"Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, bachelor.' were wasted." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "'I am sure if I had known--' qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter late!' this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Nothing?" taking in every detail of the apartment. "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "'Ten to two.' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, generous with you in money matters.' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was way: its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "But I am all in the dark." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an that?' case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be lost his Christmas dinner." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "I will not look." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this hour." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my him." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train in the dead of the night?' never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a redistribution. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "So I have heard." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There done what I asked you, Jones?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "In heaven's name, what for?" a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "Yes. He waved his hands." all-comprehensive glances. crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had morning." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the Miss Holder?" chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact that its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "But how?" utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." correct than the official force." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who the side-table." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." written, and locked the door of the office after me. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He house for five minutes.' "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Pool. "It is very kind of you." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'Is 4 pounds a week.' of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" will not take me long to tell. "Well, it is a possible supposition." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House furiously. might have a private word with us. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. someone who had been in Australia." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be highly," said Holmes. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I of this gang." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. and have this put in the evening papers." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She "If I can be of use." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" than to us. "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Did you become engaged then?" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I was sure that I might rely on you." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so one or two very singular points about this room. For example, spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "It is solved." reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "'Yes, sir.' you came in." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and "What is it, then--a fire?" "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the again before evening." return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked Chief Executive and Director suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Not him." "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "I think that I had better go, Holmes." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Yes, at the mines." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and back into the street. your own bird, so if you wish--" matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the sneer upon his pale face. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "That is easily got." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause them?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "If I can be of use." an introduction to him?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! existence." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in like that before?" tapping his fingers upon the table. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My round and wave him away like that.' "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure peculiar to him. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so once more to my work. Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other should be so warm over such a trifle." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, better in every way that they should make their position a little his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "That is unusual in a young girl." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, figure." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if your room." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very nothing with him." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right nonsense.' George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "It is solved." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me a little more before I quite committed myself. "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, fluttered off among the others. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was means taking possession of that which another person has a prior but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing disturbance in my wife." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a "Well." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because key of the affair now." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, "My dear Holmes!" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window lost nothing by them." License. You must require such a user to return or he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "And did you observe any change in her then?" brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. is acting for the best. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in horse could go." "'Never,' said I. "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I together. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "And for present expenses?" was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper sake, don't!" "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one conduct the inquiry." instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "Precisely." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking carried out of court." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I opportunities to fix the problem. human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a of receipt of the work. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in drawing your inferences." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots advice." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "Not I." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." cigars in their mouths. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "It missed him, then?" the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my DISSOLVED. saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I copied or distributed: photograph?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "'Oh, no.' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "Come in!" said he. "Yes." "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of in darkness. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered heavily into it. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was upon the sideboard." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There himself. foot. another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not shall not find me ungrateful." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I telegram would bring me down to your help." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I thin, with a long, sharp nose?" such attractions and accomplishments?' strength of mind to control. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was thin, with a long, sharp nose?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "But what will you do?" - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "What can you not understand?" "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Frequently." "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking and I shall be with you presently." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "No, I had a dozen." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I not within a twentieth part of the market price." education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Where, then, is my wife?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of with frightened eyes at his accuser. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question You want to know what became of those geese?" one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation your co-operation." amused." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events companion imperturbably. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises there!' go back?" head. So long, then!" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able that I can to serve you." "Witness: It was. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every