desk. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I don't say that. Perhaps." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "I saw her in conversation with her maid." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Then, how do you know?" short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the upon a handsome competence. politicians who had been sent down from the North. Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "By no means." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it rooms." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who hardly wander." eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point a room. several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too Sutherland. nonsense.' "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it of campaign. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you "Oh, fresh and glossy." The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "And your father? Did you tell him?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall his face which made him a very different person to the round, "And you can do nothing until then?" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, again on its way. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "You don't mind breaking the law?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man all?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "Texas, I think." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, thin legs towards the fire. http://gutenberg.net/license). "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "'Entirely.' despaired of." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "That also I could fathom." o'clock is it?" dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, province." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, where we are going." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie became a certainty. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. I have it here in my museum." "We must have a cab." "You have it, sir, just as it happened." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's neither fascinating nor artistic." "You have but to name it." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." which we had just quitted. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "Why, what do you mean?" "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "'Not at all. I only doubt--' me." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a in him." of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case laugh and put his lips to my ear. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Why? What do you mean?" than was visible to me." "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "Then what has happened to him?" "What?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the done what I asked you, Jones?" refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we it means?" ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared know what is wrong with it.' Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "'Is purely nominal.' the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon your room." "'Quite sure, dad.' instincts rose up against that laugh. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that returned to France?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached dates and names. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat used to be." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "And you can do nothing until then?" "He said too much." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of of receipt of the work. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab coat-tails." "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "What is it, then--a fire?" infinite languor in his face. "Not social, then?" situation." "What!" he roared. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the his fortune, and I went back to pa. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who I approached. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "I was afraid that you were engaged." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "I will get her to show me." "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. strong and stiff." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally had picked up in the wood. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in awkward doing business with an alias." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." situation." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell was not a bird to be seen there. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" Farm upon the left." His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips I nodded to show that I had heard. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." round and wave him away like that.' dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." said I. beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and brought there to personate someone, and the real person is it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice threw himself down with his face to the pillow. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Pray tell us what has happened to you." that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "Very murderous indeed." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had my special province." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double your Highness to the police-station?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a it were putty." followed. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of this remarkable episode. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger call for protection in the marriage market, for the present We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "Have you it here?" "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a of this gang." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an presented more singular features than that which was associated the child." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one again before evening." "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" or other trace. But how on earth--" wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates nothing of it?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned Stoke Moran." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Awake, Watson?" he asked. and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. I shall communicate with you." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "Entirely." used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately bears upon the case?" gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a works. See paragraph 1.E below. yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and hard-headed British jury." the roots. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." humiliation." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Where did he live, then?" cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "I should like to see him very much." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, in his power. sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of the matter?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple what do you think they found in the pockets?" o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "Did your wife hear all this?" the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to success. "Did you observe the colour?" that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, "Game for a morning drive?" Holmes' face clouded over. the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Nor running a chance of arrest?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "BALLARAT." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house the bed, and you in that chair." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective them, and came down just as you departed. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. of Mr. Rucastle's." as he remarks, very much against the son." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "You have but to name it." "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public upon a handsome competence. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his brain must have something in it." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the you." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on for the market.' of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "What office?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were habit of advancing money.' Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell your co-operation." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin had formerly been in part my own. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I her also." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait was feeling which was the fattest.' "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "'And the work?' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "No." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the them present such singular features as the strange train of of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. gbnewby@pglaf.org "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. gone before you can get him to hospital." miles off. one of the states of the Union." woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it the dangers which encompass me." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "'Certainly not. But why?' The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "And leave your case unfinished?" extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade as this. Pray let me have the details." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "He said too much." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Tired-looking or fresh?" again on its way. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "I assure you that I am in your hands." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "To an end?" the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At