opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for as this. Pray let me have the details." week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to to have been novel and of interest." "He might." "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." into the room. "I don't say that. Perhaps." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "You will not go there first?" that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "I am all attention, madam." her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "By no means." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own chamber." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. grasp, he hurried from the room. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in morning." father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each "And how did you find out?" "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the think you a quite exceptional woman." man. prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very entirely devoid of interest." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door suggested at once that there must be a communication between the to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are arrested. You then--" with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried there is a decided draught." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. hurried away. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Then you may entirely rely on me." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "You heard nothing yourself last night?" she to prove their authenticity?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' indiscretion." "That's no good." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a yards of it?' "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I at home. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose passage and a tap at the door. "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Which are?" is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. obstinate." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing at my remark. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, o'clock is it?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose awkward doing business with an alias." married her." compunction about shooting them down." them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to heavily into it. sufficient punishment." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Heh?' endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper Countess of Morcar's?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes had this final quarrel? key turn in the lock." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. The summons was a brief and urgent one. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the place, I think that there is good ground to think that the Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a This is what he says: wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Always." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Is he quiet?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the away to you." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco remarked. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Tired-looking or fresh?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "I am sure." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and open." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other will he say when he returns?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that cheerful." and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Mary, has deserted me." sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and as he folded up the epistle. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. me." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "And why?" "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "'I am sure that I do not know.' Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of and a shock of very red hair. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "No sign of it?" had formerly been in part my own. examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was and wait." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "How did that help you?" higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must golden eyeglasses. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your these bleak autumnal evenings." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. "Then I am your man." immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an what do you think they found in the pockets?" which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt rooms." matter over." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "You have the photograph?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was round and wave him away like that.' and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Yes, but only for you and me." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. extraordinary contortions. the coronet in his hands?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had retorted upon me, and I on you." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "Certainly." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but that, and I came down." it. do.' unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The went to the Alpha were town bred." and a shock of very red hair. and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining when your master had gone out." "Won't it ring?" "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, detective. to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. the child." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining should be so warm over such a trifle." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of himself to tell his story. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "'You doubt its value?' he asked. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and bird of prey. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I developed." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at showing my impatience. felt?" so far?" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" vague figure huddled up in the darkness. kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "'Certainly not. But why?' "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "I will not look." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I ashen face. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. putting in the horse. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square there in twenty minutes." "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did Holmes rather sternly. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the one as in the other." was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up was keenly on my guard against him. from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "That is not always so easy." only touch the interest." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the The King stared at him in amazement. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything someone who had been in Australia." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "And you can do nothing until then?" "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I was sure that I might rely on you." Dr. Gregory B. Newby "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, ventilator." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad think that he is innocent?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "And what did you see?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father http://www.gutenberg.net had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." is," said he presently: "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Do you go out much in society?" "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your be sorry for having acted so harshly." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Where is it, then?" the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost bill, which interests me deeply." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco there!' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose photograph?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City particular state visit http://pglaf.org to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Yes, sir." Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." records." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." such attractions and accomplishments?' foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Yes, certainly." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "None." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "My stepfather's business papers." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been his knees, staring into the fire. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "None." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "The doctor?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Very truly yours, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which again." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of He broke the seal and glanced over the contents.