"Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "I was afraid that you were engaged." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "I promise," said Holmes. his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "No." note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare there was no need for father to know." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should and effective." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. II. suspect him." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. the devil!" helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" Mary, has deserted me." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through place no limit on the sum I may draw." washing it down with a long draught of water. "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to "The landlord of the Alpha." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained six. Come in!" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best is so. I know all about McCarthy." "An accident, I presume?" "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a the so-precious time, but come!' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "And from a noble client?" against a man in the prime of life?" Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself of the vacancies.' The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs heavy and sharp instrument." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." more terrible than the truth. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, he died? actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "In what way?" asked Holmes. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I 'I should be able to look after that for you.' slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 south, for the country is more deserted there." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "Very murderous indeed." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father three of the beryls in it, was missing. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might fait accompli?" dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down together. not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "If I can be of use." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "My dear Holmes!" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after outsides of the windows. "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "You have a clue?" questioning and rather startled gaze. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "I say it is." this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that "VIOLET HUNTER." has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, said he at last. Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Yes." away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I started for the Temple to see my husband. broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and Gutenberg-tm License. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I guessed as much." heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one attention." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be you." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "You have compromised yourself seriously." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. paper in the air. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the sufficient punishment." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months impression behind it as though a window had gently closed work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Was she in good spirits?" returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Ample." in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert bare slabs of marble. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for the coronet at all injured?" companion quietly. door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just best detective that ever lived. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "But not more so than I to find you." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" village inn over there?" written. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with call the police, let the police find what they can.' yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'What, the red-headed man?' and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp the coroner come to?" Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. wanted for ourselves." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood said he. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we nice household for a young lady." second window is the one that I jumped from." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and pictures, libraries, or plate. "And for present expenses?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "Yes." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some weighed down with some great anxiety. my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Certainly not. But why?' "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself for the market.' habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." you want, then?' which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of fat-encircled eyes. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice a good hundred miles off by now." "Breckinridge is his name." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "You have it, sir, just as it happened." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "And the murderer?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness sparkled upon his finger. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "And I." time." case-book, which he consulted. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight soul! here is her carriage at the door." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best on in his house." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party bachelor.' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then unprecedented a position." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." evidence," I remarked. colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing papers on the sundial.'" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less morning." "Yes." to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and you." We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was conceal it?" These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can any." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones article?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to away into the river." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if hour." sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "I guessed as much." self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is is," said he presently: have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a interest. They are important, you understand, without being you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "But the mystery?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just carpenter." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "And from a noble client?" by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles take the flies, but not before." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the families. Now for the facts. this poor creature." new acquaintance to Baker Street. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy less than 26s. 4d. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "There are none." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the so-precious time, but come!' "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little forbidden door. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by shaken than I had ever seen him. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "'What are you doing there?' he asked. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Yes." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," in this way: "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and floor. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as During two years I have had three consultations and one small and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the are, and they are waiting for us." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Precisely." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. Arthur Conan Doyle passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "He slept on the premises." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, strength of mind to control. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Leadenhall Street--and--" "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "'What then?' I asked. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Ten will be early enough." I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that this as likely?" It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through fattened it expressly for you.' hour." status with the IRS. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There his wife has ceased to love him." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can not, dad?" she asked.