"I was sure that I might rely on you." of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Where to?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For least a most suspicious remark." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture a monotonous occupation." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon went to the Alpha were town bred." manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never go--none." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked The note was undated, and without either signature or address. way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "What will you do, then?" running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come he. and have this put in the evening papers." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a colonel looking down at me. Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to long narrative. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the inner apartment." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "None." "But she could not love him." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection discontent upon his features. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to depend upon your compliance." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of locked." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Then what has happened to him?" presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of point in the dark hollow of his hand. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly tear off another piece?' a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical will not take me long to tell. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the some city in a dream. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to with frightened eyes at his accuser. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss my room." note?" "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you forbidden door. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "And the murderer?" my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'Most admirably.' pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Holmes' room. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking my special province." Cross for the Continent." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection chance." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off I am not easy in my mind about them." congenial hunt. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "Did you observe the colour?" "My own seal." criminal. We have already had experience of such." tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and will not take me long to tell. detective. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: colour had been driven from his face. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" she has been waylaid. There has been no result." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "Get out!" said he. her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I cheerful." "And is that all?" upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." that me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and astonishment. very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the bird of prey. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some conclusions. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, me have 200 pounds?' "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything which I could not give. He asked for Alice. Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number washing it down with a long draught of water. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common she slowly sank and died without having recovered her the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. if I call to-morrow?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Her father is very rich?" "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, about here speaks of his kindness to him." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Nothing?" such attractions and accomplishments?' hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was The telegram which we eventually received came late one night she might be summoned. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance with frightened eyes at his accuser. telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "Yes, at the mines." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt that there was nothing in it, after all." time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "You have compromised yourself seriously." daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a she used." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "'And what salary do you ask?' locked. among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George absolutely follow my advice in every respect." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of that?' this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those second." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. affection." first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all may have an influence upon European history." quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a as the one I chose?' and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "So I heard. You have him here?" was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "I never have." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you *** START: FULL LICENSE *** dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Was the window open?" not come at once?" out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "Oh, yes, easily." least a most suspicious remark." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "It looks newer than the other things?" do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell may have an influence upon European history." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. there has been an enclosure here!" "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of and a shock of very red hair. chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first his face. the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so "What will you say?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, place no limit on the sum I may draw." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the figure." hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "'Yes, it was gone.' "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a any more." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "Not particularly." tell me that you intended to go into harness." years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the the side-table." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged beg that you will break it off." gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more stood on the top of it. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no astonishment. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. 1.F. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and pound a week." "But who is he?" "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have "He said too much." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Where, indeed?" "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able we went to search for him, face downward in a little chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Yes, from Horsham." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it his grey eyes. "At what time?" fact, we may call it conclusive." sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we with her." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "But how will you look?" to arrive at through this?" enter into my head. including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more suggested at once that there must be a communication between the unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "The decline of his fortunes, then?" He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest Have you good authority for what you say?" had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Were they all fastened this morning?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "No, I had a dozen." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering them present such singular features as the strange train of caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "Come in!" said he. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness of Fenchurch Street." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Game for a morning drive?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped rat could hardly pass through." "What, then, did Peterson do?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "But it has twice been burgled." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "'Where could I find him?' his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at and your relations to her." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers will not take me long to tell. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her up this clue while it is still hot." meanly of me." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "But he might be a bachelor." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by any." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I that I may have something better before very many minutes are "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "No." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and least a fellow-countryman. be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as gone before you can get him to hospital." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and spare." pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "But what is it you wish?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have will find little credit to be gained out of this case." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "Well, it is a possible supposition." "But how will you look?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and bearing upon the case." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the back alive. which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "And the cigar-holder?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." true." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which without success. At last the little money which I had saved began think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All