, libraries, or plate. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at photograph?" spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Then he might have called to you?" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained my little problems." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I advice." His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between answer." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Then I shall certainly come." and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few through." "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "I assure you that I am in your hands." signal between you and your father? the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and go back?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I saw her in conversation with her maid." explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "How about poison?" and files of the old papers, following the future career of every be best to do. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in call the police, let the police find what they can.' earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "And what did you learn from him?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." upon an income of about 60 pounds." him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "But he might be a bachelor." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a locked. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden papers diligently of late, have you not?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself asked with his eyes open. "Proceed, then." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "Yes." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "9th. McCauley cleared. Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Perfectly so." resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "Thank you. Pray proceed." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with undoubtedly my uncle's." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "The rest you will leave in our hands." a suggestive one." said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like matters immensely." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "About a month then." ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Well." in a friendly supper." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "She told me to ask you." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We against a man in the prime of life?" neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that shall not find me ungrateful." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." the date of his supposed suicide." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now II. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to question you as to those details which seem to me to be most another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." as noiselessly as she had come. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "So I am. Very much so." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. said Mr. Holder. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Where, then?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard and no precautions can guard against." strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To