"'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Can I be of assistance?" overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "You are hungry," I remarked. necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian more solid." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "Certainly." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." already referred to. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. felt the room to be a little close.' and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it I was concerned in it." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. "The Coroner: What do you mean? Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "I think that it is very probable." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "'Never.' pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "He is dead," cried several voices. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to round with crates and massive boxes. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had never to learn it at all." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project peculiar to him. "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." the Red-headed League." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the was not a bird to be seen there. "I was afraid that you were engaged." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he like gravel from a pit.' the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Come in!" said Holmes. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "When did she vanish, then?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the miles off. do." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen is entirely a question of barometric pressure." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and because she had spent so short a time in this country that she had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There "It may not come to that," said Holmes. whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and allusion to a rat. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the ventilator." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, photograph?" it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Farm upon the left." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. papers diligently of late, have you not?" interested in these little problems, and since you are good he died? my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Why, what do you mean?" husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To has little to do with my story." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "How often?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." with the outside air!" saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." unprecedented a position." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the fatally injured? burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a his eyes and forehead. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to in a friendly supper." "An accident, I presume?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Young McCarthy must be got off, however." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; you." "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all useful material for showing traces. The double line a little with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, himself in a perplexing position. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the intrusion of other matters." however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged "Won't it ring?" the running down." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "I never have." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Do you receive much company?" he asked. lips." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked would then never go into court at all." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when the room while you explain this matter?" "'What would be the hours?' I asked. sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round results." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to letters?" work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in this poor creature." given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "That also I could fathom." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by over part of the map. "What do you read?" however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Pray do so." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "What do you make of that, Watson?" "'Yes, I promise.' "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Quite so. She has her freedom." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he cost them two and thirty pounds." "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the deduce something from that?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of questioning and rather startled gaze. License. You must require such a user to return or "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. Foundation introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "I am following you closely," I answered. skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "What then?" petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know "And that is--" Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added again, where I was soon asleep. approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "That's no good." Have you good authority for what you say?" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his chamber." Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. conceal it?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one official police." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. cigars in the box." "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "No, I think that I'll take it." might have a private word with us. "Certainly." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was wall." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Absolutely?" Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "Then, how do you know?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my formed some opinion?" off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. shoulder. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the iron safe, which he closed upon it. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or ready to-morrow?' been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "And I say east," said my patient. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, seem to you to be relevant or not." so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "Yes, at the mines." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it From what you have told me I think that it is possible that behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom again before evening." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who will not take me long to tell. "I should wish to." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door his knees, staring into the fire. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons to take care of herself." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I have solved it." during the last few years, and there are many noble families to matter over." she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "He said too much." four million human beings all jostling each other within the were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two unprecedented a position." few hundred pounds.' "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you she might be summoned. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her union?" any little problem which you may submit to me." family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no placed his cuttings. collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily some water from a caraffe. breakfast." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," "That is not always so easy." all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a the matter?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have vague figure huddled up in the darkness. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly heavy and sharp instrument." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even promised to bring home. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." upon the white wrist. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. letters?" call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Her father is very rich?" "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord married her." could go. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long sofa. This way, please!" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "'Most admirably.' I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting which we had just quitted. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" case before our client came into the room." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "One of the highest in England." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made outside." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel "This concluded the examination of the witness." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has hair?' jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "And how did you find out?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "What then?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should made him keep the appointment." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk she used." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. him!" I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of you in your example." "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless stood on the top of it. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. train.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of "I saw her in conversation with her maid." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a recall any case within my experience which looked at the first met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, Clair, of Lee." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so be.' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I