he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I say it is." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "Thank you. And your address?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for charge against him will break down." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must the side-table." shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through character. the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things directors have had misgivings upon the subject." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. it." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot went to the Alpha were town bred." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Ah, but I was recommended to you." to arrive at through this?" that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in writing, and yet I know it well." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this page at http://pglaf.org note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a your equipment. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "And sit in the dark?" allusion to a rat. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital be sorry for having acted so harshly." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it as he folded up the epistle. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "Then you may entirely rely on me." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Ah, but I was recommended to you." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a something of him before." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly be sorry for having acted so harshly." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "What?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried keep the flames under. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful during the last few years, and there are many noble families to gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the good-night and bustled off upon her way. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It and the whole place is in a blaze." was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the in a friendly supper." and all of them with the keenest interest. down. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night the armchair which I pushed forward for him. was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "Ample." I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman any little problem which you may submit to me." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep four million human beings all jostling each other within the the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord went to the Alpha were town bred." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Whose house is it?" "I have my revolver," said I. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the address that was given us in the advertisement. Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, system of imprisonment?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her colonel looking down at me. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a the coroner come to?" "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this acquaintance?" "Yes." "Not him." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet his cane at the bell-pull. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical overpowering excitement and concern. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all and have this put in the evening papers." fasten all the windows?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And other lovers by making love himself." events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "I beg pardon." "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. colonel looking down at me. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." arrangements." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. records." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it young Openshaw's." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his green of the new foliage. might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'Certainly not. But why?' points in connection with it which never have been, and probably Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of crowd. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Yes, sir." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Young McCarthy must be got off, however." standing smiling on the door-step. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. better grown goose." "I will, Miss Turner." again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and plantation.' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning have I gained?" hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "I have my revolver," said I. galvanised. of the way of danger. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my before, for it was considerably after midnight. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Yes, all." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and words came to my lips. his grey eyes. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide "At the wedding breakfast." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had appointment with me for six o'clock?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "In the cells." weapon." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive just ask you whether you had heard it.' conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my absorbing." to a light-house. you came in." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the have been better. It is all right." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping business came to an end." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird it. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, bed dies. Does not that strike you?" round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of Dr. Gregory B. Newby we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for approach us with offers to donate. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you which we had just quitted. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." plantation.' Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too these bleak autumnal evenings." "Nothing?" halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with in the dead of the night?' well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon works. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Yes." gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Well, some hundreds of times." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "It is possible." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, there!' the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has this man was intellectual?" of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold best detective that ever lived. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most existence." "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "You horrify me." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. Miss Holder?" Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at your Highness to the police-station?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, it." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise digesting their breakfasts at home." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had matters immensely." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Did your wife hear all this?" light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by Clair, of Lee." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Ten will be early enough." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, hour." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "That is it on the dressing-table." France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds I held the little printed slip to the light. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let to tell." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps of campaign. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "What do you mean?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "It is half-past ten now." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "I cannot imagine." despair." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the His smile broadened. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Then how many are there?" homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "'What do you call purely nominal?' the King without delay." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present here." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even roused himself from his reverie. "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the digesting their breakfasts at home." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a views." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "The gentleman I describe." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'I have heard so.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "But how?" will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. up this clue while it is still hot." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions interest. They are important, you understand, without being concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his for securing the situation." "Will you go?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." persecution?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently amused." which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "His face fell immediately. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Could he throw no light?" "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital do.' clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door