"And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman are, and they are waiting for us." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more will not take me long to tell. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something meant it for the best. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly and put his glass in his pocket. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Stolen, then." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the in my life." your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "But how could you guess what the motive was?" fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "And Irene Adler?" "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows closing the door. of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our gone. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the right! Sit down and let us talk it over." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. in a friendly supper." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, criminal. We have already had experience of such." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "I answered that I had not. "She showed me, as I told you she would." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took the inner apartment." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "You have the photograph?" considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up morning." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of prisoner's face. detective. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Nothing." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house that I may have something better before very many minutes are not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, Does that suggest anything?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' examine." "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Breckinridge is his name." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. the coronet at all injured?" closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. point in the dark hollow of his hand. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "I cannot say that I have." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang Sutherland. "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, some terrible trap for her." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was most important business. It is probable that he will be away all quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "Very. But will he see it?" will not take me long to tell. "'As governess?' absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is his forehead." office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "Pray let us have it, for all that." think, you have already met." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some that threaten you." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not child?' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." my room." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you murdered man." "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the bare slabs of marble. papers." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it correct than the official force." out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton were wasted." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. was the fact that his father should, according to his account, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Perhaps we may make them less so." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "And Miss Sutherland?" method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about business came to an end." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he you." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was your bag." crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water front of the hall door has given its name to the place. my former friend and companion. him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of lost nothing by them." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into side. of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "And how did he make his money?" "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I assure you that I am in your hands." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Never." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "It is true that I have been generally successful." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small flock.' of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "What do you mean?" you came in." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Holmes' face clouded over. silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for and that he would see to anything that turned up. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "But she could not love him." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "No more words. Get out!" entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to happened." time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened likely to be some crony of the landlady's." foot. gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a chance at all." dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "What are they?" "What can you not understand?" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'Ample.' while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my call you and give you the chance." "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that stood on the top of it. "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in of." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think I have it here in my museum." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this carriage. It was a chestnut." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be to miss it." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes the coronet at all injured?" "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. States. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the stood on the top of it. ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is photograph?" "I came to find a friend." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "And now?" He raised his hand. chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, details." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "No." gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "Yes." Cross for the Continent." you give your casting vote to?" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "Absolutely?" Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really recall any case within my experience which looked at the first was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here were unconscious?" "Entirely." "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. detective. at my remark. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." even of instruction." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to advice." "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. something of him before." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was present." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Then how many are there?" it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for things are very often connected not with the larger but with the you came in." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Why did you pick him?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "'Yes, it was gone.' cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he since then to throw any light upon what became of him." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "You have a clue?" said Mr. Holder. which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in note?" with some details as to your case." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for answered with a sidelong glance. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six your own bird, so if you wish--" sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "Why did you beat the pavement?" chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of this unhappy family?" "How often?" way: thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "It is a murder, then?" of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, correct than the official force." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "I cannot imagine." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it empty. floor. "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "Yes." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" long narrative. "Pray do so." Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' not as remarkable as your advertisement." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that outsides of the windows. rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "He disappeared so suddenly." "But what harm can there be in that?" Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "And how did he make his money?" The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of peculiar to him. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." that he has suffered." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in with some details as to your case." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the http://www.gutenberg.net stammered. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the during that time.' his forehead." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done 11:15.' on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as