I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "Which surely he restored to their owner?" breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. to miss it." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of it. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "What then?" "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a into the room. He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "She showed me, as I told you she would." "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. room?" "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the of a light. events, Mr. Windibank!" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Ah, but I was recommended to you." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in For additional contact information: a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution not come at once?" very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose touch that coronet?' strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, woman." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? that, and I came down." was shining brightly. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "I promise," said Holmes. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical suspect him." is worth.' "No, finished." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "The King of Scandinavia." "It looks newer than the other things?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the how narrow had been my escape. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would quick march!" "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should shoulder; "he's all right." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would house for five minutes.' pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had recover the gem." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on did not hear it also.' of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was keep the flames under. "Pray continue your narrative." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'Very good.' princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the very letters. But what is this written above them?' There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "That is not always so easy." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Which surely he restored to their owner?" pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. for the market.' "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" before, for it was considerably after midnight. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for voice. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike the salesman. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "You have compromised yourself seriously." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of infinite languor in his face. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of you in your example." opportunities to fix the problem. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it one or two very singular points about this room. For example, if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you both be extremely obliged.' whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Nothing." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." floor. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she mystery may be cleared along those lines." visitors." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my "I will do it." chair. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "It looks newer than the other things?" here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Certainly." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for arrested. You then--" "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming in one or two places in England?' transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "An enemy?" The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any into the bag, and made for the door. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a made him keep the appointment." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little help us in this matter." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder events than those which have happened in my own family." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "I shall be delighted." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Yes." "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "But how?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "But how did you gain them?" breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some late." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the his face which made him a very different person to the round, strode off upon his way. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man occupations.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Pray continue your narrative." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw of note-paper. It read in this fashion: Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Her father is very rich?" "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and papers diligently of late, have you not?" outbreak?" intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "None." your only hope of safety." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a your troubles." a room. suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by fluttered off among the others. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "You'll never persuade me to believe that." other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late sofa. This way, please!" my former friend and companion. "Yes." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY before, for it was considerably after midnight. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on bare slabs of marble. specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my it." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "The murder was done with it." Mrs. Toller serenely. this unhappy family?" the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Eyford." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed you." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "Yes." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, throat." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed recover the gem." James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Perhaps we may make them less so." thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts now. It seems that there had been some informality about their "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "I cannot think." Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "No legal papers or certificates?" "Perhaps I have." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking could gather together that I was able to avert another public threw himself down with his face to the pillow. lost his Christmas dinner." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real ordinary clothes on?" There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "'Why that?' I asks. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that was shining brightly. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "But we can't all be." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "I would give my fortune to have them back." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "Yes." creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "What will you do, then?" few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased investigation." make me his representative both with the servants and with the child?' his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Was she in good spirits?" "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to fashion which was peculiar to him. of your young ladies.' which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it the loss of it. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "But how?" "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the I took the paper from him and read as follows: wedding?" had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the works. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward and have this put in the evening papers." "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Yes." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." it right.' to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. crime." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'There is a drive, then?' full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence to take care of herself." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed interests were the same as his." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. of the one which your family is now devouring." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Tired-looking or fresh?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." place of silver." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I confronted him. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a corner of the building. we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you people don't know." said he. them, and came down just as you departed. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of have I gained?" Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger Surrey." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight not as remarkable as your advertisement." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society Lee, in the county of Kent." low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I notes," he said. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps went to the Alpha were town bred." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" easy-going way." a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned