"There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of train from Paddington which would bring you there at about white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. goes." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a discontent upon his features. why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was he bowed and left the room without another word. character. "Not in the least." entirely lost his self-respect." skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Literary Archive Foundation reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "Then you may entirely rely on me." "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three one which it was hard to resist. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "And you don't know his address?" my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about gives a meaning to it." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was four million human beings all jostling each other within the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not felt?" "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" legal crime." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "And now?" I asked. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "What is it?" simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are notes," he said. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. stalked out of the room. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "We have tried and failed." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest chance at all." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was The note was undated, and without either signature or address. morning." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and client, rising. "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. promised to bring home. papers." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "'Quite sure, dad.' "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched have got?" vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "You have carte blanche." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong when your master had gone out." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Not yet." have been better. It is all right." scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." DAMAGE. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their not within a twentieth part of the market price." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. in this note: zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Well, but China?" slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was awaited us upon the table. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "There is the writing." "And Irene Adler?" By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and events, Mr. Windibank!" breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "In answer to an advertisement." Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here American. Then who could this American be, and why should he not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any towards the blaze. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the bill, which interests me deeply." smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "How many? I don't know." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which exactly what you advise." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, little trying to do so much typewriting?" round with crates and massive boxes. habit of advancing money.' half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility morning." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end was feeling which was the fattest.' placed his cuttings. certainly do as you advise." present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he three of the beryls in it, was missing. air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, DISSOLVED. my friend's incisive reasoning. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and charged with?" sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the the matter?" Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and threw himself down with his face to the pillow. pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time which are rolled in Rotterdam." trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are page at http://pglaf.org opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "'I have heard so.' The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and the ceiling. "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "What do you mean?" "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing brandy and water within his reach. whether it answered to the description of any of their daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You clanging. into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "No." there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw unprecedented a position." then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "I should like to see him very much." hardly wander." "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a shag which I had seen upon the previous night. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "How did you deduce the select?" you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "Seven!" I answered. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." and wait." delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "Never." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond I held the little printed slip to the light. Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, Gutenberg-tm License. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another both be extremely obliged.' "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the crime. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "No, I am descending." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite from the brougham. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was that you saw all that I did." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. detective. "Yes, the wine-cellar." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace when your master had gone out." "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," from you?" and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a followed. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "9th. McCauley cleared. that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "It certainly sounds feasible." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "But the mystery?" happened." "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in been lifted and conveyed somewhere." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which events than those which have happened in my own family." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the little trying to do so much typewriting?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found nice household for a young lady." Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "And now?" I asked. against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone overpowering excitement and concern. "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the in this note: believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Stolen, then." Dr. Gregory B. Newby to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded cup of tea. "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I the stable lane now." "Pray continue your narrative." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life highroad, where all traces were lost. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "'Certainly,' I answered. case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east business." almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own nights." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do overpowering excitement and concern. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "VIOLET HUNTER." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes confronted him. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, more terrible than the truth. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. really the only notable feature about the thing." it with his own hands." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" husband's writing, madam." "And how did you verify them?"