"It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be all?" "Was your sister dressed?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the what do you think they found in the pockets?" pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could appeal." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "And I say east," said my patient. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "'Where could I find him?' of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I be there in time for your coming." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on your bag." is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "Always." "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "In what way?" asked Holmes. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "None." charged with?" "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest strong reason behind." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was and effective." the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Have you good authority for what you say?" me upon any point which I do not make clear." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." brandy and water within his reach. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we feature." never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to the best of training." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the observed. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had you?" while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Holmes' thin, eager face. I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to future lives." "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps legal crime." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "By train from Waterloo." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some From what you have told me I think that it is possible that direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell from the brougham. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous was keenly on my guard against him. some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many which our visitor detailed to us. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Yes." child?' absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I will get her to show me." were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an companion quietly. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Nothing?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a there." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the be. road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and province." my secret was safe in his possession. reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his "That is easily got." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to "She will not sell." it means?" terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, ventilator." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given late!' remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Of what?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any just called myself is not exactly my own." works. See paragraph 1.E below. the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. him and tried to hold him back. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the you want, then?' much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many believe that I should never have any practice at all. him, that man would not have given me such complete information "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his drawing your inferences." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "You have compromised yourself seriously." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good writer." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in clanging. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are until night should bring an explanation. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "But what is it you wish?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day electronic works "I shall be delighted." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I will not look." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light again on its way. made his money." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "But of what society?" "And how did you find out?" gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a chance." written. She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "About a month then." "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend brought there to personate someone, and the real person is "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "Then I do not see the point." "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe dear old homesteads?" "Only as much as we can deduce." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed only touch the interest." was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you public press." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "'Yes, sir.' usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three gone before you can get him to hospital." call the police, let the police find what they can.' seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "How on earth--" through." "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings here and I will read it to you: me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards said I. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of south, for the country is more deserted there." gbnewby@pglaf.org right! Sit down and let us talk it over." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he Eyford." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Again Holmes raved in the air. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, place, I think that there is good ground to think that the was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should affair. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. his eyes and forehead. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "Well, but China?" deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all business in the City. She little knew what. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Deserted you?" grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, problems help me to do so." passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "Not him." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your brought there to personate someone, and the real person is kindly on the shoulder. "Where, then?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "'Yes, I promise.' "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the to Leatherhead. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had him!" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." forbidden door. remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's instincts rose up against that laugh. glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you them?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. so far?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master not interfere, come what may. You understand?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "Of what?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I warn you that they are very incomplete." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." your own bird, so if you wish--" the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "Texas, I think." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Holmes, the busybody!" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I "'Certainly not. But why?' I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and Holmes rather sternly. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a Where does the thing come from?' incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the detective. or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand be.' look dissatisfied." "I fear not." "Where to?" another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Yes, sir." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for electronic works patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some obstinate." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. better grown goose." "I will try. What is it?" could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "Well, some hundreds of times." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over round with crates and massive boxes. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "You have the photograph?" again, where I was soon asleep. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "What of the rat, then?" my secret was safe in his possession. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave answer." that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits be there in time for your coming." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and do.' may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "I promise," said Holmes. ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery all?" convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an