say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called annoyance, but no jest. "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. The summons was a brief and urgent one. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "VIOLET HUNTER." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong chambers. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when better in every way that they should make their position a little assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and "From his hat?" is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as dear old homesteads?" To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely October 9, 1890. "I see many objections to any such theory." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no have I gained?" before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "You did not overhear what they said?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Absolutely none." assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "And Irene Adler?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "How long did she speak to this Alice?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered with frightened eyes at his accuser. fuss that is made over them." cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the as he folded up the epistle. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very views." shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few think you a quite exceptional woman." "Proceed, then." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had you found me to-night--and running through the front room she he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "'And what are they worth?' I asked. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most "What is it, then--a fire?" younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there gigantic client. "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It paper in the air. call it cruel." "'Stolen!' he cried. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "I cannot as yet see any connection." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Surrey." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. against a man in the prime of life?" "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The "Who by?" mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "You don't mind breaking the law?" shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "I cannot tell." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'What would be the hours?' I asked. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower of Mr. Rucastle's." are, I think, all that we need." agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "'And what salary do you ask?' other, as fresh and trim as possible. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "Ah, but I was recommended to you." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third disturbance in my wife." on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "No, finished." "You horrify me." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." point in the dark hollow of his hand. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "But I have heard all that you have heard." burst out into a roar of laughter. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Did you become engaged then?" black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been crime. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email will not take me long to tell. against a man in the prime of life?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, became a certainty. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary both be extremely obliged.' His name is Francis Prosper." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Sutherland. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is hands. the general public were present, then?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Here?" he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "What have you to say now?" so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ village inn over there?" from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "Frequently." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our of the efforts of the United States government and of the better he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, voice, changing her seat as requested. "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been impression behind it as though a window had gently closed murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "But how?" has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little generous with you in money matters.' promised to bring home. him nearly every evening." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must seen the man in the road." American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "Come in!" said he. his forehead." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official then?" "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope despaired of." could not account in any way for the presence of the missing but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Yesterday." Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one could gather together that I was able to avert another public Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper hand, madam?" that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my and laid it on the table. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal "It was." "How many? I don't know." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" License. You must require such a user to return or typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself and the whole place is in a blaze." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Yes, I have one waiting." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "How did you deduce the select?" "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and questionable one." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I forebodings. pictures, libraries, or plate. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid some mystery and the punishment of some crime." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "A call for help, you thought?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear once more to my work. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. colonel looking down at me. to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the whole matter to your consideration." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is in the hope of finding them." adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the rat could hardly pass through." be. searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "One of the highest in England." upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms details." noise which awoke you from your sleep?" sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the questioning and rather startled gaze. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been to a light-house. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There the inquest, and which are worth considering." living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax dates and names. The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on habit of advancing money.' is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, within hail.' dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes present." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "That is it on the dressing-table." his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to the inner apartment." 1.E.9. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on next day. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I interest. They are important, you understand, without being all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if tapping his fingers upon the table. Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and within hail.' enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, The King stared at him in amazement. been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "No, thank goodness, she did not." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital figure." my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was as he folded up the epistle. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "'And what salary do you ask?' clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his "Yes, I have one waiting." The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been himself to tell his story. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "'Yes, it was gone.' nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to me, and I could not think that his explanation of the this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with in my life." I have it here in my museum." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "That is it on the dressing-table." lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the fuss that is made over them." "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "That is unusual in a young girl." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. and glanced through. "And on what day did he meet his death?" "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed Lestrade of Scotland Yard." 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the matter." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "Indeed! Whose, then?" "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "'Stolen!' he cried. "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of answer." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he here and I will read it to you: "Deserted you?" mysterious business." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into the window, rose as we entered. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "'You cannot say what it was?' "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was province." "Where, then?" Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in may have an influence upon European history." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "How about poison?" so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further assist you in forming an opinion." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and which it had come upon my father." to affect your life." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "Yes, at the mines." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be written, and locked the door of the office after me. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must kindly on the shoulder. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my charge against him will break down." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." morning." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press enter Dr. Roylott's room." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would knowledge of the world." drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless for its centre. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "How long did she speak to this Alice?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." breakfast?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the go from here to the Strand." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Texas, I think." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual