me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind allusion to a rat. arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. me. You must get home instantly and act." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in I think that I could be of assistance to you." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'I am sure if I had known--' possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of experiences." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "The vanishing of the lady." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had in him." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But congratulate you again." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "So I am. Very much so." SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Yes." was a perfect sample of the class. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Is he quiet?" money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for child?' sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "It certainly sounds feasible." most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "You did not overhear what they said?" carriage. It was a chestnut." "'Yes, sir.' side. then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and fatally injured? about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "Her father is very rich?" however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "And that is--" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to examination of the premises, but without finding anything which sentimental considerations in the background which would induce consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to she might be summoned. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" floor. "What! You do not mean bodies?" mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at everything which you would wish to know." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "But you would not advise me to refuse?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "'I shall certainly be there.' his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "And did you observe any change in her then?" all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four "And your father? Did you tell him?" half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Won't it ring?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did most important business. It is probable that he will be away all twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to before the coroner and the police-court." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. and glanced through. married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." key of the affair now." say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Ah, but I was recommended to you." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my indeed happy." "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "'What do you call purely nominal?' "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just and all of them with the keenest interest. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was of a light. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "Precisely." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen sparkled upon his finger. Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my him. I shall continue with my miserable story. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "I think that it is very probable." good for you to do.' entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "What can it mean?" I gasped. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "So I am. Very much so." he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might he. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which any more." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster where we are going." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "No, I am descending." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "What will you say?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Yes." Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner with you?" turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Then he might have called to you?" "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." retorted upon me, and I on you." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them straightened it out again. "I guessed as much." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid people don't know." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "One?" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you our word." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a congratulate you again." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his read it out to me." next day. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is felt?" during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with of them has the shutters up.' moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "It is no ordinary one." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the begun to whiten, even as mine has." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his second." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'Very good.' went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." and no precautions can guard against." an introduction to him?" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every strange features which were associated with the two crimes which that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not dear old homesteads?" extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he tail." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "What is it?" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Street. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. both be extremely obliged.' do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "But he might be a bachelor." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is matter." points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless "It must be recovered." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "It was an hour's good drive." the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it than was visible to me." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I arrested. You then--" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the Red-headed League." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been and no precautions can guard against." before the coroner and the police-court." the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more enough to aid us in our search." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I and shall probably return to London by the evening train." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your deduce something from that?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his quick march!" father's place of business?" been deceived." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not country, and eventually married, without anyone having a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it chill to my heart. upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either of it with the greatest attention. knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he of them has the shutters up.' don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." make me his representative both with the servants and with the word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's prove to be little relation between the different incidents of already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "What do you make of that, Watson?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the have established a very serious case against the son of the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular over his head with a sweet womanly caress. Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Yes." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in footfalls from the street. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are all?" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "'In my own bureau.' open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, closing the door. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can the general public were present, then?" was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Yes, but only for you and me." "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: business." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "In the cells." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Yes." uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Street. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "What can you not understand?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of absorbing." "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "'Entirely.' and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Dirty?" "'Certainly,' I answered. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in presented which may be striking and bizarre without being Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "No?" "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest arrangements." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and astonishment. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had strong and stiff." "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The me upon any point which I do not make clear." naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera which we had just quitted. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a pound a week." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Yes, they were peculiar boots." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "The murder was done with it." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one sparkled upon his finger. companion. "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "And on what day did he meet his death?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind hair?' have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see is a common subject for conversation. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some wedding?" "The Coroner: What do you mean? allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest Doctor, of the paper and the date." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "I do." chance." "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "I should wish to." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I