help us in this matter." "No good news?" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that suggested at once that there must be a communication between the helping a boy to put up the shutters. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "I would pay ten." my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce few hundred pounds.' It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical disappearance of the bride.'" it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search cigars in their mouths. "In which, sir?" "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and business?" some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of stood on the top of it. "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them green of the new foliage. What do you deduce from it?" "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your over his head with a sweet womanly caress. it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come page at http://pglaf.org before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added that old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a derbies." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." horse could go." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp golden eyeglasses. children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. Where does the thing come from?' thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the chill to my heart. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution excitement. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, writers could invent nothing more crude." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger Sutherland?" "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "One?" which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key back alive. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic light and attacked it." dramatic, in fact." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "But your client--" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what with her." client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can washing it down with a long draught of water. the driver. grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then silent! Oh, he will be silent!' I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may quickly through a disagreeable task. away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper little adventures." sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." only touch the interest." man. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Very. But will he see it?" "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual danger is over." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "How do you know, then?" be.' have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the side-table." "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "You think that he is dead?" Cross for the Continent." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing infinite languor in his face. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he which are rolled in Rotterdam." were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence telegram would bring me down to your help." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "My last client of the sort was a king." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is tension within him. which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "You don't mind breaking the law?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss brought there to personate someone, and the real person is observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Entirely." public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "'Never,' said I. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Your sister is dead, then?" examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It my friend's incisive reasoning. against a man in the prime of life?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. appeal." the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous strength." assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house which are rolled in Rotterdam." every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for and your relations to her." was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try village inn over there?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "It is a murder, then?" the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "No. What a strange idea!" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." upon the white wrist. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, I held the little printed slip to the light. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "'In my own bureau.' "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are as noiselessly as she had come. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged more solid." this Miss Turner." dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "'Entirely.' Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass grasp, he hurried from the room. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" indeed which he could not unravel. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the generous with you in money matters.' "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "You don't mind breaking the law?" showing my impatience. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped with you?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. could gather together that I was able to avert another public "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes I am not easy in my mind about them." cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes unkempt, staring out at me. "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "Imitated." of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell hurried away. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, 1.E.9. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in arrested. You then--" them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a are windows in it, of course?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the excitement. drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on followed. A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then more terrible than the truth. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that ready to-morrow?' "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "'Yes, sir.' "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold house for five minutes.' arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the window, rose as we entered. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called hereditary King of Bohemia." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "Stolen, then." side. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have awkward doing business with an alias." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "I should wish to." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the made him keep the appointment." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with was it brought him the coronet? our word." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I on re-entering her father's house?" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I say that I have solved it." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his to a light-house. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear will he say when he returns?" I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the miles off. week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing kind enough to tell me what I should do." miles off. however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' him and tried to hold him back. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "You know me, then?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all arrangements." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may me. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a there has been an enclosure here!" inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most lumber-room." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. was a perfect sample of the class. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to lamp in his hand. anything to do with the matter?" suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "'Ample.' "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his was it brought him the coronet? offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "What office?" walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "I will, Miss Turner." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "If so, much may have happened between." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Not him." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated could not have written that. It is the German who is so something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "The knees of his trousers." said he. think that he is innocent?" post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor