"Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much not within a twentieth part of the market price." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor some mystery and the punishment of some crime." the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at cigar and let me expound." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I back to my heart. happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you hands. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a him and tried to hold him back. the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. any more." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Where to?" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him characteristics, but those are the more obvious." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the devil!" at a side door. "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. arrested. You then--" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew at home. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered next day. wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with it. closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real the armchair which I pushed forward for him. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "But who is he?" believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "By no means." only touch the interest." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "I was afraid that you were engaged." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to where Mr. Fordham shows you.' does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about had formerly been in part my own. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, which we had just quitted. points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "No, thank goodness, she did not." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, I shall continue with my miserable story. instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Project Gutenberg-tm works. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first fasten all the windows?" detective. affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "'Ten to two.' "Stoke Moran?" said he. in a very precise fashion." "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, in his power. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, everything which you would wish to know." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "But we can't all be." acquaintance?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said been lifted and conveyed somewhere." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Farm upon the left." "None." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by forbidden door. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "'Most admirably.' instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with three of the beryls in it, was missing. the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." feature." dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so Serpentine Avenue. one or two very singular points about this room. For example, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying the loss of it. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might off." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" "Yes, the wine-cellar." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a married her." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" with you alone." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little might have a private word with us. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he gentleman's clothes. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "I assure you that I am in your hands." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day States. friend's singular character. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "'Why that?' I asks. out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point acted in my house last night?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "How did that help you?" recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. morning." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, Sutherland?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and it." over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The the roots. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I the armchair which I pushed forward for him. A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "But we can't all be." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length a good hundred miles off by now." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole with her." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "You are certainly joking, Holmes." he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Not social, then?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Murdered?" chemical work which was so dear to him. hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "No, but the enclosure is." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a gone before you can get him to hospital." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Eh? What was that?" business matters.' crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "That is possible." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, photograph?" license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. generous with you in money matters.' heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note know all about it," he snarled. "By all means." of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "No legal papers or certificates?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you Doctor, of the paper and the date." "What have you to say now?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I have come for advice." point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, Mary, has deserted me." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Holmes. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Never." at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "Come in!" said Holmes. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long crime." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Ten will be early enough." companion quietly. have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you the date of his supposed suicide." "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Your sister is dead, then?" I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry gigantic client. drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Perfectly so." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw upon the white wrist. enter Dr. Roylott's room." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical from you?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved evidence," I remarked. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is the iron safe, which he closed upon it. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with noise which awoke you from your sleep?" return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "But your client--" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "Married! When?" reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was of Mr. Rucastle's." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he "I will try. What is it?" his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," the room while you explain this matter?" "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it security.' what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I plantation.' "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry *** START: FULL LICENSE *** Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed constraint." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had breakfast?" very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the room?" that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. I shall continue with my miserable story. doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. was not a bird to be seen there. am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on back alive. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that society." and capable of preserving a secret.' charge against him will break down." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how of a light. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in the Assizes." as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If is entirely a question of barometric pressure." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced Street. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the away to you." A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, DAMAGE. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I am sure." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." waste of energy." "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as and put his glass in his pocket. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "No more words. Get out!" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight impression behind it as though a window had gently closed were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, front of me. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "He said too much." "You know me, then?" Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt could not account in any way for the presence of the missing protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," have been better. It is all right." more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" not as remarkable as your advertisement." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and happened."