the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after evidence," I remarked. probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of "And leave your case unfinished?" asked with his eyes open. my secret was safe in his possession. retorted upon me, and I on you." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive will find little credit to be gained out of this case." address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "What office?" keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," way in." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the certainly not very gracious." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "And your father? Did you tell him?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "'Certainly not. But why?' "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "So it appears." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his shoulder. "The gentleman I describe." the loss of it. came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." quick march!" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now strength in the others." to me. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is enter into my head. strength in the others." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." think that any burglar could have done. "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a very peculiar words of the dying woman?" bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it chill to my heart. annoyance, but no jest. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to taking in every detail of the apartment. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Yes, certainly." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was 'please.'" clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against have had none more fantastic than this." hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "That is unusual in a young girl." following enigmatical notices: every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings girl said." very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, the night.' "None." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'Certainly not. But why?' own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms out." came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, it. "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a bears upon the case?" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and charged with?" another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon DAMAGE. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between him!" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely better in every way that they should make their position a little not come at once?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. signal between you and your father? on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the would then never go into court at all." We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your crackling voice. our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who passage and a tap at the door. office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and II. and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "Yes, from Horsham." remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "But what will you do?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited cigars in the box." the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special late." week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my troubles have been weighing upon his mind. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features was not a bird to be seen there. than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important such person." one of the states of the Union." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I which should have the effect of calling the attention of the always that they were such commands as a lady might with room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "And from a noble client?" as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he lost his Christmas dinner." ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom visitors." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite and it need not interfere very much with one's other "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, "'Certainly,' I answered. have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by which our visitor detailed to us. our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Married! When?" walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that your sleep?' sufficient punishment." "And who is her maid?" my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his papers diligently of late, have you not?" 11:15.' "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give asked with his eyes open. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at purpose of examination. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever important." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the laugh and put his lips to my ear. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain night.' said he. "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and wait." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul bedroom door." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty point our research must commence, and we will begin it by hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I even of instruction." "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with me." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "Well?" two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Your French gold?" clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even served to weaken the effect. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation matter over." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "You have carte blanche." "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out lumber-room." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been least a most suspicious remark." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the presented which may be striking and bizarre without being some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "What office?" real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out hand, madam?" memory. right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced thought that she would have been so carried away." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "I am to be neutral?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." your only hope of safety." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "'I am sure that I do not know.' including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists "Here?" pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "What can you not understand?" In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, think that he is innocent?" suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Yes, all." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and be.' manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "We were both in the photograph." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking whereabouts. "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson grasp, he hurried from the room. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "If so, much may have happened between." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ horse could go." My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in the child." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers approach us with offers to donate. look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United sake, don't!" Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain definite end. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." brain must have something in it." "Yes." "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Well, but China?" "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to father's place of business?" certainly do as you advise." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. will be renamed. than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast have got?" "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes narrative." be there in time for your coming." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been of his shoulders. back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few them present such singular features as the strange train of to go into your room and bar your shutters?" there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. drawn face, uncertain whether to claim or to disown it. dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the IS carriage. It was a chestnut." treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the subject to the trademark license, especially commercial the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Why did you beat the pavement?" may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child cost them two and thirty pounds." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to geese which you supplied to the Alpha." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an which should have the effect of calling the attention of the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the to that open window." room. A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this that?' John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Why serious?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation "And I say east," said my patient. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter