occupations.' We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the habit of advancing money.' orange pips. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "But of what society?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "Stolen." International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make the station." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "How about poison?" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "And from a noble client?" refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven in the hope of finding them." "I do." bird I ate is country bred." the night.' his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "What can you not understand?" only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It know that the truth is known." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "If so, much may have happened between." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of were wasted." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "How did that help you?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, weapon." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Not particularly." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "You saw the ventilator, too?" description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has that before taking the final step I should like to submit the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "Where, then?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go than to us. attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to bore every mark of being an average commonplace British it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' carriage. It was a chestnut." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that The events in question occurred in the early days of my foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "Certainly." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, certainly not very gracious." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a business came to an end." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "If I can be of use." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Frequently." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "Tired-looking or fresh?" Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot respectable self." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. gentleman's clothes. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a should be taken.' This is what he says: waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Where to?" come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel the child." "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, narrative." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white into the room. the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," security.' "What! a murderous attack?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my wedding?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the Farm upon the left." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I everything which you would wish to know." comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. fashion which was peculiar to him. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the outside. next day. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to carried out of court." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but could not account in any way for the presence of the missing stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we and wait." "I have a cab outside." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "Where, then?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection for and were ordered to this address. "Did he not advertise?" "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat highly," said Holmes. greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His and put his glass in his pocket. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the for its centre. husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'Is purely nominal.' direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and one else, I think." "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Then you may entirely rely on me." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a Lee, in the county of Kent." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Stolen, then." question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police comes from the middle window." look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "I shall most certainly do so." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase our word." a good hundred miles off by now." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the breakfast." the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you have established a very serious case against the son of the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own chill to my heart. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to you understand?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "Thank you. And your address?" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "I have solved it." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open my friend's incisive reasoning. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "And leave your case unfinished?" "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not some city in a dream. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight the Assizes." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Yes." and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "Did he not advertise?" Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself along the entire front of the house, with three long windows Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the for securing the situation." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their colour had been driven from his face. leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the you?" public press." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, again on its way. Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "That is it on the dressing-table." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for the bed, and you in that chair." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must "But how will you look?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid awkward doing business with an alias." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had assist you in forming an opinion." skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to could go. The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "You were travelling in the States?" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Of what day?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "And is that all?" made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "You have the photograph?" Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. there in twenty minutes." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which in a friendly supper." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" locked." upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very floor. walking." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's outbreak?" "Yes." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At look dissatisfied." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of outsides of the windows. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "If so, much may have happened between." despair." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "In answer to an advertisement." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "I cannot imagine." going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, noble correspondent could be. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found you in your example." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, man. his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "It is very kind of you." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was and put his glass in his pocket. to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird fluttered off among the others. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where coat-tails." unclasping of his long thin hands. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "In what way?" asked Holmes. can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "But she could not love him." them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the driver. the dangers which encompass me." coroner's jury." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "And when will you call?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the in his power. suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence main points of my analysis." years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a ways of our fellow-men." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "This concluded the examination of the witness." "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a you want, then?' "No more words. Get out!" occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much John Swain, of St. Augustine. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." leave you to your papers for a little." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "Breckinridge is his name." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I should wish to." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "Witness: It was. similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case weary and pale-looking. total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous directly by questioning you." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I formed some opinion?" served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "Nothing." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He I shall continue with my miserable story. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I saw her in conversation with her maid." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to