gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "I should like to see him very much." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "And sit in the dark?" its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed him!" Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, ran thus: "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I memory. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the official police." afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "You forget that I know nothing about it." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my I took the paper from him and read as follows: either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "'Very good.' fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "What have you done?" asked Holmes. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "A confidential servant?" with you?" elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to the coronet at all injured?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing three fields round his house, and there he would take his past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two weigh very heavily upon my conscience." least a most suspicious remark." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'Yes, sir.' will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a it right.' work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the chair. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came Have you good authority for what you say?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. bears upon the case?" "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as matter over." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, notes," he said. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always fled together." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "But you can know nothing of this?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "And why?" chance." roused himself from his reverie. coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no their singular warning or token before them when starting upon been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "To an end?" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet frequently gained my first real insight into the character of saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "And help." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes be best to do. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public awkward doing business with an alias." push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry know all about it," he snarled. prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if retorted upon me, and I on you." noting anything else of interest. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. begun to whiten, even as mine has." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he way in." voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and been." "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" matter." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." any more." gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets recall any case within my experience which looked at the first of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "No." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I mystery." "About a month then." of Fenchurch Street." vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "And it is--" depend upon your compliance." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "Never." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you as noiselessly as she had come. all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp he. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This evidence," I remarked. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and I shall communicate with you." train.' And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped here." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like directly by questioning you." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the "In heaven's name, what for?" ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an you?" "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. of them has the shutters up.' shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "Well." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. one which it was hard to resist. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the became a certainty. She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face the one as in the other." them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, rooms." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our my secret was safe in his possession. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "How about poison?" "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as bonnet, and went out." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved will not take me long to tell. Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, bill, which interests me deeply." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." out." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "My dear Holmes!" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' think that he is innocent?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into one's self under obligations.' convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped http://gutenberg.net/license). confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. official police." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. this poor creature." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. bird of prey. "How can you tell that?" occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Sutherland. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "Yes." assist you in forming an opinion." meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "And you don't know his address?" hardly wander." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Do you know him?" secret." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "It is to him that this trophy belongs." Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "'It is locked up,' I answered. the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open train.' in one or two places in England?' into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." both be extremely obliged.' every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Most admirably.' "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Thank you. And your address?" was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I following enigmatical notices: into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the Assizes." until night should bring an explanation. "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "To ruin me." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "No legal papers or certificates?" self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "You are hungry," I remarked. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter very morning of my second wedding." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom over here." Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is brandy and water within his reach. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "To the police?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" and that he would see to anything that turned up. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, brandy and water within his reach. the Assizes." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you 'I should be able to look after that for you.' consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after lips." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." wedding?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is whether it answered to the description of any of their that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "And for present expenses?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Seven!" I answered. give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked young Openshaw's." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like Stoke Moran." which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the bearing upon the case." should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK on in his house." together. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of him. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all the iron safe, which he closed upon it. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is at a side door. dates and names. "He disappeared so suddenly." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very may never be exposed to such a temptation." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. coroner's jury." do." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered clanging. and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' without a word or a look. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Why serious?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, case before our client came into the room." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of crime." light and attacked it." gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest chair. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I will get her to show me." not as remarkable as your advertisement." "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'Certainly not.' the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "You know me, then?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as "It surprised me." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for himself in a perplexing position. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his possible that we could bring him back to her? "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the felt?" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, new acquaintance to Baker Street. but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "It was an hour's good drive." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned