belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "Not in the least." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "My dear Holmes!" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "About a month then." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. call for it in person on Monday morning.' down from London to inquire more deeply into it." cost them two and thirty pounds." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "I think it very unlikely." it with his own hands." drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "And I." "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story hour." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who tension within him. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "He might." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and details." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer to change my dress. "I answered that I had not. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right your bag." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Farm upon the left." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we closely." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "'Yes, it was gone.' http://gutenberg.net/license). by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Have you her photograph?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it results." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for in the dead of the night?' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" congratulate you again." "You have but to name it." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start extraordinary contortions. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of hurried by. "One?" wedding?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I say that I have solved it." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The to me. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you pierced for earrings?" peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we results." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue key of the affair now." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "And why?" "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Not I." hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which words came to my lips. "It was an hour's good drive." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Pray tell us what has happened to you." of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain I have it here in my museum." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no key turn in the lock." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my the station." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we handed it to him. "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were the armchair which I pushed forward for him. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful upon an income of about 60 pounds." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another enough to aid us in our search." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "I should like to see him very much." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Then you may entirely rely on me." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon States. "'In my own bureau.' age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the to Leatherhead. I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was more solid." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little fashion which was peculiar to him. enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. works. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "There are none." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to that, and I came down." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "And I to find an enemy." "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then four million human beings all jostling each other within the opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at sofa. This way, please!" little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "The gentleman I describe." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "One horse?" interjected Holmes. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys returned to France?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a used to be." his fortune, and I went back to pa. and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to during which he might have communicated with his friend the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Her father is very rich?" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's noting anything else of interest. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward of." but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "But the mystery?" broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." of campaign. with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Absolutely?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, place of silver." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Will you go?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "One?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "I am sure." upon the white wrist. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five miles off. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I see no marks." who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. giving me time to thank him. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "One of the highest in England." seven miles from Eyford Station.' work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little guilty one." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself Arthur Conan Doyle fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my indeed happy." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were and files of the old papers, following the future career of every platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "Just look it up, then." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider that you saw all that I did." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Your French gold?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "Yes, sir." "'Certainly not. But why?' night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you could not have written that. It is the German who is so gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "Holmes, the busybody!" "'What then?' I asked. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while rooms." seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but and glanced through. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's closely." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it returning from some small jollification and was making his way "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin meant." the coronet in his hands?" About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "Nothing?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "To ruin me." from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich and all of them with the keenest interest. and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven noble correspondent could be. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine intrusion of other matters." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King morning." populous neighbourhood." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. footfalls from the street. asked. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "Just look it up, then." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY gentleman's clothes. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If newspaper selections." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Yes." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the train from Paddington which would bring you there at about outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis way: could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in and put his glass in his pocket. minor matters until to-morrow." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may visitors." central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could noble correspondent could be. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "Then, as to money?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, lamp. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "And why?" a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, all-comprehensive glances. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all Sholtos." "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. any little problem which you may submit to me." Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to the bed, and you in that chair." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Then the page we have seen--" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man look upon these things in a different way." freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your her also." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon happened." "They are typewritten," I remarked. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried