"No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Heh?' streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. unprofitable." have one." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I imbecility!" he cried. were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds because she had spent so short a time in this country that she the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "'And the work?' retorted upon me, and I on you." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which "Where is it, then?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Nothing." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to sufficient punishment." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Yes." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "No, distinctly professional." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, Pope's Court. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "But how?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Yes." you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long is a common subject for conversation. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," beyond words. details." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning October 9, 1890. fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." of this gang." "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his The note was undated, and without either signature or address. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Of what day?" suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which locked. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "But what harm can there be in that?" "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "This photograph!" acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an than was visible to me." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was business in the City. She little knew what. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "I have my revolver," said I. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "There is the writing." "But she could not love him." meant." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over the very letters. But what is this written above them?' data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. correct than the official force." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. you." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Literary Archive Foundation point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have appeared upon the scene." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in front of the hall door has given its name to the place. then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Has he come with you to-night?" politicians who had been sent down from the North. "What! a murderous attack?" cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "At half-wages, in fact." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We the stable lane now." you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "What! Had he lost his wife?" the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Yes." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other carried out of court." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "Witness: It was. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been an introduction to him?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is "None." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "There are none." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during allusion to a rat. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the King without delay." disturbance in my wife." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be the very letters. But what is this written above them?' I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had out of this horrible affair." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project always that they were such commands as a lady might with the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "How many? I don't know." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "On Monday." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. questionable one." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered cheerful." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' 1.E.9. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "BALLARAT." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders developed." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Foundation place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to interested in these little problems, and since you are good fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous visitors." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City that he has suffered." He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "About a month then." "'Never.' the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as to tell." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. said I. "It is true that I have been generally successful." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be wedding?" mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of British peeress.'" "Tired-looking or fresh?" One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that fish-monger and a tide-waiter." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. where we are going." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Was she in good spirits?" "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I shall most certainly do so." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "One of his hands." "Of what day?" familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "But it has twice been burgled." have not had my rubber." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he do.' from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City appointment with me for six o'clock?" answer." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Frequently." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the is," said he presently: true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said redistribution. 1.E.9. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post breakfast and whispered something to her husband. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," hurried by. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where have an American origin." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so and no precautions can guard against." with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," morning." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "So I am. Very much so." with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most all?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "This photograph!" it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." of the vacancies.' that he will be back before evening." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Then I am your man." know all about it," he snarled. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Then, how do you know?" "You have but to name it." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." and laid it on the table. woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Did you observe the colour?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and his huge brown hands. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" mystery." several quiet little villages up there." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. never will be, entirely cleared up. had this final quarrel? The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to that you wished to speak to me?' will take you up to see the machine.' was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a pound a week." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the what these perils are?" "My dear Holmes!" "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she will take you up to see the machine.' the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." see a sister of mine apply for." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in highroad, where all traces were lost. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill you in yours." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction carpenter." we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads to Leatherhead. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker hard-headed British jury." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for unkempt, staring out at me. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last union?" road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Very truly yours, hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. of campaign. Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in the house with me." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save floor. what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "I promise," said Holmes. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and know that the truth is known." "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "Very truly yours, But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "I cannot imagine." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Certainly." value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "She told me to ask you." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged arrested. You then--" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Dark enough and sinister enough." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San leave you to your papers for a little." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "The best possible." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "I cannot say that I have." Mrs. Toller serenely. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had