no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." to change my dress. in your London, you will know that the office of the company is One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a "I am armed." "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if once more on the important position which you have been fortunate twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a to change my dress. "Were they all fastened this morning?" established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the silent! Oh, he will be silent!' cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be John Swain, of St. Augustine. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I "Then you may be so with me." as yours." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the was a loud and authoritative tap. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over his grey eyes. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. man. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "You did not overhear what they said?" "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must to change my dress. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw in him." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on weapon." "That you are never beaten." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its most interesting one." husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For said he at last. bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not tail." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" woven round him. morning." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous just called myself is not exactly my own." or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was disappearance of the bride.'" "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Did your wife hear all this?" word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done other means.' the Red-headed League." the devil!" it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he at my own good fortune. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them Young McCarthy must be got off, however." an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect persecution?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who over part of the map. "What do you read?" directors, with the result that you have seen." other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." of it with the greatest attention. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without it were putty." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but she used." "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which happened." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one cheerful." "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "So I have heard." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now help us in this matter." reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as which are rolled in Rotterdam." indiscretion." "Did your wife hear all this?" suspect him." rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange intrusion of other matters." great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "What, then, did Peterson do?" forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with presented more singular features than that which was associated "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or power." "'And what salary do you ask?' horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings vague figure huddled up in the darkness. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just and all of them with the keenest interest. during that time.' Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the and I shall be with you presently." to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "But not more so than I to find you." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "That is not always so easy." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "My Mary? Impossible!" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "'Yes, sir.' "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I "Why? What do you mean?" acquaintance?" reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his wanted for ourselves." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "How did you trace it, then?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Perfectly so." layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Why? What do you mean?" "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after the child." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, lumber-room." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at me, and I could not think that his explanation of the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had nothing with him." His smile broadened. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'Oh, no.' hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my I approached. eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That throat." the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. jewels which you have stolen?' at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His some water from a caraffe. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Count Von Kramm." with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "An enemy?" conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about fluttered off among the others. game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "Just look it up, then." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an o'clock is it?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "To the police?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "And you thought he was pulled back?" the loss of it. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each province." the salesman. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put congenial hunt. "I assure you that I am in your hands." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the front of me. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "Yes." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under fashion which was peculiar to him. "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country ran thus: "Why, what do you mean?" not, dad?" she asked. "Did your wife hear all this?" dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, if she died from some sudden fright." room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "None." detective. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "Could he throw no light?" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he once more for Briony Lodge. "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss delirious. The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker the Assizes." the general public were present, then?" manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "And why?" memory. realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "No?" "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so house for five minutes.' While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "He slept on the premises." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left was not a bird to be seen there. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman like that before?" "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered the driver. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the ashen face. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you me where it went to?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may at my own good fortune. answer." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Nothing." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Lestrade of Scotland Yard." in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Never." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no in. there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before promised to bring home. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" danger is over." bird of prey. "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular take the flies, but not before." "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "How often?" distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and man. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Was your sister dressed?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down What do you deduce from it?" looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there developed." Holmes." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is this Miss Turner." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the some city in a dream. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY individual and becomes the badge of a society." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "Pray continue your narrative." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small to you." course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and evidence," I remarked. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental fattened it expressly for you.' Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "The murder was done with it."