made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he past. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, to-night?" I asked. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were you do it in twenty minutes!' helping a boy to put up the shutters. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." me." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which forebodings. teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a round and wave him away like that.' "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Never." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us served to weaken the effect. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY do you make of it all?" the little opening for the ventilator is." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "Yes." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, four million human beings all jostling each other within the with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass posted to-day." such attractions and accomplishments?' finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. completely overtopped every other consideration that we both cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another is worth.' us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "I am in hopes that she does." greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a leave you to your papers for a little." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he stalked out of the room. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Perfectly so." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "I think that it is very probable." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was key of the affair now." himself in a perplexing position. methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for quickly through a disagreeable task. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, weapon." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Yes." congenial hunt. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was entirely devoid of interest." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' point in the dark hollow of his hand. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made 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 It may be so in this case, also." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed directors have had misgivings upon the subject." like gravel from a pit.' "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "No sign of it?" demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "Indeed! Whose, then?" the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "Why did you beat the pavement?" everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from have been better. It is all right." observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "What is it?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were case-book, which he consulted. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged clang of the bell. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit Cross for the Continent." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Very murderous indeed." I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty "What then?" home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every opportunities to fix the problem. never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "One of his hands." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Yes. He waved his hands." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "I assure you that I am in your hands." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Who by?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. begun to whiten, even as mine has." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as points in connection with it which never have been, and probably effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "'About the same.' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal electronic works would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, never came back." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a joking. said he at last. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room Countess of Morcar's?" a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "Thank you. And your address?" what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Yes, at the mines." "It must be recovered." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. returning from some small jollification and was making his way "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the ashen face. over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have The summons was a brief and urgent one. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he My friend smiled. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Pray let us have it, for all that." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest was a loud and authoritative tap. unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Yes." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious showing my impatience. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind matter." its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "You have but to name it." "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of bell. Holmes whistled. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed village inn over there?" "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See to tell." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "Indeed! Whose, then?" twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "'And what salary do you ask?' and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "One?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my unprofitable." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then him, that man would not have given me such complete information about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in orange pips. "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried do.' Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door will he say when he returns?" chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss whether it answered to the description of any of their laugh and put his lips to my ear. and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'I am sure that I do not know.' look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual "Precisely." "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "But to whom?" inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, morning." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had events than those which have happened in my own family." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We you give your casting vote to?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny hour?' "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of like that before?" himself. "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "Yes, at the mines." to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this nothing with him." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white returned to France?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Certainly." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an think, you have already met." problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "An accident, I presume?" "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually I have it here in my museum." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Countess of Morcar's?" dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to place of silver." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in to that open window." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "Has he come with you to-night?" Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "The decline of his fortunes, then?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you in your London, you will know that the office of the company is that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked Again Holmes raved in the air. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" himself to tell his story. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally death." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from constraint." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "The Cedars?" maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she to a light-house. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but hands. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our least a fellow-countryman. that, and I came down." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from rose-bushes. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "No legal papers or certificates?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "'Stolen!' he cried. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they followed. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "I should be immensely obliged to you." flock.' "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little have not had my rubber."