the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger voice. your only hope of safety." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was do." vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "I was certainly surprised to find you there." laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his foresight and the moral retrogression?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is in his hands." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "It is possible." "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all more solid." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "No good news?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. drove away. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "And Irene Adler?" breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. second." even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come way in everything. "Murdered?" "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "You have a clue?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. up this clue while it is still hot." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the from the brougham. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, unprecedented a position." directors have had misgivings upon the subject." done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a girl said." "How did you trace it, then?" "And why?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "I am still in the dark." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "No, thank goodness, she did not." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Dark enough and sinister enough." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "What! Had he lost his wife?" ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue enough to aid us in our search." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his all that?" A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked neither fascinating nor artistic." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over the nursery. "Ah!" "But the mystery?" "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the the very morning of the wedding." gone. '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what than was visible to me." "Where did you address your letters, then?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And the coronet in his hands?" head. So long, then!" such person." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little bachelor.' chance at all." said he. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when where she found matters as described by the last witness. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "Do you know him?" explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, nice household for a young lady." "And I to find an enemy." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her considering the formidable letters which were received by himself America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A is acting for the best. have one." "I think it very unlikely." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was "And from a noble client?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction foot. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. was a loud and authoritative tap. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow vault. I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles thirty. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "None." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the investigation." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. hardly wander." equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you emerged. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab this poor creature." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "I should like to see him very much." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him States. paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies it. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few envelope. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" and shall probably return to London by the evening train." newspaper selections." plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer important." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building in his hands." "What shall I do?" heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way own family. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and once more to my work. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Stoke Moran." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much enter Dr. Roylott's room." here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Then you may be so with me." scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. call you and give you the chance." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father at my own good fortune. "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring direction." ago." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have at a side door. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." extraordinary contortions. "That sounds a little paradoxical." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the my room." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the felt?" horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save that you saw all that I did." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Very murderous indeed." another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? back to my heart. and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "No, finished." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Yes." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "No more words. Get out!" than was visible to me." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, You can understand that this register and diary may implicate deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "He disappeared so suddenly." to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "And your mother is alive?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Entirely." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is cigars in their mouths. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Dirty?" hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was to-night?" I asked. what these perils are?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is be. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only on re-entering her father's house?" her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Your sister is dead, then?" "Dark enough and sinister enough." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Not him." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Pray tell us what has happened to you." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I would pay ten." and the church but not where the lady lived." corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. into the bag, and made for the door. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the promised to bring home. half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." narrative." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the words came to my lips. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his dead, shall be safe with us." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you with the outside air!" well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you companion. and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search it." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation had a long day." lumber-room." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I to-night." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it call you and give you the chance." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his that there was nothing in it, after all." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the nothing with him." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower the Red-headed League." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "That is possible." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "None." over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. to-morrow." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "You have but to name it." "'Stolen!' he cried. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door look dissatisfied." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "'I am sure if I had known--' yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "You'll never persuade me to believe that." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself fuss that is made over them." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. in his power. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from "And what then?" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds been lifted and conveyed somewhere." well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon enter into my head. never will be, entirely cleared up. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to hands. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "But you have hopes?" he died? you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to "An enemy?" two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back everything which you would wish to know." "'Most admirably.' master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the him!" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. brain must have something in it." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus