"As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as matter over." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was knowledge of the world." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in the coronet in his hands?" money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Seven!" I answered. "It is no ordinary one." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "What! a murderous attack?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you could go. certainly not very gracious." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Your sister is dead, then?" loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Watson," he said cordially. enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Very. But will he see it?" presented more singular features than that which was associated I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as himself. him nearly every evening." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless some mystery and the punishment of some crime." suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most during that time.' some place of shelter and let the county police know what has saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of is a common subject for conversation. "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they advice." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "How many? I don't know." "In what way?" asked Holmes. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "At what time?" We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "It is possible." Serpentine Avenue. which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true little adventures." "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and "No." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "None." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will I nodded again. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, Leadenhall Street--and--" think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with he. the little opening for the ventilator is." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "My photograph." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the running down." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been you do it in twenty minutes!' are, I think, all that we need." "It is a murder, then?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "Do you receive much company?" he asked. at my own good fortune. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong character. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the during that time.' down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. face and glided from the room. shoulder; "he's all right." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard have one." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has that I can to serve you." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "How did you deduce the select?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "You heard nothing yourself last night?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief problems help me to do so." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this new acquaintance to Baker Street. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. true." crackling voice. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I electronic works should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "The murder was done with it." "My dear Holmes!" God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "At half-wages, in fact." unprofitable." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be thought that she would have been so carried away." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." late." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak read it out to me." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must "Oh, fresh and glossy." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. forehead. annoyance, but no jest. go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "Very well, sir. And this stone?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "'What, the red-headed man?' best detective that ever lived. "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the open." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "My dear Holmes!" until night should bring an explanation. "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further woman." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the coronet at all injured?" "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "And your father? Did you tell him?" of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised Clair, of Lee." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "And how?" "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "'Entirely.' see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "Why, it's a dummy," said he. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up examination of the premises, but without finding anything which suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the seen the man in the road." following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a troubles have been weighing upon his mind. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety of them has the shutters up.' received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, tell him that I know him to be innocent." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "And sit in the dark?" the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I see no marks." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "At what time?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "In which, sir?" leaning back in his chair. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a British peeress.'" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your populous neighbourhood." "You have but to name it." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told read it out to me." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I "I think that I had better go, Holmes." one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never wanted for ourselves." Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the strength of mind to control. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "On your arm?" the dangers which encompass me." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "'There is a drive, then?' the south-west, I see." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few would apply.' "I cannot tell." anything to do with the matter?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I in this way: "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." fattened it expressly for you.' George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation relief. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. your bag." have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the Assizes." clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Ample." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came in him." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "In which, sir?" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a States. "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting of the efforts of the United States government and of the better dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it the bottom.' error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad yards of it?' whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an prisoner's face. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora strength of mind to control. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "So I have heard." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY impression behind it as though a window had gently closed going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "I cannot tell." you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me would apply.' adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I me, and I could not think that his explanation of the Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, since then to throw any light upon what became of him." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a examine." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock completely overtopped every other consideration that we both of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, I leave." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere shaken than I had ever seen him. ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I into the room. shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, directors have had misgivings upon the subject." Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as hour." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you place of silver." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the invisible to me," I remarked. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It legal crime." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our companion. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though whole matter to your consideration." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "What! Had he lost his wife?" about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about will find little credit to be gained out of this case." as this. Pray let me have the details." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very that I am arrested." the King without delay." plantation.' This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." been deceived." fluttered off among the others. to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, to me. here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." such attractions and accomplishments?' "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a there has been an enclosure here!" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should advice." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a of Mr. Rucastle's." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon