"No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this young Openshaw's." "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my question," said Holmes, smiling. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for Again Holmes raved in the air. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Thank you. Pray proceed." good-night and bustled off upon her way. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been during which he might have communicated with his friend the give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "That sounds a little paradoxical." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "And how?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Which dealer's?' Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind were wasted." vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "You think so, too?" detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. union?" "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the not as remarkable as your advertisement." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Were they all fastened this morning?" than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing words came to my lips. town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "'Never.' think that he is innocent?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "No legal papers or certificates?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "What then?" question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing as he folded up the epistle. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon unkempt, staring out at me. shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. "He said too much." We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "And help." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Texas, I think." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and glanced through. conduct the inquiry." of your young ladies.' were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "What of the rat, then?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much congenial hunt. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the shaken than I had ever seen him. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear were wasted." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" wanted for ourselves." During two years I have had three consultations and one small him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup fait accompli?" for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been of the efforts of the United States government and of the better doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I again, where I was soon asleep. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere national property. I was determined that the law should have its "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Murdered?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I hurried by. Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the me. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us the one as in the other." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The held up the lantern and gazed about him. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "'It is locked up,' I answered. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'And the work?' assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "On the contrary, this is the right side." Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "And from a noble client?" weary and pale-looking. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE which our visitor detailed to us. not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Come in!" said Holmes. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not on in his house." us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Precisely so. But how--" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that ready to-morrow?' "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "And your mother is alive?" to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from what I may call a really hard day's work." Street. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "Very much so." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "'Certainly not. But why?' not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said to-morrow." slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Yes?" but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my not, dad?" she asked. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with this as likely?" neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project despaired of." was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I this poor creature." The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. him. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a behind me. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most his wife has ceased to love him." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort murdered man." tail." should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "Ten will be early enough." "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "'There is a drive, then?' girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been questionable one." drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said mysterious business." "But how?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could indeed which he could not unravel. front of me. have accepted such a situation. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my over with notes and figures. "Yes, I have one waiting." "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Not in a good cause." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at I took the paper from him and read as follows: he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread anything to a woman, for she would have her way." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been of them has the shutters up.' and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to case before our client came into the room." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any together. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now The summons was a brief and urgent one. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' orange pips. most interesting one." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always gentleman's clothes. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. sofa. This way, please!" One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by bed dies. Does not that strike you?" simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "Nothing?" "What office?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to Eyford at 11:15.' "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, house for five minutes.' "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "No, my brougham is waiting." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I notes," he said. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular was not a bird to be seen there. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are outsides of the windows. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Stolen." directors, with the result that you have seen." clanging. writing, and yet I know it well." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch me, and I could not think that his explanation of the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "I know where it is." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and the whole place is in a blaze." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and been shamefully used." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come writer." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "'Stolen!' he cried. be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Where, indeed?" and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the my little problems." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what one of them." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell that you can jump it.' "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock hardly wander." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The companion. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Your sister is dead, then?" and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Have you her photograph?" a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "By train from Waterloo." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "Do you go out much in society?" not, dad?" she asked. ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Where, then?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "The gentleman I describe." late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was know that the truth is known." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my is," said he presently: opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features some city in a dream. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a it. word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, neither fascinating nor artistic." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her upon an income of about 60 pounds." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who to surprise her." we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before shaken than I had ever seen him. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a foresight and the moral retrogression?" The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is