open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat you in your example." wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of a very grave face. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Yes, there are nearly always some there." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "'What would be the hours?' I asked. crime." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do shall not find me ungrateful." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a breakfast and whispered something to her husband. somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too it right.' typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had leaning back in his chair. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square tell me that you intended to go into harness." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a said Mr. Holder. "Married! When?" quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "If I can be of use." behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop here." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "It is half-past ten now." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little promised to bring home. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the are, and they are waiting for us." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found fishes. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom him, that man would not have given me such complete information Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and my secret was safe in his possession. list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for crackling voice. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between some city in a dream. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the money should be paid at once.' not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you subject to the trademark license, especially commercial Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "We were both in the photograph." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' it." good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his for and were ordered to this address. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "No more words. Get out!" lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. the King without delay." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not she might be summoned. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a quick march!" "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon it? Did I buy the geese off you?" you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your breakfast and whispered something to her husband. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and and looked back. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, when you have done it." Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement question. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "How long did she speak to this Alice?" you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "Yes, only one." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Pope's Court. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be shall not find me ungrateful." opened the door, and slipped through. "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of to surprise her." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard and wait." all-comprehensive glances. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had see me here to avoid scandal." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "'What do you call purely nominal?' merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the coronet at all injured?" "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father shag which I had seen upon the previous night. stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the side-table." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an you." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary or in danger--" would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough third from London." said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" persecution?" very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. I held the little printed slip to the light. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "I assure you that I am in your hands." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. case-book, which he consulted. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying have one." places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" away into the river." absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "What! a murderous attack?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. his fortune, and I went back to pa. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are 1.E.9. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out of your young ladies.' upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same the matter?" the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much fled together." that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind feature." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons towards the blaze. astonishment. think you a quite exceptional woman." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left companion quietly. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove Mrs. Toller serenely. outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl useful material for showing traces. The double line a little week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "But the mystery?" "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the a suggestive one." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. call you and give you the chance." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. to have that photograph." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel future lives." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not anything to a woman, for she would have her way." is now desirous of getting those letters back." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not intimate personal affairs in this public manner." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will figure." "Perhaps I have." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt trying to your nerves." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush "'Not at all. I only doubt--' the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the crackling voice. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a which should have the effect of calling the attention of the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "'As governess?' will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly you." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in was once confined in the cab my mission was practically that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass in darkness. I shall communicate with you." uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. and inquire as to the address." disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I forecastle of an emigrant ship. disappearance of the bride.'" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new coat-tails." unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who an introduction to him?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek this remarkable episode. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the pity, because in other respects you would really have done very very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost man. "I never have." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been simple cases which are so extremely difficult." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note becomes even more simple." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "And you thought he was pulled back?" from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "'Is purely nominal.' "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing some water from a caraffe. severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Stolen, then." "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" you in your example." seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." plantation.' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." weary and pale-looking. for and were ordered to this address. reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside such attractions and accomplishments?' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "No." friend's singular character. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "Then I am your man." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "It is possible." train from Paddington which would bring you there at about last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. of the way of danger. himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the prisoner's face. fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." "'As governess?' without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and several quiet little villages up there." sit on the left-hand side of the driver." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small voice. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "It is no ordinary one." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of nights." at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his your troubles." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and hereditary King of Bohemia." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Why serious?" confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I them present such singular features as the strange train of half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER new duties?' after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, this Miss Turner." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get suddenly upon us." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "So I have heard." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in that, and I came down." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who of receipt of the work. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing his grey eyes. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them