mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a gigantic client. "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "No sign of it?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. both be extremely obliged.' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself words came to my lips. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "'Very good.' "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the unprofitable." Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen night.' said he. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the dangers which encompass me." business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an of a light. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average approach us with offers to donate. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "Certainly." leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to point in the dark hollow of his hand. "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you "Yes, but only for you and me." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an should be so warm over such a trifle." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. in the hope of finding them." enter Dr. Roylott's room." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "That also I could fathom." putting in the horse. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as strong reason behind." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very drawing your inferences." comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, grasp, he hurried from the room. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a unkempt, staring out at me. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "The vanishing of the lady." nothing of it?" "But you would not advise me to refuse?" re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond to arrive at through this?" forbidden door. "How do you know, then?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I know where it is." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "What then?" glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "I am following you closely," I answered. "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "Was your sister dressed?" envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel outsides of the windows. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, about here speaks of his kindness to him." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson article?" stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Look there!" said he. information in his hands the value of which he did not himself pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "You did not overhear what they said?" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "Deserted you?" is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a with some details as to your case." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his affair. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were congratulate you again." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. will take you up to see the machine.' He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line upon the sideboard." business came to an end." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "None." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "But I have heard all that you have heard." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I bled considerably." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "That is it on the dressing-table." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "But of what society?" provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." thirty. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue in him." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point look upon these things in a different way." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "Texas, I think." following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "I fear not." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "And how did you find out?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have delirious. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the such attractions and accomplishments?' little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "How did he come?" from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or been." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham with her." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the lectures into a series of tales." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to introspective fashion. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he "But how did you gain them?" "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with had formerly been in part my own. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather already referred to. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress http://www.gutenberg.net of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "Did your wife hear all this?" evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "No, I am descending." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather examine." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Yes, they were peculiar boots." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to any." and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into case-book, which he consulted. "And why in hopes?" peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "But how could you guess what the motive was?" of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw said I. strength in the others." his forehead." clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather was feeling which was the fattest.' that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle tell him that I know him to be innocent." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "You saw the ventilator, too?" neither fascinating nor artistic." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "Did your wife hear all this?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "Well." "Stolen, then." intrusion of other matters." in a friendly supper." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "Yesterday." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it key turn in the lock." "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year "Have you it here?" should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Why? What do you mean?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "You know me, then?" 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' "My last client of the sort was a king." Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Yes. He waved his hands." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would "Then how many are there?" cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly in a friendly supper." inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I train from Paddington which would bring you there at about step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King American. Then who could this American be, and why should he silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very death." Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "I fear not." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the information in his hands the value of which he did not himself clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a forehead. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Doctor, of the paper and the date." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I row." piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "That is unusual in a young girl." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was yet." lectures into a series of tales." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a drove away. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I bird of prey. suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes in this note: "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there sparkled upon his finger. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, the matter." home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that friends, not even his own brother. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "What will you do, then?" railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "To the police?" "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the coat-tails." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a in a very precise fashion." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, quick march!" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never is so. I know all about McCarthy." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable "Seven!" I answered. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "No, I think that I'll take it." daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. and looked back. I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to to-night." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the to change my dress. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "I warn you that they are very incomplete." as noiselessly as she had come. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in had no one to advise her at such a crisis." it." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do habit of advancing money.' back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if at my remark. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone His smile broadened. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "But what harm can there be in that?" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Come in!" said Holmes. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he open." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Breckinridge is his name." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his answer." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which what I may call a really hard day's work." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner