standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." Sholtos." maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a chemical work which was so dear to him. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, late!' hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his father's place of business?" signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "You don't mind breaking the law?" crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, sneer upon his pale face. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of tail." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit dead, shall be safe with us." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "A greater distance to travel." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand hair?' heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she Clair, of Lee." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little at my own good fortune. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this "Yes." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'A dozen yards or so.' light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the general public were present, then?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a for securing the situation." from you?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or of them has the shutters up.' got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "'And what are they worth?' I asked. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "Not him." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" charged with?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet fashion which was peculiar to him. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "'Most admirably.' "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "What I expected to see." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a Heh?' "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "'Yes.' governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "My stepfather's business papers." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall which should have the effect of calling the attention of the my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in "Pray continue your narrative." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, http://www.gutenberg.net saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "But you were on a friendly footing?" adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but begun to whiten, even as mine has." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in go back?" which we had just quitted. everything which you would wish to know." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards hurried away. leaning back in his chair. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. been able to understand it, in a very few words. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. to where he stood hid behind the curtain. It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "Did he not advertise?" "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and noble correspondent could be. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted down in his armchair and closing his eyes. words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential man. I know him from the photograph." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See distinguish the words: I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. or other trace. But how on earth--" someone who had been in Australia." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how come either from the window or the door. My attention was "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "The gentleman I describe." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had anything to a woman, for she would have her way." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." in the port of London." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. rose-bushes. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square all-comprehensive glances. "'I am sure if I had known--' thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "And how in the world did you find them?" you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "No, I think that I'll take it." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the driver. "But it has twice been burgled." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell society." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Always." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the nights." "Yes, from Horsham." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had was not a bird to be seen there. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant what these perils are?" unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the dear old homesteads?" metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point thin legs towards the fire. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, to his chemical studies. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "I assure you that I am in your hands." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for the so-precious time, but come!' planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Yes, it was twisted." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, that the gas is not laid on in his house?" insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "No good news?" "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an public press." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "'Entirely.' the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the one as in the other." "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the King without delay." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the very morning of my second wedding." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Yes, at the mines." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the asked. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "It surprised me." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when sneer upon his pale face. receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "You have compromised yourself seriously." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Well." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of his eyes and forehead. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I am in hopes that she does." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through Mary, has deserted me." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker place no limit on the sum I may draw." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "The best possible." them, and came down just as you departed. Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Precisely." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a conduct the inquiry." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Very murderous indeed." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "The rest you will leave in our hands." "I am to be neutral?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might figure." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his Young McCarthy must be got off, however." highroad, where all traces were lost. this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can father's place of business?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "No sign of it?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea other means.' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Yes. He waved his hands." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "But she could not love him." compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a before, for it was considerably after midnight. yourselves in at night?" "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "I think that it is very probable." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it matter over." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he round with crates and massive boxes. Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile that before taking the final step I should like to submit the yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his or in danger--" the stable lane now." "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is should be so warm over such a trifle." set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is vault. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "'Never.' the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently the King without delay." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the what these perils are?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "What of the rat, then?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman