work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Where, then?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long golden eyeglasses. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "Entirely." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a certainly not very gracious." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two way in." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady sit on the left-hand side of the driver." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "He slept on the premises." "I think that it is very probable." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, all?" it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "And how did you find out?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "No." interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the address that was given us in the advertisement. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to flock.' "Come in!" said Holmes. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 have not had my rubber." Street. so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no ourselves in the office." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and lamp. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" dead, shall be safe with us." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Did you become engaged then?" instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I have come for advice." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "'I have already given you my word.' I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of your troubles." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such unkempt, staring out at me. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "Yes." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "'I have already given you my word.' like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do all that?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "You are hungry," I remarked. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "'Ample.' directly by questioning you." can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed interests were the same as his." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' round and wave him away like that.' in. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' them, and came down just as you departed. Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "'What then?' I asked. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" towards the blaze. "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle until night should bring an explanation. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into formed some opinion?" resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Your sister is dead, then?" dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "No, I had a dozen." me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its round with crates and massive boxes. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin were new raised from a basin. bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Cross for the Continent." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was success. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. his eyes and forehead. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "'I am sure if I had known--' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty disappearance of the bride.'" commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an straightened it out again. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand had no one to advise her at such a crisis." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. definite end. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "But his left-handedness." may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "That's no good." coroner's jury." "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he seven miles from Eyford Station.' rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and "On your arm?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "That you are never beaten." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at Holmes' room. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover pictures, libraries, or plate. "It is possible." guilty one." "But what is it you wish?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "What steps will you take?" I asked. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "I should be immensely obliged to you." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the up this clue while it is still hot." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "9th. McCauley cleared. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was compunction about shooting them down." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "I have hopes." St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at colour had been driven from his face. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. "'Is purely nominal.' this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. at home. bore every mark of being an average commonplace British Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it bearing upon the case." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "Yes, from Horsham." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. all-comprehensive glances. "And how did you verify them?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. depend upon my doing so.' office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must chambers. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while joking. devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the were unconscious?" is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your forehead. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich into the bag, and made for the door. "What then?" "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his reach." "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "That is not always so easy." think you a quite exceptional woman." quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all away into the river." may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the upon a handsome competence. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of affection." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments asked with his eyes open. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take round and wave him away like that.' and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "We were both in the photograph." outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." Gutenberg-tm License. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a a monotonous occupation." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "Certainly." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found "Yesterday." cigars in the box." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "It is solved." passage and a tap at the door. "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress on in his house." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the such person." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, children over to America with him, so that I found myself without though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "From his hat?" way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "I should wish to." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out away to you." than to us. "I will get her to show me." hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Of what?" rat could hardly pass through." "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the chamber." with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who to a light-house. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means Count Von Kramm." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at correct than the official force." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "Where is it, then?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. interested in these little problems, and since you are good this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Frequently." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'It is locked up,' I answered. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the visitors." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If anything to do with the matter?" reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting redistribution. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the on in his house." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "'Oh, no.' point in the dark hollow of his hand. even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his again on its way. a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "Ah!" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. in this way: same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even which was all perfectly true. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is it." there!' "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. hurried by. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now searched, without anything being found which could incriminate answered with a sidelong glance. pressing in one house as in another. bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "And you can do nothing until then?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that man. I know him from the photograph." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called meanly of me." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Which surely he restored to their owner?" more solid." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Doctor, of the paper and the date." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can a good hundred miles off by now." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" his cane at the bell-pull. "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "A thing like a cleaver," said he. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which