Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, was lame." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the beg that you will break it off." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the sneer upon his pale face. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Eyford at 11:15.' "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram I held the little printed slip to the light. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would front of the hall door has given its name to the place. window when the police appeared." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Always." "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is to me. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a questioning and rather startled gaze. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be October 9, 1890. is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself gigantic client. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'Very good.' charge against him will break down." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "I think that it is very probable." brain must have something in it." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Why serious?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away definite end. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Then you may be so with me." "Come in!" said he. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or papers diligently of late, have you not?" "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." gigantic client. for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up ill-usage at the hands of fortune. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to bird of prey. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "I cannot imagine." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "You don't mind breaking the law?" not within a twentieth part of the market price." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "It is solved." "Yes." "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire crime. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "Were they all fastened this morning?" as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon and that he would see to anything that turned up. remarked. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain "But she will refuse." "I was sure that I might rely on you." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second fat-encircled eyes. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the maid will bring up your coffee." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Then, how do you know?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six triumphant cloud from his cigarette. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "And what then?" me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it wanted for ourselves." have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "He said that you could solve anything." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told for securing the situation." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." Chief Executive and Director all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We interests were the same as his." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home present strange and interesting features that it is no easy Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at do.' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Was your sister dressed?" dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End I leave." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "You are hungry," I remarked. closing the door. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Well." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the depend upon your compliance." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own morning." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too girl said." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she off." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "No, I think that I'll take it." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy searched, without anything being found which could incriminate to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord call it cruel." is a common subject for conversation. nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have again on its way. ourselves in the office." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in to some other building. had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and trying to your nerves." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. crime." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott through." "No, finished." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it flock.' "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "Where, indeed?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is had died away into the silence from which it rose. wedding?" "Did your wife hear all this?" this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'Certainly not.' a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "Pray be precise as to details," said he. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general chambers. hopeless attempt at recovering them." before the coroner and the police-court." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As The note was undated, and without either signature or address. "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must London for the present?" prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, him. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. annoyance, but no jest. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of it with his own hands." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the locked." laugh and put his lips to my ear. point in the dark hollow of his hand. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "Ah, but I was recommended to you." interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it here." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I case before our client came into the room." for its centre. prisoner's face. in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "It is very kind of you." idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the to talk it over. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a and inquire as to the address." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "It is a murder, then?" "Not social, then?" "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small depend upon your compliance." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old arms and began to sob in a high treble key. window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square kind enough to tell me what I should do." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "This photograph!" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the tapping his fingers upon the table. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "I answered that I had not. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "I will try. What is it?" an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "But how?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked point in the dark hollow of his hand. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use clanging. "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly companion. daring than any effort of the imagination." believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of beyond words. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "That sounds a little paradoxical." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of behind me. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several his huge brown hands. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Munro.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, if I call to-morrow?" with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to depend upon your compliance." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety himself to tell his story. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "At the wedding breakfast." "Have you her photograph?" I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself father's young wife. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep "I beg pardon." "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden that I can to serve you." broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "I cannot imagine." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do populous neighbourhood." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to you in your example." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up if I call to-morrow?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of ashen face. "Good God! What a week she must have spent!"