The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man in my life." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go God! What an exposure! What can I do?" he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Then how many are there?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "And how did you verify them?" room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really DAMAGE. ventilator." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works important." "Dirty?" unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly and a shock of very red hair. eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual morning." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "Thank you. Pray proceed." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less things are very often connected not with the larger but with the which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper London for the present?" something of him before." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" from you?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Nearly eleven." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then carpenter." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders him!" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "I say that I have solved it." repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not and glanced through. there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "My last client of the sort was a king." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me anything to a woman, for she would have her way." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" front of the hall door has given its name to the place. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would conversation I have gathered that they have been married about My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in disappearance of the bride.'" word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, undoubtedly my uncle's." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in photograph a cabinet?" immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "I know where it is." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Not particularly." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely to have that photograph." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "It was." direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was chemical work which was so dear to him. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but all?" way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a article?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "About a month then." when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her promised to bring home. your equipment. and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not is a common subject for conversation. Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. could gather together that I was able to avert another public "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Countess of Morcar's?" engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I Holmes. of his shoulders. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "What! a murderous attack?" down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We upon an income of about 60 pounds." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Quite sure, dad.' Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a "No sign of it?" point in the dark hollow of his hand. passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "I answered that I had not. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "And how have you succeeded?" space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "'Which dealer's?' Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to arrangements." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, vanished into the darkness. main points of my analysis." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can Does that suggest anything?" "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of drawing your inferences." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was again before evening." footfalls from the street. you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "But she will refuse." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of there has been an enclosure here!" through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "But how did you gain them?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "Then you may be so with me." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole down. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who which our visitor detailed to us. "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "But what is it you wish?" hopeless attempt at recovering them." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in to a light-house. go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of whatever might befall. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It neither fascinating nor artistic." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "You think so, too?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "But the mystery?" "I think that it is very probable." guilty one." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Very. But will he see it?" one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock strength of mind to control. the window, rose as we entered. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to maiden herself was most instructive." it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes details should find their way into the papers. Inspector so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'Where to?' seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "The doctor?" knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been I have it here in my museum." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have affection." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY cup of tea. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the some city in a dream. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most Literary Archive Foundation "Was there a secret marriage?" "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "Nothing?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them way in." comes from the middle window." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Dr. Becher's." nice household for a young lady." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in straightened it out again. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "A call for help, you thought?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. to-night?' them?" The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope strength in the others." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing undoubtedly my uncle's." I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the me where it went to?" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no lips." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a copied or distributed: gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove own family. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a that you saw all that I did." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, out of this horrible affair." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. the King without delay." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted The events in question occurred in the early days of my thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds lids now and glanced across at his visitor. was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "In what way?" asked Holmes. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey important." away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but ordinary clothes on?" look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "How on earth--" Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Oh, yes, easily." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite see me here to avoid scandal." the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "What do you make of that, Watson?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the over with notes and figures. perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "My last client of the sort was a king." leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I Watson," he said cordially. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "9th. McCauley cleared. that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "Precisely." everything which you would wish to know." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. presented more singular features than that which was associated grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of until night should bring an explanation. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "To an English lawyer named Norton." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps have I gained?" "Yes, only one." Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Imitated." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Where, indeed?" against a man in the prime of life?" LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE that he will be back before evening." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "At half-wages, in fact." union?" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles legal crime." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the with some details as to your case." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. begin with, and I had not got mine yet." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who charged with?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! waste of energy." "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have interests were the same as his." gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Thank you. And your address?" appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate be. right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his stood on the top of it. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of again before evening." of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." read over the extraordinary announcement. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "And that is--" mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this