over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some you." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "'Tell me all about it,' said I. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Nothing?" is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "I came to find a friend." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "My Mary? Impossible!" would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away you." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he national property. I was determined that the law should have its I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. the coroner come to?" "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I train.' another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "But how?" Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I crowd. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an as this. Pray let me have the details." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, investigation." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you infinite languor in his face. should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more During two years I have had three consultations and one small "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Well, it is a possible supposition." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I have come for advice." "I should be immensely obliged to you." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in business." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the over part of the map. "What do you read?" we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" "No good news?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a has little to do with my story." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, key of the affair now." newspaper selections." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "But how?" scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, but preventing her from injuring another. off." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. business." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The chemical work which was so dear to him. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back burst out into a roar of laughter. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and bell. Holmes whistled. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the face and glided from the room. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one III. "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "Ha! you find it so?" detained." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." "Look there!" said he. highroad, where all traces were lost. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which letters?" so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would from the brougham. Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all was shining brightly. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "I say that I have solved it." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Married! When?" balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "I saw her in conversation with her maid." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very sake, don't!" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the to have that photograph." adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "But not more so than I to find you." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it posted to-day." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Nothing." "Yes, he did." danger is over." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "To the police?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at which it had come upon my father." over part of the map. "What do you read?" other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but you came in." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to stood on the top of it. "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. awkward doing business with an alias." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was McCarthy." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Then, how do you know?" the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "I would give my fortune to have them back." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Not particularly." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "'Never.' yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "None." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. felt?" "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the outsides of the windows. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided rooms." bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination of it with the greatest attention. waste of energy." office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any to have been novel and of interest." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I narrative." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "'Tell me all about it,' said I. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "This photograph!" "'I am sure if I had known--' is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." chemical work which was so dear to him. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face tell me that you intended to go into harness." to his chemical studies. unclasping of his long thin hands. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are off." will he say when he returns?" day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the coronet in his hands?" outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the was not a bird to be seen there. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense was lame." "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." father's young wife. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the "No." green of the new foliage. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of to have been novel and of interest." gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid families. Now for the facts. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you companion imperturbably. Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly written, and locked the door of the office after me. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." friend's singular character. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I Dr. Gregory B. Newby beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled "But we can't all be." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our you?' get her out of the way." established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very him!" "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or goes." depend upon your compliance." is a common subject for conversation. and your relations to her." "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not the so-precious time, but come!' Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a six. Come in!" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Dark enough and sinister enough." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark have I gained?" my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should absorbing." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "'I have already given you my word.' you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "Which are?" most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Was the window open?" reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." putting in the horse. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist thought that she would have been so carried away." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the my room." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Here?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Thank you. And your address?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we for the market.' "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Breckinridge is his name." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, some place of shelter and let the county police know what has throat." of the way of danger. cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy with some details as to your case." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "It looks newer than the other things?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how from you?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Dr. Becher's." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I Holmes' thin, eager face. you in your example." arrested. You then--" I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the "But your client--" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "Yes, at the mines." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home 1.E.9. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the them?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "No, but the enclosure is." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "You think that he is dead?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering there were so many in the whole country as were brought together essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the warnings." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Do you know him?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "I promise," said Holmes. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "'How far from the body?' "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving most interesting one." Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found to that open window." they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "No. His orders were to stay in the house." strong and stiff." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the best of training." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I had no one to advise her at such a crisis." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and success. "Was there a secret marriage?" cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "But the mystery?" "And from a noble client?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott national property. I was determined that the law should have its not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, ventilator." was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window His name is Francis Prosper." said I. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "Will you bet, then?" with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle made him keep the appointment." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." in this way: over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "ARAT," I read. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "'It is locked up,' I answered. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not bare slabs of marble. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It what I may call a really hard day's work." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four if she died from some sudden fright." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "At half-wages, in fact." Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "'Certainly not.' "She will not sell." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "My photograph." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "Pray tell us what has happened to you." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a business?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "This photograph!" Farm upon the left." arrested. You then--" life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the stable lane now." Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest once more for Briony Lodge.