room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Cross for the Continent." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, "You will not go there first?" "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was crime." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "And for present expenses?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" read over the extraordinary announcement. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had do you make of it all?" hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "It was a confession," I ejaculated. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots take the flies, but not before." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Precisely." "And why?" "Did your wife hear all this?" "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let call the police, let the police find what they can.' "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you the running down." the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "So it appears." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called tightly behind him. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have ceremony." you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers means taking possession of that which another person has a prior By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her answered with a sidelong glance. the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly during that time.' be best to do. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "And how did you find out?" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "In answer to an advertisement." bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a existence." has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Never." "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "How did he come?" work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it the matter?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "'Entirely.' London for the present?" Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He that I am arrested." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! always that they were such commands as a lady might with right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for their singular warning or token before them when starting upon and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked nice household for a young lady." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how could not account in any way for the presence of the missing from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." husband's writing, madam." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to get the tickets." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Edgeware Road. of it with the greatest attention. straighten it?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "'Yes, it was gone.' "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "That is unusual in a young girl." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You words came to my lips. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass in the port of London." of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall and looked back. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "'I have already given you my word.' "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Have you good authority for what you say?" - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "And Irene Adler?" fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' better in every way that they should make their position a little "'Which dealer's?' they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some looking up at the numbers of the houses." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "And how?" who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a official police." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "How long did she speak to this Alice?" in his hands." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "Married! When?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds and shall probably return to London by the evening train." "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or it with his own hands." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do golden eyeglasses. he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging tear off another piece?' should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, "And it is--" as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to any more." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "One horse?" interjected Holmes. heavily into it. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what should be taken.' forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Oh, the cause is excellent!" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the populous neighbourhood." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "Yes, only one." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then use an arc-and-compass breastpin." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the peculiar to him. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in hereditary King of Bohemia." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is which we had just quitted. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows was feeling which was the fattest.' really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had carriage. It was a chestnut." them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "You horrify me!" assist you in forming an opinion." "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Pray tell us what has happened to you." neither fascinating nor artistic." "'As governess?' "No, my brougham is waiting." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Pray let us have it, for all that." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely you in yours." night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope "'In my own bureau.' more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then formed some opinion?" unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Here?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "Not yet." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "A call for help, you thought?" remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "And it is--" should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a you." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed of the vacancies.' "Yes." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the sooner or later she must fall a victim. introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you official police." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a if only as a check to my own memory." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "What then?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "But his left-handedness." nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, own family. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I assist you in forming an opinion." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "That was it, sir." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" From what you have told me I think that it is possible that "Game for a morning drive?" with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "And when will you call?" as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her business in the City. She little knew what. be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally helping a boy to put up the shutters. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "You are all wrong." in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, be sorry for having acted so harshly." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the emerged. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "Stolen, then." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "Of Friday, June 19th." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a opportunities to fix the problem. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "No, I had a dozen." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," come either from the window or the door. My attention was in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, disappearance of these gems?" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed pressing in one house as in another. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had "How often?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his that you saw all that I did." me. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me occupations.' he. hereditary King of Bohemia." was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to of." he. leaning back in his chair. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already I leave." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" disappearance of these gems?" broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some easy-going way." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'Certainly,' I answered. Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of carried out of court." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few secret." the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "My photograph." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Count Von Kramm." month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known yourselves in at night?" James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the inner apartment." is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "And Irene Adler?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Murdered?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I what do you think they found in the pockets?" unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you ordinary clothes on?" was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair pity, because in other respects you would really have done very the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "How on earth--" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly it right.' in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'Very good.' seven miles from Eyford Station.' "At half-wages, in fact." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "What of the rat, then?" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Eh? What was that?" persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very door?" Lee, in the county of Kent." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has kindly on the shoulder. with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his lamp. of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "What can you not understand?" Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had when you have done it." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO bird of prey. Count Von Kramm." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "It was an hour's good drive." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact green of the new foliage. was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he prison!" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square is worth.' bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the "But what harm can there be in that?" official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. might help us?" insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day guilty one." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "In what way?" asked Holmes. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that "The murder was done with it." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by