hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out narrative." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much place, I think that there is good ground to think that the doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Do you go out much in society?" people don't know." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he eavesdroppers?' including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "From his hat?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "Here?" firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "By train from Waterloo." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was so far?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Nothing." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the was once confined in the cab my mission was practically country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'Stolen!' he cried. "And is that all?" The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that miles off. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." you?" you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, despair." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to tackle the facts." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and rat could hardly pass through." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were as the one I chose?' covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Did you become engaged then?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Imitated." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, correct than the official force." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose Young McCarthy must be got off, however." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Imitated." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl presented more singular features than that which was associated "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored and capable of preserving a secret.' They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "The King of Scandinavia." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that other, as fresh and trim as possible. mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to existence." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we fish-monger and a tide-waiter." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Yes, all." and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "And how in the world did you find them?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "I cannot tell." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to relief. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a you?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, one's self under obligations.' the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same and put his glass in his pocket. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "We have tried and failed." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, obstinate." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in for its centre. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to been lifted and conveyed somewhere." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled strong and stiff." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and "I have a cab outside." conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been my secret was safe in his possession. is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now fact, we may call it conclusive." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "How did you deduce the select?" had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as believe that I should never have any practice at all. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that four million human beings all jostling each other within the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an father's place of business?" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with the station." explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? http://gutenberg.net/license). "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a me, and I could not think that his explanation of the "I have seen the police." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. some water from a caraffe. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been wife's character?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. writer." be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the help us in this matter." "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his the side-table." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her which I could not give. He asked for Alice. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "But of what society?" Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the lost nothing by them." Farm upon the left." "My stepfather's business papers." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and ill-usage at the hands of fortune. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. returning from some small jollification and was making his way Pope's Court. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might get her out of the way." there has been an enclosure here!" again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without photograph a cabinet?" south, for the country is more deserted there." themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the hands. indiscretion." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" the window, rose as we entered. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "But your client--" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "Yes, all." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means here and I will read it to you: way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker trifles." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from populous neighbourhood." four million human beings all jostling each other within the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which digesting their breakfasts at home." been anything against him. He had for years been known as a Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "I came to find a friend." I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "My opinion is in no way altered." sake, don't!" "Never." firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Pray do so." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" tail." "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "None." and I shall be with you presently." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." past. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he 11:15.' "Then you may entirely rely on me." the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was "You don't mind breaking the law?" afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he "By train from Waterloo." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There here." beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the dates and names. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with he bowed and left the room without another word. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. "Yes, sir." "Pray do so." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "And for present expenses?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she next day. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "That sounds a little paradoxical." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "There are none." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the from the brougham. a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have so.' predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" gone. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally Count Von Kramm." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of particular state visit http://pglaf.org gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable I nodded to show that I had heard. "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. gone. Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you learned something! Where are the gems?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "Yes." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of is a common subject for conversation. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "I see many objections to any such theory." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up villagers almost as much as their master. "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the have been better. It is all right." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was companion. "I don't say that. Perhaps." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of I took the paper from him and read as follows: "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony 1.E.9. questioning and rather startled gaze. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to in a very precise fashion." "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very Edgeware Road. the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "Of Friday, June 19th." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Pray let us have it, for all that." our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an ways of our fellow-men." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "It was." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "I never have." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Then I can wait in the next room." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a may have an influence upon European history." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she asked. though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary