together. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have strength of mind to control. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than bore every mark of being an average commonplace British "And help." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "I shall be delighted." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that right! Sit down and let us talk it over." his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some hardly wander." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "At what time?" course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Does that suggest anything?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "What will you do, then?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I DISSOLVED. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "The knees of his trousers." "Certainly." for securing the situation." "An enemy?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley present." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' derbies." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a distance from the station, and there we found the young lady imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Stolen." "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very his eyes and forehead. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my hardly wander." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some maiden herself was most instructive." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable tightly behind him. jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'You cannot say what it was?' "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds man. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." your sleep?' given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Oh, yes, easily." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "The King of Scandinavia." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'Yes, sir.' "Very well, sir. And this stone?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. I shall communicate with you." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "How did you trace it, then?" "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "What shall I do?" the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "By all means." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be strength." including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "No." at my remark. McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, companion. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Never to return." residence of the great financier. skylight. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the it." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or congratulate you again." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty least a most suspicious remark." child?' hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose beg that you will break it off." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle think, you have already met." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, outsides of the windows. whether it answered to the description of any of their "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "I am to be neutral?" nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Ah, but I was recommended to you." out of this horrible affair." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I say it is." "Not social, then?" arrested. You then--" ready to-morrow?' sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square against a man in the prime of life?" she might be summoned. "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird remarked. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "But you were on a friendly footing?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. only touch the interest." collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fat-encircled eyes. "Yes." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. what do you think they found in the pockets?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "I will get her to show me." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. is," said he presently: man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which business in the City. She little knew what. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Always." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the Holmes' thin, eager face. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, hardly wander." "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "'You cannot say what it was?' letters?" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Precisely." "'Yes, sir.' are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" and I shall be with you presently." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks telegram would bring me down to your help." states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very business at Coburg Square is serious." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "Yes." the King without delay." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when appeal." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in chance at all." unprofitable." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. of receipt of the work. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very passage and a tap at the door. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still maiden herself was most instructive." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "But I am all in the dark." Pope's Court. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I American. Then who could this American be, and why should he and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few back to my heart. work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door closely." twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Did your wife hear all this?" ventilator." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "How many? I don't know." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands not within a twentieth part of the market price." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help noble correspondent could be. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw there." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain this truth that in these little records of our cases which you points to suicide?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" late!' weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "At half-wages, in fact." "You horrify me." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was before the coroner and the police-court." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he Lee, in the county of Kent." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." off." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To golden eyeglasses. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a deduce something from that?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There three of the beryls in it, was missing. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Won't it ring?" stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "That is it on the dressing-table." end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of eat it." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "Seven!" I answered. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Do you receive much company?" he asked. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent posted to-day." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in a suggestive one." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, dates and names. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "'Ample.' "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her "And what did you learn from him?" sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off could not account in any way for the presence of the missing a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as even so self-evident a thing as that." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, was already answered. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a some water from a caraffe. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I memory. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "And how did he make his money?" business in the City. She little knew what. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are made him keep the appointment." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, foresight and the moral retrogression?" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which ways of our fellow-men." strong reason behind." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an very morning of my second wedding." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE "If I can be of use." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "We must sit without light. He would see it through the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and do.' he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the believe that I should never have any practice at all. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official envelope. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a salesman. me where it went to?" and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "We must sit without light. He would see it through the of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to questionable one." and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not conduct the inquiry." instincts rose up against that laugh. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Were they all fastened this morning?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make following enigmatical notices: shall use the carriage to-night." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would in the hope of finding them." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Cross for the Continent." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with