has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "How did he come?" But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he more terrible than the truth. his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "You are all wrong." suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "'Certainly,' I answered. governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "How are you getting on?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was be best to do. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our is worth.' sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I cigars in their mouths. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. seven miles from Eyford Station.' gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "When did she vanish, then?" read it out to me." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. suddenly upon us." and shall probably return to London by the evening train." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some of it with the greatest attention. your sleep?' "Ha! you find it so?" provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of where we are going." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. do you make of it all?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a upon a handsome competence. She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "You think so, too?" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes you understand?" "It is his hat." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock get her out of the way." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin written. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a the morning and make my own way in the world.' done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for was it brought him the coronet? They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't prison!" delirious. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his Chief Executive and Director Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of to that open window." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and jewels which you have stolen?' Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which call it cruel." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "But how did you gain them?" on re-entering her father's house?" Holmes." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "You'll never persuade me to believe that." became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I which I could not give. He asked for Alice. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "You'll never persuade me to believe that." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to means taking possession of that which another person has a prior ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you coroner's jury." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'And what are they worth?' I asked. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who cigars in their mouths. "To an end?" and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, appeal." where she found matters as described by the last witness. "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been asked. "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door handed it to him. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or lost nothing by them." with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of forbidden door. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the before, for it was considerably after midnight. these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes suddenly upon us." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "It's nothing of the kind." it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your hand, madam?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight invisible to me," I remarked. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Not I." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. characteristics, but those are the more obvious." the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked pictures, libraries, or plate. "No good news?" air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang highroad, where all traces were lost. known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the whereabouts. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that interested in these little problems, and since you are good and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: the Assizes." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "What I expected to see." "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows him." "I am in hopes that she does." or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to "Were they all fastened this morning?" "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the be. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are of." upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is keep the flames under. "I was afraid that you were engaged." "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss said I. upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that not within a twentieth part of the market price." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the clanging. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," "I cannot say that I have." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully II. John Swain, of St. Augustine. noble correspondent could be. month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly of the vacancies.' saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle families. Now for the facts. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, have had none more fantastic than this." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the key of the affair now." most interesting one." friends, not even his own brother. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do questioning and rather startled gaze. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll feature." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Yesterday." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be and looked back. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that upon the shelf for the interim." knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the like that before?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "Certainly." were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Very truly yours, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Count Von Kramm." himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a I nodded to show that I had heard. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "But it has twice been burgled." "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "May I see it?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his of Mr. Rucastle's." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Then, as to money?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. weighed down with some great anxiety. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, round and wave him away like that.' "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. experiences." them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or thin, with a long, sharp nose?" he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and such person." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Entirely." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There examination of the premises, but without finding anything which law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are attention." supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "We must sit without light. He would see it through the dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. this as likely?" "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I http://gutenberg.net/license). the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his morning." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "I cannot say that I have." Cross for the Continent." must compliment you." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a Surrey." particular state visit http://pglaf.org leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "'Ample.' in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that said he at last. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "Yes." bird I ate is country bred." penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "Here?" said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the the matter." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money it were putty." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot to-night's adventure." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor felt the room to be a little close.' the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our 11:15.' in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "A confidential servant?" "An accident, I presume?" He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my habit of advancing money.' grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an from the brougham. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the awaited us upon the table. me. You must get home instantly and act." sooner or later she must fall a victim. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced prepare for the new role I have to play." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked gigantic client. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce