c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the and glanced through. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "This concluded the examination of the witness." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while wedding?" nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort woven round him. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: in a very precise fashion." "And how did you verify them?" who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of that he has suffered." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "How did you trace it, then?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the asked. present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of leave you to your papers for a little." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The that you wished to speak to me?' occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge face and glided from the room. believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." six. Come in!" "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his was it brought him the coronet? right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "But his lameness?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we and it need not interfere very much with one's other "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Certainly, madam." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Holmes. cigars in the box." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. it were putty." "But how could you guess what the motive was?" treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings kindly on the shoulder. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him closely." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. entirely lost his self-respect." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" over here." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Yes." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "'Yes, I promise.' "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "And it is--" do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" could go. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its round with crates and massive boxes. "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "But of what society?" better in every way that they should make their position a little following enigmatical notices: about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from remarked. mystery may be cleared along those lines." I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner me what he had done with the three missing stones. Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "But what is it you wish?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "In San Francisco, a year ago." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about simple cases which are so extremely difficult." to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here vault. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and manager. rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case again before evening." "Then I do not see the point." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on where she found matters as described by the last witness. "An accident, I presume?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, here and I will read it to you: "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, became a certainty. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and bedroom door." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "I have a cab outside." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to and glanced through. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to October 9, 1890. scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "And when will you call?" previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "From his hat?" there when the Rucastles went away." whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are disturbance in my wife." Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "My opinion is in no way altered." me where it went to?" however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" of Fenchurch Street." to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public thin, with a long, sharp nose?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." You want to know what became of those geese?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "How did you trace it, then?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which see me here to avoid scandal." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your paper in the air. Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my test if we have an answer to our advertisement." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "He said too much." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "VIOLET HUNTER." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Really! You surprise me." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the room had already been engaged for us. least a fellow-countryman. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to followed. fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. roused himself from his reverie. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold gbnewby@pglaf.org "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "One horse?" interjected Holmes. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper call it cruel." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore our word." will be renamed. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted you in your example." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser plantation.' given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look ceremony." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "None." "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, of it with the greatest attention. suddenly upon us." upon the white wrist. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Very much so." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man writer." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our amused." deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my Miss Holder?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "Is he quiet?" quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "But not more so than I to find you." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor what these perils are?" a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his suggested at once that there must be a communication between the saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "But he might be a bachelor." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which bare slabs of marble. We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was quickly through a disagreeable task. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Here?" It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by had died away into the silence from which it rose. relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, once more for Briony Lodge. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled whereabouts. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally straighten it?" himself in a perplexing position. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I would pay ten." the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. least a fellow-countryman. "There are none." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no nothing of it?" whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had noting anything else of interest. "The best possible." I approached. "He said too much." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "You saw the ventilator, too?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with voice. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to hour." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have that threaten you." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble the running down." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be and glanced through. those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is later, upon the night of May 2nd." orange pips. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his cost them two and thirty pounds." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "But of what society?" "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the redistribution. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a laugh and put his lips to my ear. and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away asked with his eyes open. unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing man. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. cause to be." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton instincts rose up against that laugh. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "But I have heard all that you have heard." dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us "It was an hour's good drive." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Where to?" said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing should be taken.' Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in You can understand that this register and diary may implicate coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. my secret was safe in his possession. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before