something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. he. the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, will he say when he returns?" better grown goose." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to of campaign. They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "He disappeared so suddenly." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your death." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "If so, much may have happened between." or in danger--" "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always very old mansion. comes from the middle window." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "And sit in the dark?" tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a only touch the interest." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could the salesman. Holmes." above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." client, rising. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "That sounds a little paradoxical." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the guilty one." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly I shall continue with my miserable story. that you wished to speak to me?' from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, was lame." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently and prosperity to your house. Good-night." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped Leadenhall Street--and--" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Not social, then?" naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." meant it for the best. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty I nodded to show that I had heard. "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able distinguish the words: "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "What is it, then--a fire?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time and laid it on the table. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is DISSOLVED. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "How can you tell that?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "Then I can wait in the next room." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was absorbing." security.' top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do have an American origin." "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle you." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to individual and becomes the badge of a society." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "9th. McCauley cleared. of Mr. Rucastle's." vanished into the darkness. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Only as much as we can deduce." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "No." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "Certainly." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can returning from some small jollification and was making his way reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Yes, at the mines." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You husband's writing, madam." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without bachelor.' tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Farm upon the left." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' electronic works of fine shops and stately business premises that they really you." to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "What office?" bird I ate is country bred." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post "You horrify me." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week to you." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't laugh and put his lips to my ear. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Oh, fresh and glossy." the side-table." door?" "Deserted you?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "Then you may entirely rely on me." your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the Miss Holder?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only photograph a cabinet?" until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to closing the door. you." shoulder; "he's all right." "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'You doubt its value?' he asked. It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "'And what salary do you ask?' as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's his eyes and forehead. in. me, and I could not think that his explanation of the some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet outside." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his nonsense.' "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new just called myself is not exactly my own." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Murdered?" the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "No, distinctly professional." star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of place of silver." head. So long, then!" more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. who was a member of your goose club." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. not come at once?" "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "'Yes.' former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I to his chemical studies. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Deserted you?" "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with mystery may be cleared along those lines." "Stoke Moran?" said he. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "And your mother is alive?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "What is it?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. that he will be back before evening." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. purpose equally well?" imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "What is it, then--a fire?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and cigars in their mouths. the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We present." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Come in!" said Holmes. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no or in danger--" young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched again." together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is strong and stiff." you understand?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who when you have done it." said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "But what is it you wish?" "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "How many? I don't know." "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Breckinridge is his name." "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'I have already given you my word.' "It is half-past ten now." There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "That also I could fathom." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the threw himself down with his face to the pillow. round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "My private note-paper." notes," he said. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he few hundred pounds.' from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Well, it is a possible supposition." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable followed. gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the His smile broadened. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "Did he not advertise?" "'I am sure if I had known--' but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "Yes, he did." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding sneer upon his pale face. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a your billet.' impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Ample." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing without success. At last the little money which I had saved began trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, coat-tails." "None." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences married her." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying the so-precious time, but come!' delirious. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. already been minutely examined." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" one's self under obligations.' Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting see me here to avoid scandal." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of of them has the shutters up.' known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his shoulder; "he's all right." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "He slept on the premises." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to which it had come upon my father." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every II. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera chill to my heart. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give keep the flames under. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot "And that is--" "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded,