possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "Witness: It was. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning said he. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "But how did you gain them?" learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "Not particularly." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he new acquaintance to Baker Street. deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of you." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "I was certainly surprised to find you there." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless flock.' "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid and glanced through. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing to a more successful conclusion." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which I have it here in my museum." play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Stolen, then." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "I have hopes." "Tired-looking or fresh?" "And why in hopes?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into you." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Yes, it would be as well." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." affair. "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. is acting for the best. "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. through." of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" that, and I came down." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "I cannot say that I have." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps spark where all is dark to me." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. speckled band?" his forehead." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not my secret was safe in his possession. he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "No, I think that I'll take it." during that time.' helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had which our visitor detailed to us. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "The landlord of the Alpha." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "The murder was done with it." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "Dr. Becher's." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more it right.' "Will you bet, then?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few and that he would see to anything that turned up. This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be anything to do with the matter?" "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by maid will bring up your coffee." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems case-book, which he consulted. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous Watson," he said cordially. "I cannot as yet see any connection." "He is dead," cried several voices. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the IS while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done make me his representative both with the servants and with the "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "Nothing." "The vanishing of the lady." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may go from here to the Strand." nights." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. what is your own theory as to what took place?" drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Yes." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now do.' written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what frequently gained my first real insight into the character of absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the of fine shops and stately business premises that they really he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and http://www.gutenberg.net the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel the coronet at all injured?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "Nothing." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "So I have heard." been." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their think, you have already met." Countess of Morcar's?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found forebodings. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this strode off upon his way. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "How did he come?" going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the unprofitable." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his cigars in the box." "How did you deduce the select?" "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Your presence might be invaluable." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. society." moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from States. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I of the way of danger. man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "And I." three of the beryls in it, was missing. to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "Yes, that is the Crown." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "What! You do not mean bodies?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any prove to be little relation between the different incidents of business at Coburg Square is serious." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "And I." snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that that I can to serve you." as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the neither fascinating nor artistic." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near over part of the map. "What do you read?" shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is forecastle of an emigrant ship. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a It may be so in this case, also." graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think new acquaintance to Baker Street. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a question. look upon these things in a different way." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said "Yes, only one." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this gone before you can get him to hospital." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past hopeless attempt at recovering them." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "Oh, fresh and glossy." hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several was feeling which was the fattest.' We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" how narrow had been my escape. abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "One?" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "But his lameness?" puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to thin, with a long, sharp nose?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless sofa. This way, please!" Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs throat." Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the to some other building. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I the dangers which encompass me." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "Of Friday, June 19th." "Yes. He waved his hands." "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "You are certainly joking, Holmes." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I eavesdroppers?' could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "His face fell immediately. threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "You have but to name it." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be the date of his supposed suicide." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "You have a clue?" own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the "Why serious?" wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug present." is so. I know all about McCarthy." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "I shall most certainly do so." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you meant." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I good-night and bustled off upon her way. knowledge of the world." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you gigantic client. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of again." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "But we can't all be." wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "'Which dealer's?' "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "It certainly sounds feasible." back into the street. is entirely a question of barometric pressure." practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we nothing of it?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your geese which you supplied to the Alpha." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "What then?" age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other points in connection with it which never have been, and probably The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements you?" "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in