her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Yes, sir." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "And why?" down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for foot. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the suspect him." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "It is a murder, then?" Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, crime." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." my secret was safe in his possession. "But I have heard all that you have heard." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough room. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out second window is the one that I jumped from." with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' with some details as to your case." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the Sutherland?" companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need mystery!" "Entirely." at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "It is possible." of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open to surprise her." now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "'About the same.' "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain see a sister of mine apply for." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. yourselves in at night?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months where we are going." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "I should be immensely obliged to you." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked ordinary clothes on?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian as noiselessly as she had come. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Never." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on been lifted and conveyed somewhere." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Nothing?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards During two years I have had three consultations and one small Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so entirely devoid of interest." especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "You did not overhear what they said?" the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the a suggestive one." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall which I could not give. He asked for Alice. unclasping of his long thin hands. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Were they all fastened this morning?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Street. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who is four-and-twenty." Surrey." us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "It is a murder, then?" "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. be there in time for your coming." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four good for you to do.' a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his presented which may be striking and bizarre without being the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "'What are you doing there?' he asked. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I and the church but not where the lady lived." de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "That was it, sir." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. paper in the air. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "'Is purely nominal.' "There is the writing." Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than and looked back. lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "No." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped in your London, you will know that the office of the company is I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "The King of Scandinavia." to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes second." that I may have something better before very many minutes are crackling voice. same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from question," said Holmes, smiling. rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let absolutely follow my advice in every respect." you?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure I have it here in my museum." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was to surprise her." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I you in your example." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' hurried away. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "And when will you call?" foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "No legal papers or certificates?" slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but his grey eyes. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "'And the work?' "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic his eyes and forehead. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried have got?" "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in visitors." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very delirious. "But your client--" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." views." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no notes," he said. "Do you know him?" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with and have this put in the evening papers." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside in his hands." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this The note was undated, and without either signature or address. the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "I assure you that I am in your hands." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had You can understand that this register and diary may implicate week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "But the mystery?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "You will not go there first?" cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "If so, much may have happened between." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "'I have already given you my word.' what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "Precisely so. But how--" country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "The best possible." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "What! You do not mean bodies?" papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged him, that man would not have given me such complete information to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "And Miss Sutherland?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." some water from a caraffe. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in place no limit on the sum I may draw." but preventing her from injuring another. "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to disappearance of the bride.'" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." made him keep the appointment." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to had this final quarrel? works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg was feeling which was the fattest.' hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "You horrify me!" "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Well, it is a possible supposition." is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg carriage. It was a chestnut." "Did he not advertise?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has whole matter to your consideration." glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My furiously. said I. I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "In heaven's name, what for?" his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce the matter." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further this unhappy family?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. to that open window." the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, will take you up to see the machine.' and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again joking. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "Certainly." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." not, dad?" she asked. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked Farm upon the left." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, compunction about shooting them down." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Did you become engaged then?" fishes. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the "'As governess?' do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their as the one I chose?' "Of Friday, June 19th." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "I fear not." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you situation." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had "No, I think that I'll take it." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" appointment with me for six o'clock?" his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. status with the IRS. "On Monday." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Was your sister dressed?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from at home. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether works. See paragraph 1.E below. the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is pressing in one house as in another. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned possible that we could bring him back to her? death." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from of Fenchurch Street." carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid been with you?" reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again