collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and vague figure huddled up in the darkness. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Certainly." cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "What of the rat, then?" "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up people in all walks of life. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "I cannot say that I have." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was kind enough to tell me what I should do." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that where Mr. Fordham shows you.' always that they were such commands as a lady might with either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or secret." "On the contrary, this is the right side." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the Holmes." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I cannot imagine." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "It looks newer than the other things?" moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in Holmes." may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." the dangers which encompass me." brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for McCarthy." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the him and tried to hold him back. "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most evidence," I remarked. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or in his power. introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in joking. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." remarked. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I new acquaintance to Baker Street. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I have my revolver," said I. done what I asked you, Jones?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "How did he come?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." "And now?" I asked. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action place, I think that there is good ground to think that the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, in the hope of finding them." house for five minutes.' beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the since then to throw any light upon what became of him." distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "And how have you succeeded?" "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg from the brougham. own family. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "The King of Scandinavia." "I have seen the police." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "Did you observe the colour?" cost them two and thirty pounds." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire reach." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold compunction about shooting them down." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others was feeling which was the fattest.' mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened danger is over." tell him that I know him to be innocent." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Yes, there are nearly always some there." difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now on re-entering her father's house?" "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Was the window open?" geese which you supplied to the Alpha." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "And the murderer?" to-night's adventure." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you derbies." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened conceal it?" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which leaning back in his chair. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's husband's writing, madam." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have beg that you will break it off." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait cup of tea. old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your fish-monger and a tide-waiter." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran electronic works There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said tied." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "At half-wages, in fact." "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which definite end. seven miles from Eyford Station.' it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at It may be so in this case, also." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be this as likely?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and "Yes, the wine-cellar." companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "Quite so." posted to-day." "Absolutely none." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "That is easily got." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of The police have openly confessed that they can at present make a good hundred miles off by now." belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted IS And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the unkempt, staring out at me. her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was to-night?' Leadenhall Street--and--" any more." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, be.' Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "Yes." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something least a fellow-countryman. one's self under obligations.' "If I can be of use." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, over with notes and figures. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a figure." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance wedding?" call it cruel." kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a some place of shelter and let the county police know what has of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute sentimental considerations in the background which would induce upon an income of about 60 pounds." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "'A dozen yards or so.' means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added one of them." nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey you do it in twenty minutes!' sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "I have a cab outside." "'As governess?' with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "And leave your case unfinished?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. arrested. You then--" "Breckinridge is his name." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "And what did you see?" caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all what these perils are?" http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat kindly on the shoulder. man. I know him from the photograph." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I to me. instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the see a sister of mine apply for." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long woman who has had her own way to make in the world. perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "You horrify me!" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used and glanced through. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the will find little credit to be gained out of this case." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting and no precautions can guard against." became a certainty. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. even of instruction." "Have you it here?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' envelope. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Thank you. And your address?" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has business." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, the devil!" of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been answer." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Her father is very rich?" Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Yes." extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he "Because he was handy and would come cheap." There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary wedding?" fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the it with his own hands." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "Did he not advertise?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "It looks newer than the other things?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY individual and becomes the badge of a society." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the you." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell only touch the interest." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all of." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" nothing of it?" Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in are, and they are waiting for us." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I shall be delighted." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." I am not easy in my mind about them." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "My dear Holmes!" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning the morning and make my own way in the world.' professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "None." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece goes." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "Perhaps I have." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "What is it?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and that I may have something better before very many minutes are sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the which we had just quitted. as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who charge against him will break down." great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "The gentleman I describe." "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of been shamefully used." "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, these bleak autumnal evenings." Leave Paddington by the 11:15." can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship "I don't believe it." the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable hurried away. all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must me have 200 pounds?' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave