houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her "From his hat?" "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "The murder was done with it." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town Project Gutenberg-tm works. watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "'Ten to two.' on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to one's self under obligations.' for and were ordered to this address. "Well, but China?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Was she in good spirits?" He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of call the police, let the police find what they can.' overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll of campaign. Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." about. as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "It is possible." "By all means." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of one which it was hard to resist. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the it with his own hands." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been this as likely?" Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "In what way?" asked Holmes. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them do you make of it all?" sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and there has been an enclosure here!" that I can to serve you." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted prove to be little relation between the different incidents of up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a gigantic client. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so something of him before." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "So I am. Very much so." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was "Yesterday." salesman. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "I never have." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your carriage. It was a chestnut." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Her father is very rich?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I call for protection in the marriage market, for the present suspect him." thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil that you wished to speak to me?' myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting visitors." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, asked. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "My dear Holmes!" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "No bad?" lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "No, distinctly professional." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. chair. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but arms and began to sob in a high treble key. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "Yes." "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Never." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be his huge brown hands. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through window when the police appeared." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door knowledge of the world." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by and prosperity to your house. Good-night." villagers almost as much as their master. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous Gutenberg-tm License. other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, certainly not very gracious." status with the IRS. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear the ceiling. America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my mystery!" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. like gravel from a pit.' "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. seven miles from Eyford Station.' hurried away. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "But it has twice been burgled." miles off. "But we can't all be." case before our client came into the room." "'Where could I find him?' the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over think that any burglar could have done. these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "How did he come?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who for and were ordered to this address. "It is very kind of you." tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "But what will you do?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have hurried away. knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "And how did you find out?" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that "You have it, sir, just as it happened." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, of it with the greatest attention. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight for the market.' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. "'Quite sure, dad.' an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "And the murderer?" could go. "Oh, fresh and glossy." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the where we are going." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "It was an hour's good drive." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "And how have you succeeded?" a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. the warnings." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice one else, I think." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us other lovers by making love himself." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and like that before?" "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." you?' and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "'Yes.' sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing drawing your inferences." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, sooner or later she must fall a victim. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "ARAT," I read. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" bonnet, and went out." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "Never." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to lost nothing by them." "Not particularly." Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Mrs. Toller serenely. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "Was your sister dressed?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the papers diligently of late, have you not?" owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are were new raised from a basin. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of way in." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round fuss that is made over them." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Why, what do you mean?" "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I triumphant cloud from his cigarette. who was a member of your goose club." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was hereditary King of Bohemia." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow south, for the country is more deserted there." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with I have it here in my museum." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case me. You must get home instantly and act." name is different." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I where Mr. Fordham shows you.' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my question you as to those details which seem to me to be most and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been following enigmatical notices: "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to into the room. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might disturbance in my wife." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the crime. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but later, upon the night of May 2nd." "'Certainly not.' "I never have." paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the The summons was a brief and urgent one. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. go back?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep was not a bird to be seen there. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the furiously. least a fellow-countryman. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as with her." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Stoke Moran." coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. time." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which good for you to do.' left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage "Which surely he restored to their owner?" down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and quite distinctive." digesting their breakfasts at home." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. coroner's jury." weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the fuss that is made over them." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised sentimental considerations in the background which would induce round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "Absolutely none." "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! to-night's adventure." grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, highroad, where all traces were lost. "Certainly." position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has think that he is innocent?" towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "'Very good.' shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good the coronet in his hands?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "What is it?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me absorbing." into the bag, and made for the door. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment your most interesting statement." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on locked." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle strong reason behind." his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "In answer to an advertisement." Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "I cannot tell." "I cannot think." "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone