tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be maiden herself was most instructive." signal between you and your father? my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." third from London." huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the "It certainly sounds feasible." have got?" delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of "Absolutely none." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Ah, but I was recommended to you." 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to "Yes, sir." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. round and wave him away like that.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "And your father? Did you tell him?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "You did not overhear what they said?" "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his instincts rose up against that laugh. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" noise which awoke you from your sleep?" showing my impatience. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Where did he live, then?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. quick march!" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall suspect him." not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect crackling voice. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "And that is--" without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between into the bag, and made for the door. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest your Highness to the police-station?" have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "What office?" "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "I don't say that. Perhaps." her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger as yours." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said acted in my house last night?" madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "He said that you could solve anything." my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand Holmes rather sternly. which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that ourselves in the office." should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, hand, madam?" words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "You did not overhear what they said?" photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured giving me time to thank him. and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "Quite so." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Sutherland. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and is acting for the best. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a could go. introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." habit of advancing money.' looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out little trying to do so much typewriting?" "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some compunction about shooting them down." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it again before evening." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the despair." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people this man was intellectual?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account villagers almost as much as their master. "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. you in your example." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him "It must be recovered." assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do when you have done it." right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money that he has suffered." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well did not hear it also.' its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned see me here to avoid scandal." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be that you can jump it.' wanted for ourselves." if she died from some sudden fright." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was she slowly sank and died without having recovered her ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the but preventing her from injuring another. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from to a more successful conclusion." client, rising. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that a little more before I quite committed myself. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding away in different directions, and I went off to make my own remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Quite so. She has her freedom." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced sentimental considerations in the background which would induce to-night's adventure." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but again, where I was soon asleep. sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "Entirely." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new becomes even more simple." "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to him to be an active member of the medical profession." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "Because he was handy and would come cheap." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes very old mansion. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather round and wave him away like that.' might help us?" after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three wanted for ourselves." "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at call for it in person on Monday morning.' without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird leave you to your papers for a little." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." bachelor.' the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a awaited us upon the table. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are a monotonous occupation." his face which made him a very different person to the round, "I don't believe it." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What your co-operation." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, once more on the important position which you have been fortunate after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, gentleman's clothes. him, that man would not have given me such complete information I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and is a common subject for conversation. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "Why? What do you mean?" years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I populous neighbourhood." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." "But she will refuse." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "I cannot tell." joking. room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found 'I should be able to look after that for you.' from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would business at Coburg Square is serious." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? tension within him. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, detained." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would locked. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which and that he would see to anything that turned up. no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the upon a handsome competence. hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of there is a decided draught." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less just called myself is not exactly my own." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have I am not easy in my mind about them." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Not particularly." who was a member of your goose club." "'And the work?' congenial hunt. the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, the inquest, and which are worth considering." for and were ordered to this address. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "'Certainly not. But why?' Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Certainly." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, know that the truth is known." Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Yes, that is the Crown." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "That is unusual in a young girl." "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went room. had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have digesting their breakfasts at home." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Not particularly." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you simple cases which are so extremely difficult." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even that I may have something better before very many minutes are some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." did not hear it also.' Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "How many? I don't know." "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "And Irene Adler?" hereditary King of Bohemia." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George gone before you can get him to hospital." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she the inquest, and which are worth considering." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a vanished into the darkness. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and shall use the carriage to-night." lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." chambers. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week I think that I could be of assistance to you." my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four