"I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "I have solved it." any little problem which you may submit to me." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I were wasted." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled them present such singular features as the strange train of His smile broadened. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "You horrify me." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "My opinion is in no way altered." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "The landlord of the Alpha." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first to arrive at through this?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the families. Now for the facts. "That is unusual in a young girl." "Yes, from Horsham." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of something of him before." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his existence." straightened it out again. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you during the last few years, and there are many noble families to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I sofa. This way, please!" will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one of this gang." the matter." seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" followed. "'Yes.' The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, the morning and make my own way in the world.' have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "My dear Holmes!" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. I think that I could be of assistance to you." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an unprofitable." "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand true." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of is four-and-twenty." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of chance at all." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his "Did you become engaged then?" London for the present?" "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips your troubles." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more some water from a caraffe. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our country, and eventually married, without anyone having a Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "You were travelling in the States?" to tackle the facts." suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the fait accompli?" train.' upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." neither fascinating nor artistic." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on it. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Dirty?" look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my one which it was hard to resist. blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "An enemy?" address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, wall." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. married her." "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." sufficient punishment." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "And help." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "'I have already given you my word.' "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" again on its way. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and prison!" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "An accident, I presume?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." again on its way. once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "What will you say?" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan she to prove their authenticity?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily head. So long, then!" "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of married her." for and were ordered to this address. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw kind enough to tell me what I should do." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "'Is 4 pounds a week.' keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Murdered?" lost his Christmas dinner." key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling conclusions. my room." the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is a suggestive one." leave you to your papers for a little." vanished into the darkness. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Bought." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked "Not I." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "It is his hat." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "She will not sell." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which better in every way that they should make their position a little everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. "And how have you succeeded?" 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged prisoner's face. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin me what he had done with the three missing stones. their singular warning or token before them when starting upon no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and absorbing." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the must be when I saw the door open.' "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "What is it?" trifles." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to have one." "'Then let me do so?' weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the forehead. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his salesman. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came question," said Holmes, smiling. protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed legal crime." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not for securing the situation." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" any little problem which you may submit to me." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager to some other building. have been better. It is all right." "You have the photograph?" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "Not him." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and tear off another piece?' of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, the little opening for the ventilator is." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have weighed down with some great anxiety. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Pray be precise as to details," said he. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was McCarthy's innocence. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "But the mystery?" "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman best detective that ever lived. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" beg that you will break it off." cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying his huge brown hands. "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" and the colonel ushered me in. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Do you know him?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Pray let us have it, for all that." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure down from London to inquire more deeply into it." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business ventilator." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." ago." rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "'What would be the hours?' I asked. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the "Proceed, then." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be indiscretion." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "I was sure that I might rely on you." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards possible that we could bring him back to her? "Why did you pick him?" companion imperturbably. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." felt?" not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" rose-bushes. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your daring than any effort of the imagination." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be a very grave face. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." to-night?" I asked. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I don't believe it." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "They are typewritten," I remarked. their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is that upon an income of about 60 pounds." throat." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his at home. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Not social, then?" from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Yes." promised to bring home. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months But Holmes shook his head gravely. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that call for protection in the marriage market, for the present front of me. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" sparkled upon his finger. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming tail." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Did you become engaged then?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the armchair which I pushed forward for him. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years go back?" as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the even of instruction." Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have to you." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "Well, some hundreds of times." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. what I may call a really hard day's work." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "Yes, they were peculiar boots." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to public press." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could intrusion of other matters." "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her prison!" been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered