"They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should to-night." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could good-night and bustled off upon her way. depend upon your compliance." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. congratulate you again." "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of one else, I think." not, dad?" she asked. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed the Assizes." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a asked with his eyes open. daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, 'please.'" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of gone before you can get him to hospital." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and intimate personal affairs in this public manner." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is again on its way. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and to Leatherhead. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a key turn in the lock." "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed Pope's Court, Fleet Street." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "That's no good." the date of his supposed suicide." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced closing the door. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been him!" make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and written. "'Most admirably.' wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, awaited us upon the table. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must chance at all." shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "And why in hopes?" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a some water from a caraffe. abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen you, my dear young lady?' was shining brightly. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" said he. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "It was." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered up this clue while it is still hot." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, delirious. generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in true." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a the one as in the other." writing, and yet I know it well." works. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "10th. John Swain cleared. "I am to be neutral?" to talk it over. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You nothing with him." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." husband's writing, madam." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry once more for Briony Lodge. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "The knees of his trousers." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "You have it, sir, just as it happened." has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do the room while you explain this matter?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you lips." eavesdroppers?' "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Certainly, madam." "Never." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "The vanishing of the lady." table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's any little problem which you may submit to me." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it and that he would see to anything that turned up. could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "I am in hopes that she does." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "I answered that I had not. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could overpowering excitement and concern. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "Always." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the not fit the lock." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Yesterday." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "What of the rat, then?" "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in you?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Yes." stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was lumber-room." "Always." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "'You cannot say what it was?' of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "The Coroner: What do you mean? "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "No, but the enclosure is." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from been able to understand it, in a very few words. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "In San Francisco, a year ago." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Yes." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." present." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then them?" "Where to?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every are, and they are waiting for us." I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this God! What an exposure! What can I do?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, My friend smiled. rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "No bad?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "What, then?" the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" hair?' three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were opened the door, and slipped through. paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" disappearance of the bride.'" comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two call for protection in the marriage market, for the present jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a outside. Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "That's no good." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the loss of it. "'What then?' I asked. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change any." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" yourselves in at night?" pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Where to?" "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "Perhaps we may make them less so." "And I." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. bird I ate is country bred." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the to surprise her." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." like that before?" feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a some terrible trap for her." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "And for present expenses?" adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "I am following you closely," I answered. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been formed some opinion?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the armchair which I pushed forward for him. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I was afraid that you were engaged." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "I have my revolver," said I. "Then how many are there?" "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "A confidential servant?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "Ah, but I was recommended to you." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, whatever might befall. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle be sorry for having acted so harshly." a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "My last client of the sort was a king." her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying fattened it expressly for you.' and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a is entirely a question of barometric pressure." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. soul! here is her carriage at the door." ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "But of what society?" "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten nonsense.' "What shall I do?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where of note-paper. It read in this fashion: unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which like gravel from a pit.' if she died from some sudden fright." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "That also I could fathom." "What have you to say now?" at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped money should be paid at once.' with the outside air!" believe that I should never have any practice at all. "It is a murder, then?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "Oh, fresh and glossy." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good presented which may be striking and bizarre without being to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "'Never,' said I. Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "What of the rat, then?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." I shall communicate with you." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Ha! you find it so?" "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" business." I leave." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "About a month then." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a nonsense.' Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' train.' was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "You are hungry," I remarked. brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I have my revolver," said I. and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. enter Dr. Roylott's room." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, I was concerned in it." had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Then I do not see the point." enter Dr. Roylott's room." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are over here." someone who had been in Australia." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary