the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "Yes, but only for you and me." felt?" 11:15.' would then never go into court at all." companion. "The best possible." lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and go--none." "But how will you look?" "Of Friday, June 19th." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington "Why serious?" of fine shops and stately business premises that they really should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest tapping his fingers upon the table. "Absolutely?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this "We must have a cab." Holmes' face clouded over. Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Pray do so." "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite case before our client came into the room." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "Was there a secret marriage?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's following enigmatical notices: there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." my secret was safe in his possession. essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" wedding?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so future lives." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining happened." into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to I leave." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices "I answered that I had not. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "The vanishing of the lady." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "I answered that I had not. a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and DISSOLVED. he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as cigar and let me expound." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the was a loud and authoritative tap. drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a way in." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The maid will bring up your coffee." Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong papers on the sundial.'" self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of sit on the left-hand side of the driver." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of mystery." so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we the armchair which I pushed forward for him. goes." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "When did she vanish, then?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too records." would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The absorbing." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the have got?" "How long did she speak to this Alice?" in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his "Imitated." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I village inn over there?" livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." for and were ordered to this address. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I cannot tell." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I "But of what society?" emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. possible that we could bring him back to her? "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Again Holmes raved in the air. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the little trying to do so much typewriting?" and laid it on the table. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm excitement. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "I cannot tell." Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party my special province." seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous appeal." friends, not even his own brother. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. pity, because in other respects you would really have done very few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if electronic works she used." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "No, I had a dozen." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "The murder was done with it." License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "To ruin me." goes." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from "But not more so than I to find you." notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call Pope's Court. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. shall use the carriage to-night." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but assist you in forming an opinion." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "Yes, the wine-cellar." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing not within a twentieth part of the market price." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "'Not at all. I only doubt--' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Always." this truth that in these little records of our cases which you "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for your Highness to the police-station?" smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons because she had spent so short a time in this country that she I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that completely overtopped every other consideration that we both unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "One of the highest in England." freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, spark where all is dark to me." it with his own hands." back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with him nearly every evening." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he must be when I saw the door open.' adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a sound at heart." weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "I was mad--insane." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, annoyance, but no jest. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was so far?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be was it brought him the coronet? "One?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance Count Von Kramm." one of them." which our visitor detailed to us. written, and locked the door of the office after me. "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Upon what point?" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of of the vacancies.' "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door and put his glass in his pocket. Sholtos." "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "If I can be of use." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which which was all perfectly true. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known distinguish the words: A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we the bottom.' as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "How on earth--" "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy acted in my house last night?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, instincts rose up against that laugh. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the mysterious end." a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about "Where to?" out." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I of note-paper. It read in this fashion: ventilator." Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" crowd. pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in she used." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain bled considerably." "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "Here?" what these perils are?" "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt that you saw all that I did." "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to future lives." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would strode off upon his way. that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "You horrify me." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "My stepfather's business papers." straightened it out again. his wife has ceased to love him." science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to generous with you in money matters.' cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her cheerful." About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the chemical work which was so dear to him. were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Ah, but I was recommended to you." this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to fire. You quite follow me?" "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "And why?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of details." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "And I say east," said my patient. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe detained." "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by I approached. bonnet, and went out." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," views." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Was he the only applicant?" Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "How are you getting on?" be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not criminal. We have already had experience of such." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Always." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger said he at last.