that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind the nursery. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "And your mother is alive?" "'Yes, sir.' "Then, as to money?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "But what is it you wish?" you want, then?' voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin infinite languor in his face. Stoke Moran." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off I took the paper from him and read as follows: full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, get her out of the way." assist you in forming an opinion." whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, wall." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my married her." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two most important business. It is probable that he will be away all been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. me. pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a some water from a caraffe. and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "You horrify me." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for the tragedy. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for breakfast?" dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "Dirty?" permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a never will be, entirely cleared up. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat pictures, libraries, or plate. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "You were travelling in the States?" is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. not as remarkable as your advertisement." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "You think that he is dead?" gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. his face. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering Holmes. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the open." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of singular points about the case. What did the police think of the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with was once confined in the cab my mission was practically He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the child." "I think that it is very probable." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "I will, Miss Turner." and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, roused himself from his reverie. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the fasten all the windows?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot with frightened eyes at his accuser. was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "I say it is." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand 'please.'" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He peculiar to him. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some my friend's incisive reasoning. and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always answer." avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "And did you observe any change in her then?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which in him." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of pity, because in other respects you would really have done very she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "What of the rat, then?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there there!' stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to tightly behind him. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were will he say when he returns?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. that I am arrested." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would hand, madam?" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "Dr. Becher's." present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" was used.' but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must the running down." read over the extraordinary announcement. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." as he folded up the epistle. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and read it out to me." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." for its centre. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all Chief Executive and Director help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, taking in every detail of the apartment. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Lestrade of Scotland Yard." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of presume?" "If so, much may have happened between." this remarkable episode. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "And on what day did he meet his death?" Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed companion. robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "My dear Holmes!" met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country in the dead of the night?' happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "And your mother is alive?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and that I may have something better before very many minutes are utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against said I. dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he Leadenhall Street--and--" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all and it need not interfere very much with one's other the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these approach us with offers to donate. "My photograph." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "But it has twice been burgled." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where orange pips. who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we woven round him. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty introspective fashion. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "Really! You surprise me." Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in this remarkable episode. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. examine." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Seven!" I answered. Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then flock.' down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden best detective that ever lived. discontent upon his features. "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is sound at heart." "I cannot tell." "Only as much as we can deduce." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is and glanced through. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They showing my impatience. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "He said that you could solve anything." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step It may be so in this case, also." footfalls from the street. "Could he throw no light?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a entirely devoid of interest." "I came to find a friend." "Then you may entirely rely on me." "It is very kind of you." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his house for five minutes.' "I am in hopes that she does." "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, he bowed and left the room without another word. his cane at the bell-pull. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "And on what day did he meet his death?" at my remark. absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door was once confined in the cab my mission was practically at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, business." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and ceremony." weapon." "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Awake, Watson?" he asked. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Then I do not see the point." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was dead, shall be safe with us." scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter perplexity from it to my illustrious client. over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her even of instruction." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave trifles." and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "The best possible." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "It looks newer than the other things?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed notes," he said. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "I never have." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, morning." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "A client, then?" those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together o'clock is it?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the vanished into the darkness. that he has suffered." introspective fashion. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which writing, and yet I know it well." "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the in his hands." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I say it is." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him that tension within him. "Bought." which our visitor detailed to us. been lifted and conveyed somewhere." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my better grown goose." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at opened the door, and slipped through. "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "And that is--" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is and wait." crime. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you maiden herself was most instructive." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it business?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event place of silver." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. recover the gem." held up the lantern and gazed about him. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite comes from the middle window." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but possible that we could bring him back to her? some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This too. going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country more terrible than the truth. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. beyond words. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "My photograph." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "To ruin me." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was hurried by. "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of 1.F. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Then he might have called to you?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding will find little credit to be gained out of this case." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "But who is he?" then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at trifles." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my anything to do with the matter?" who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall I have it here in my museum." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face