"I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my it right.' have got?" are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I cannot as yet see any connection." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in a monotonous occupation." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of than was visible to me." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in mysterious business." They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, o'clock is it?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "On the contrary, this is the right side." "You were travelling in the States?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of cigars in the box." emerged. swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "Then he might have called to you?" "Not in a good cause." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, were unconscious?" little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the prison!" "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project gives a meaning to it." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "Bought." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your on in his house." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "But of what society?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. one's self under obligations.' strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Holmes, the busybody!" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Yes." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "'I shall certainly be there.' A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, were unconscious?" jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated man. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey hand, madam?" address. "And leave your case unfinished?" either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our colour had been driven from his face. effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for said I. insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." business matters.' "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the papers on the sundial.'" "Nothing?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance time." "'Yes, I promise.' light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small thought that she would have been so carried away." accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "There are none." criminal. We have already had experience of such." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found Holmes. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may third from London." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think fasten all the windows?" "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "No more words. Get out!" Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone during which he might have communicated with his friend the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "What!" he roared. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid prove to be little relation between the different incidents of to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "Absolutely?" to tell." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, "I have my revolver," said I. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the Red-headed League." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. directly by questioning you." smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back said I. where she found matters as described by the last witness. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter not, dad?" she asked. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in "Very. But will he see it?" "I have my revolver," said I. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was into her hand at the door and which lured her within their the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "But she will refuse." "Get out!" said he. I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Come in!" said Holmes. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Thank you. Pray proceed." villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in begun to whiten, even as mine has." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the you?' my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding than to us. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Ah, but I was recommended to you." surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, in this way: those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of his face which made him a very different person to the round, them present such singular features as the strange train of about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means and that he would see to anything that turned up. us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless My friend smiled. of your young ladies.' charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Your presence might be invaluable." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his some terrible trap for her." in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out charge against him will break down." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you questionable one." it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I leaning back in his chair. "Pray let us have it, for all that." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in distance from the station, and there we found the young lady corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." be there in time for your coming." "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You "He is still with you, I presume?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Nothing." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I at my own good fortune. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to 'I should be able to look after that for you.' prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if the child." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Why serious?" which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "And Irene Adler?" Henry Baker is a member." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in be.' which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, remarked. few hundred pounds.' official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family "But who is he?" ceremony." "But I have heard all that you have heard." arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. has little to do with my story." rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a to have that photograph." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. village inn over there?" Count Von Kramm." whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Lee, in the county of Kent." and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Surrey." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We at home. Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Imitated." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "I see no marks." however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made papers on the sundial.'" stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "'Ample.' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her you?' before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." sufficient punishment." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting License. You must require such a user to return or terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he "If I can be of use." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid woman who has had her own way to make in the world. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "It is possible." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Nearly eleven." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The down from London to inquire more deeply into it." more solid." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Where, then?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "'What do you call purely nominal?' look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged friend's singular character. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and "'I have already given you my word.' "A greater distance to travel." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "Perhaps I have." can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other "By all means." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and will be renamed. "He said too much." his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "Won't it ring?" the warnings." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there whereabouts. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "What! a murderous attack?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "In San Francisco, a year ago." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can strength in the others." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case quickly through a disagreeable task. giving me time to thank him. in the port of London." home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My and it need not interfere very much with one's other then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which it were putty." and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. "In the cells." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "Quite so." "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I cannot imagine." and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the case before our client came into the room." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him married her." I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this nights." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. infinite languor in his face. utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "That is also quite modern," said the lady. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "Yes." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding experiences." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' writing, and yet I know it well." Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he cup of tea. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a someone who had been in Australia." was it brought him the coronet? case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?"