be there in time for your coming." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion gone. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Never." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came orange pips. wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before this as likely?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I bore every mark of being an average commonplace British doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she you." matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, be sorry for having acted so harshly." "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His detective. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "And now?" I asked. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San appeal." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "Who was the criminal, then?" "I cannot imagine." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He spark where all is dark to me." "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Where did he live, then?" rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "How did that help you?" "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you of the vacancies.' than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that whether it answered to the description of any of their made his money." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. father's young wife. his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. and glanced through. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, purpose equally well?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to had formerly been in part my own. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his intimate personal affairs in this public manner." been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly it." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "The King of Scandinavia." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "How did he come?" "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your lumber-room." size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "It is possible." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "But it has twice been burgled." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "And for present expenses?" who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give characteristics, but those are the more obvious." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. light and attacked it." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say foot. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Quite so." light and attacked it." presented more singular features than that which was associated used to be." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. ill-usage at the hands of fortune. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. do.' God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." girl said." That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" leaning back in his chair. on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but "'What, the red-headed man?' out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself true." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "Your presence might be invaluable." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I attention." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal Have you good authority for what you say?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "Murdered?" "In heaven's name, what for?" use an arc-and-compass breastpin." "It must be recovered." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "But what is it you wish?" said he. "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal note?" was already answered. came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "Yes, the wine-cellar." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle "And the cigar-holder?" "'You doubt its value?' he asked. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "And Miss Sutherland?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her companion imperturbably. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Nothing." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was one of them." were unconscious?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of in the port of London." methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, is so. I know all about McCarthy." He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men of a light. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he what these perils are?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at be there in time for your coming." to change my dress. "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "What, then, did Peterson do?" Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Ha! you find it so?" have accepted such a situation. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Indeed! Whose, then?" the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "'I am sure if I had known--' at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I wedding?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the whole matter to your consideration." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods strong reason behind." this remarkable episode. smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. must be when I saw the door open.' hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "Yes, certainly." at my remark. "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so husband's writing, madam." "Very much so." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. all?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you look dissatisfied." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. it with his own hands." "I think that I had better go, Holmes." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Yes." individual and becomes the badge of a society." "9th. McCauley cleared. "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "He slept on the premises." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then late." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my you." had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There have accepted such a situation. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the it." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an thought that she would have been so carried away." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "Not particularly." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. acted in my house last night?" "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof before the coroner and the police-court." have had none more fantastic than this." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "You are certainly joking, Holmes." livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "My own seal." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from hurried away. "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "Proceed, then." highly," said Holmes. to change my dress. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. in his power. hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "What office?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. the side-table." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few absolutely follow my advice in every respect." travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin evidence," I remarked. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "And when will you call?" house for five minutes.' not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "Well, but China?" "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the me upon any point which I do not make clear." There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Yes, from Horsham." I nodded to show that I had heard. my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! never will be, entirely cleared up. call you and give you the chance." him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident was a perfect sample of the class. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. affair. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some papers." "Two days later this same performance was gone through under Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove prove to be little relation between the different incidents of and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. upon a handsome competence. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical public press." "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and weary and pale-looking. during that time.' least a fellow-countryman. Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "I cannot imagine." Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "That also I could fathom." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that Edgeware Road. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it "No, my brougham is waiting." I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "Where did you address your letters, then?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the shall use the carriage to-night." "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of Foundation "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive might have a private word with us. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and place no limit on the sum I may draw." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which at a side door. dates and names. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "Pray let us have it, for all that." him to go away.' 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove relief. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very hardly wander." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open in darkness. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three