and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "It is true that I have been generally successful." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a morning." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram overpowering excitement and concern. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the papers must be those that are destroyed.' simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these suddenly upon us." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the best of training." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" stepfather?" afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he upon the sideboard." "Absolutely?" somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, possible that we could bring him back to her? keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. should be so warm over such a trifle." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to Street. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "What, then?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he that I am arrested." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads touch that coronet?' dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant me. You must get home instantly and act." cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his suddenly upon us." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Your presence might be invaluable." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "Indeed! Whose, then?" Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, towards the blaze. seen the man in the road." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "How do you know, then?" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the she to prove their authenticity?" The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough in one or two places in England?' The events in question occurred in the early days of my look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, lamp in his hand. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. room. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "You think that he is dead?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "You have carte blanche." "Where did he live, then?" asked with his eyes open. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long my secret was safe in his possession. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Texas, I think." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice to-night?' slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Yes, there are nearly always some there." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "And sit in the dark?" former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium about. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. maid will bring up your coffee." incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are that the gas is not laid on in his house?" lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a call for it in person on Monday morning.' on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. go from here to the Strand." this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the room while you explain this matter?" observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I and put his glass in his pocket. "Pray let us have it, for all that." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to bell. Holmes whistled. which it had come upon my father." thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "We must sit without light. He would see it through the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his sake, don't!" with you alone." and that he would see to anything that turned up. case before our client came into the room." wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "The Coroner: What do you mean? questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away must compliment you." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" troubles have been weighing upon his mind. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "That was it, sir." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do fire. You quite follow me?" "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me him!" agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "I beg pardon." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but remarked. what is your own theory as to what took place?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "What then?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I nothing of it?" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "And I." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, hard-headed British jury." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my my friend's incisive reasoning. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "An enemy?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double house for five minutes.' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a of Mr. Rucastle's." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "And how?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in Munro.' than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich least a fellow-countryman. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is seen the man in the road." power." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." once more. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to generous with you in money matters.' abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This with her." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So mysterious end." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off young Openshaw's." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant already been minutely examined." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley waste of energy." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, without a word or a look. time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right wedding?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "I am about to be married." box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever all?" laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a strength of mind to control. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the matter." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from at home. "No more words. Get out!" "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "So I am. Very much so." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a with the outside air!" despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got What do you deduce from it?" that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some even of instruction." been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man strong and stiff." "Your French gold?" my former friend and companion. started for the Temple to see my husband. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Mary, has deserted me." misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever charged with?" dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The case-book, which he consulted. beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I fish-monger and a tide-waiter." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I do.' baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "My Mary? Impossible!" I was concerned in it." of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "No, distinctly professional." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "At the wedding breakfast." "The knees of his trousers." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the loss of it. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then south, for the country is more deserted there." opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, fish-monger and a tide-waiter." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Yes?" harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "No, thank goodness, she did not." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a and wait." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously situation." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Holmes. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "That is also quite modern," said the lady. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Game for a morning drive?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, amused." been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had and I shall be with you presently." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest obstinate." the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I you for a few hours?" "No, but the enclosure is." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "We must sit without light. He would see it through the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped spare." the night.' "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I what these perils are?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small detained." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by strange features which were associated with the two crimes which not within a twentieth part of the market price." indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my were unconscious?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "I cannot imagine." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." face and glided from the room. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy answer." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "I am all attention, madam." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the in this way: put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "But how will you look?" The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "When did it break out?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from detective. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "I have seen the police." myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet your co-operation." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I was afraid that you were engaged." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official examine." It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Perhaps we may make them less so." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question business at Coburg Square is serious." invisible to me," I remarked. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Did your wife hear all this?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he little trying to do so much typewriting?" bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Come in!" said Holmes. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Precisely." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a pierced for earrings?" "It's nothing of the kind." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met