across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the and capable of preserving a secret.' "Witness: It was. thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. works. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Pray do so." moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" danger is over." works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been see a sister of mine apply for." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at it with his own hands." I held the little printed slip to the light. broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "My own seal." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said to have that photograph." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a begun to whiten, even as mine has." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that point in the dark hollow of his hand. my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in over here." "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There horse could go." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the call it cruel." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Witness: I must still refuse. preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic strong reason behind." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Did he not advertise?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut upon an income of about 60 pounds." waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. nothing of it?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." figure." weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "But how?" has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "No legal papers or certificates?" Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "It is half-past ten now." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while has little to do with my story." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I His name is Francis Prosper." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save electronic works "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in people don't know." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me read it out to me." weapon." the window, rose as we entered. "The King of Scandinavia." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's you." "My opinion is in no way altered." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of light and attacked it." time." details." this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully some mystery and the punishment of some crime." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking Serpentine Avenue. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him situation." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "By all means." him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Street. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as late." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "And your mother is alive?" presume?" "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every of fine shops and stately business premises that they really attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "But of what society?" "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest British peeress.'" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great business in the City. She little knew what. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "And your father? Did you tell him?" first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "'Yes, it was gone.' 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an "I have a cab outside." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Thank you. And your address?" such attractions and accomplishments?' would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this side. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining third from London." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the tragedy. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement morning." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. see me here to avoid scandal." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "Yes?" be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." shaken than I had ever seen him. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "By all means." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of lectures into a series of tales." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "What! You do not mean bodies?" "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "What! You do not mean bodies?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. fat-encircled eyes. place no limit on the sum I may draw." but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but newspaper selections." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "I don't believe it." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It remarked. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." look upon these things in a different way." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be villagers almost as much as their master. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door again on its way. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived allusion to a rat. the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from and have this put in the evening papers." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "What is it?" "BALLARAT." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'About the same.' far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "But how?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a acted in my house last night?" quickly through a disagreeable task. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. might have a private word with us. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "She told me to ask you." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was upon the sideboard." When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table key turn in the lock." "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but will he say when he returns?" "Then I am your man." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Texas, I think." to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to certainly not very gracious." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the fact, we may call it conclusive." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be colonel looking down at me. dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "'Certainly not.' with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, front of the hall door has given its name to the place. her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "But who is he?" "Always." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where think, you have already met." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "And your father? Did you tell him?" attention." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Eh? What was that?" I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "On Monday." erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will Count Von Kramm." of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies is entirely a question of barometric pressure." My friend smiled. Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "And I to find an enemy." "The rest you will leave in our hands." it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "No, finished." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "Not social, then?" desk. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't constraint." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive front of me. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This experiences." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such cause to be." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting fuss that is made over them." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had true." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Never." dead, shall be safe with us." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for lost his Christmas dinner." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. upon an income of about 60 pounds." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business himself to tell his story. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let carriage. It was a chestnut." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "'A dozen yards or so.' dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "But you can know nothing of this?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to is so. I know all about McCarthy." "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it passage and a tap at the door. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I "Perhaps we may make them less so." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "And when will you call?" "Just look it up, then." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he gone before you can get him to hospital." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most without a word or a look. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting woman." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger