"'And how far from the edge of the wood?' of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. "I will get her to show me." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault Mary, has deserted me." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "What is it?" Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "It is true that I have been generally successful." given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was and that he would see to anything that turned up. nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great "But what is it you wish?" "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "The Coroner: What do you mean? we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has most important business. It is probable that he will be away all ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them the stable lane now." had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always Leadenhall Street--and--" "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I know where it is." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his went to the Alpha were town bred." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I Literary Archive Foundation scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became fluttered off among the others. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "But I am all in the dark." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have way in." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "Why did you beat the pavement?" opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We it." "We have tried and failed." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for should be so warm over such a trifle." experiences." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, approach us with offers to donate. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not "How do you know, then?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew he died? life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Of what day?" examine." akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." way: finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most Eyford." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Imitated." the driver. have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He father's place of business?" a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "And on what day did he meet his death?" like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "I have seen the police." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a http://www.gutenberg.net its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "BALLARAT." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "You have but to name it." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes cost them two and thirty pounds." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "It's nothing of the kind." I shall continue with my miserable story. you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a I took the paper from him and read as follows: "No, I had a dozen." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "No." any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project "He said that you could solve anything." to-night." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his later, upon the night of May 2nd." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "But you can know nothing of this?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the fear." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the nights." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the Holmes' thin, eager face. transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter Leadenhall Street--and--" thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret the room while you explain this matter?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. "No, I think that I'll take it." papers on the sundial.'" wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." in a very precise fashion." my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being asked with his eyes open. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of Holmes' face clouded over. "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that in him." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side Clair, of Lee." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey you in your example." open." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Yes, it would be as well." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, him to go away.' fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something "You are hungry," I remarked. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office guilty parties." building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "Ten will be early enough." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave plantation.' "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the pound a week." "I see no marks." Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' both be extremely obliged.' "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The will find little credit to be gained out of this case." answered with a sidelong glance. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up his face. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad the morning and make my own way in the world.' official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Yes, it was twisted." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the to that open window." and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had ourselves in the office." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight and looked back. down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue congenial hunt. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this "It is solved." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which charge against him will break down." "Nothing." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." place, I think that there is good ground to think that the smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Dr. Becher's." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. of a light. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "I should like to see him very much." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 to affect your life." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "But you have hopes?" "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, go from here to the Strand." upon an income of about 60 pounds." away into the river." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, up this clue while it is still hot." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with "It missed him, then?" "Texas, I think." stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "How do you know, then?" were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but there when the Rucastles went away." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "'What do you call purely nominal?' Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." on in his house." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Yes." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it she might be summoned. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have ashen face. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without a room. hard-headed British jury." state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a American. Then who could this American be, and why should he all?" "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our gbnewby@pglaf.org of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father and that he would see to anything that turned up. of receipt of the work. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the whole matter to your consideration." the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw along the entire front of the house, with three long windows thirty. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be felt the room to be a little close.' threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Who was the criminal, then?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, handed it to him. It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of again before evening." did not hear it also.' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, breakfast?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious "You horrify me!" and the colonel ushered me in. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "I was sure that I might rely on you." was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it leave you to your papers for a little." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Upon what point?" affair. our word." points to suicide?" time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that reach." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "Pray let us have it, for all that." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and me. as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. "Yes." "That you are never beaten." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, the stable lane now." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that wanted for ourselves." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been himself to tell his story. "But your client--" gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than leave you to your papers for a little." though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "No." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was 1.F. glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed gbnewby@pglaf.org dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to