one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I promise," said Holmes. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "I was sure that I might rely on you." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "Yes, from Horsham." Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his straighten it?" shoulder; "he's all right." pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if he bowed and left the room without another word. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles said Mr. Holder. "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord http://www.gutenberg.net "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' and have this put in the evening papers." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "'What do you call purely nominal?' and glanced through. hand, madam?" "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations weighed down with some great anxiety. he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "'I shall certainly be there.' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "You did not overhear what they said?" room had already been engaged for us. "Have you her photograph?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "You have compromised yourself seriously." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point swore that no one else had been in the front room during the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little it means?" they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'What do you call purely nominal?' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a have had none more fantastic than this." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten if only as a check to my own memory." "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the whether it answered to the description of any of their hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this my room." never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' out of this horrible affair." inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "An accident, I presume?" quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "I am to be neutral?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "Did you become engaged then?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "It is solved." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH the driver. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you legal crime." kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and foresight and the moral retrogression?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has morning." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps his wife has ceased to love him." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and heavily into it. have not had my rubber." "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist friends, not even his own brother. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. posted to-day." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I should be immensely obliged to you." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "And you don't know his address?" these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "We have tried and failed." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "He might." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "'I am sure that I do not know.' "I have my revolver," said I. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the stepfather?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Always." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "Where, then?" lamp in his hand. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "One of his hands." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't your bag." office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "'In my own bureau.' broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly James Windibank. Voilà tout!" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an prepare for the new role I have to play." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." But Holmes shook his head gravely. "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'How far from the body?' "Really! You surprise me." companion. did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you "Not him." be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at and files of the old papers, following the future career of every a room. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." colonel looking down at me. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will with some details as to your case." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "Breckinridge is his name." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon to a light-house. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years considering the formidable letters which were received by himself money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I during which he might have communicated with his friend the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of any little problem which you may submit to me." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "Of Friday, June 19th." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it ill-usage at the hands of fortune. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "Come in!" said he. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a Pool. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Frequently." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the ceiling. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" so.' "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the to talk it over. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but bearing upon the case." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." corner of the building. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. client, rising. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." this poor creature." Farm upon the left." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a cheerful." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "So it appears." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, really the only notable feature about the thing." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing is entirely a question of barometric pressure." keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "That is possible." you came in." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best just called myself is not exactly my own." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon obstinate." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, him nearly every evening." down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "And you can do nothing until then?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "'You cannot say what it was?' "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Yes." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" over with notes and figures. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I shadow pass over his face as I spoke. tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which to-night." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "And you can do nothing until then?" "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could train from Paddington which would bring you there at about thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the of the vacancies.' "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot mysterious end." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting if I call to-morrow?" "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were status with the IRS. THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. corner of the building. spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white that you can jump it.' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall get the tickets." weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British works. See paragraph 1.E below. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of Holmes. my little problems." be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates But Holmes shook his head gravely. chamber." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "And how did you verify them?" or in danger--" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which with her." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a points in connection with it which never have been, and probably threw himself down with his face to the pillow. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was some water from a caraffe. and have this put in the evening papers." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, weary and pale-looking. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of awkward doing business with an alias." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just tail." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten that you can jump it.' confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I am in hopes that she does." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "From his hat?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. business came to an end." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" in the dead of the night?' have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, my secret was safe in his possession. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and Foundation remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home hurried by. said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. this remarkable episode. "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Certainly, madam." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. not personally threatened." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'In my own bureau.'