guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "It is solved." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Will you go?" remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that some city in a dream. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement my special province." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being face and glided from the room. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "And from a noble client?" knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. sofa. This way, please!" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, extraordinary contortions. signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, Pope's Court. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek of them has the shutters up.' slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for of Fenchurch Street." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "What shall I do?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs completely overtopped every other consideration that we both silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** business came to an end." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black minor matters until to-morrow." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "No, finished." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My felt?" what I may call a really hard day's work." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "I say that I have solved it." "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "'Where to?' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to in a friendly supper." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. his cane at the bell-pull. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was particular state visit http://pglaf.org perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it goes." which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, late." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a just ask you whether you had heard it.' undoubtedly my uncle's." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Again Holmes raved in the air. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs there were one or two details which were new to me. But the help us in this matter." "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said not as remarkable as your advertisement." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage congratulate you again." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, would then never go into court at all." little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would to-night." "Why, what do you mean?" "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "He slept on the premises." begun to whiten, even as mine has." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "9th. McCauley cleared. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "I beg pardon." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn "He slept on the premises." presented more singular features than that which was associated passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has daring than any effort of the imagination." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found his cane at the bell-pull. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' Surrey." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. not fit the lock." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, Where does the thing come from?' "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "Always." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "And is that all?" answer." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the persecution?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most me. You must get home instantly and act." shoulder. article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge outside." cigars in their mouths. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have over part of the map. "What do you read?" "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" it. door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might for securing the situation." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, trifles." the date of his supposed suicide." call you and give you the chance." of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." to change my dress. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I leaning back in his chair. at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I call for protection in the marriage market, for the present Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before "I have hopes." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "'I am sure if I had known--' feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying without a word or a look. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his not, dad?" she asked. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to present." "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to questionable one." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to for its centre. against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Nothing." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that bill, which interests me deeply." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, wedding?" journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT we went to search for him, face downward in a little father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with his face. is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he even of instruction." the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "There is the writing." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Not particularly." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at cheerful." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was as the one I chose?' thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and hurried by. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no it right.' King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked himself. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Count Von Kramm." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, McCarthy's innocence. "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "A call for help, you thought?" Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "No bad?" To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are himself in a perplexing position. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "This concluded the examination of the witness." jewels which you have stolen?' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and husband's writing, madam." so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "'Why that?' I asks. The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I have hopes." I nodded again. "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the down. young Openshaw's." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you made his money." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an following enigmatical notices: teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a your co-operation." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "That was it, sir." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "No, but the enclosure is." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, followed. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business sentimental considerations in the background which would induce He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands maid will bring up your coffee." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I have been better. It is all right." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Certainly." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my just ask you whether you had heard it.' possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people my special province." posted to-day." us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "No, I had a dozen." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I have a cab outside." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "On your arm?" "When did she vanish, then?" printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Quite so. She has her freedom." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his conduct the inquiry." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the the little opening for the ventilator is." caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which British peeress.'" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a said I. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the very morning of the wedding." "'Is 4 pounds a week.' was once confined in the cab my mission was practically unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" happened." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "How many? I don't know." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been companion. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of a suggestive one." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent our word." "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the my room." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this correct than the official force." triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Where, indeed?" leave you to your papers for a little." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "I am following you closely," I answered. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather Watson," he said cordially. face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this considering the formidable letters which were received by himself have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Yes." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard even of instruction." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the present strange and interesting features that it is no easy if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I the little opening for the ventilator is." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "My private note-paper." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang any." to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who occupations.' seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Why, what do you mean?" the house with me." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly nice household for a young lady." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay later, upon the night of May 2nd." the so-precious time, but come!' not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "'And what salary do you ask?' "It is true that I have been generally successful." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the yet." from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, that threaten you." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in information in his hands the value of which he did not himself you in your example." exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. begun to whiten, even as mine has." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that your most interesting statement." and inquire as to the address." and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the