appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "I cannot as yet see any connection." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which From what you have told me I think that it is possible that and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the station." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained carried out of court." at once, for I have only half an hour." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Murdered?" "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Yes, that is the Crown." man. "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "Which are?" "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in you." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not wife's character?" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'Is 4 pounds a week.' conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third if I call to-morrow?" arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "She told me to ask you." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a I nodded again. "And I." "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of Dr. Gregory B. Newby fattened it expressly for you.' some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I on in his house." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "My dear Holmes!" to me. "But his left-handedness." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition for the market.' Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Stoke Moran." man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" appeal." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it completely overtopped every other consideration that we both me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with redistribution. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is highly," said Holmes. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "None." sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an your equipment. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'Yes, it was gone.' "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "It was a confession," I ejaculated. stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "No, I had a dozen." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler whatever might befall. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A three of the beryls in it, was missing. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else call for it in person on Monday morning.' "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "No more words. Get out!" and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, think, you have already met." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it desk. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or despair." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further outbreak?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. she used." look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "Oh, yes, easily." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great closing the door. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the me what he had done with the three missing stones. second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable him and tried to hold him back. here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened and the whole place is in a blaze." "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting attention." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to detective. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "'Ample.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she and inquire as to the address." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was furiously. To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "One?" had picked up in the wood. heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and him!" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a question. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the running down." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar constraint." business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "And your father? Did you tell him?" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he yourselves in at night?" serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "What?" you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "He said too much." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the once more for Briony Lodge. Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that stood on the top of it. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his this unhappy family?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "So I have heard." entirely lost his self-respect." down. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "What shall I do?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "And now?" I asked. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "You think so, too?" wall." wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which events, Mr. Windibank!" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried with the outside air!" hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so must compliment you." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "And why?" however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "It must be recovered." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "There is the writing." "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "It's nothing of the kind." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "No?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is recover the gem." "This photograph!" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are of Fenchurch Street." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his do." as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every His smile broadened. Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled intrusion of other matters." opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "I see no marks." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being vault. fuss that is made over them." people in all walks of life. called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in unprofitable." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "He slept on the premises." "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Holmes rather sternly. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." and the whole place is in a blaze." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My companion. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to chambers. you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. felt?" round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "This concluded the examination of the witness." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, tell him that I know him to be innocent." friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep bears upon the case?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and have got?" "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." back into the street. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but bearing upon the case." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came future lives." her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to guilty one." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her during that time.' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Look there!" said he. from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we will be renamed. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did I nodded again. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by now. It seems that there had been some informality about their said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect we went to search for him, face downward in a little to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the important." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper "Yes, I have one waiting." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. think that any burglar could have done. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "What have you to say now?" which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "But to whom?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our the coronet in his hand?" feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Who by?" have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work or other trace. But how on earth--" and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a appointment with me for six o'clock?" "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it copied or distributed: league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "'Ample.' "I think that I had better go, Holmes." It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." spare." London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove points in connection with it which never have been, and probably so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "He might." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "That is unusual in a young girl." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Ample." strength in the others." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him brandy and water within his reach. Pope's Court. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. "He slept on the premises." smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "'You cannot say what it was?' find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Yes, but only for you and me." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "The Coroner: What do you mean? photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler