It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I only touch the interest." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger Have you good authority for what you say?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "It goes to the housekeeper's room." forebodings. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with manager. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped certainly do as you advise." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he bearing upon the case." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate enter Dr. Roylott's room." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Come in!" said Holmes. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an made his money." get her out of the way." swore that no one else had been in the front room during the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "I have hopes." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. hardly wander." Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the front of the hall door has given its name to the place. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near waste of energy." as yours." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are that, and I came down." opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the use an arc-and-compass breastpin." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "ARAT," I read. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "The decline of his fortunes, then?" have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "I promise," said Holmes. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." your sleep?' suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was to surprise her." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "You have the photograph?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the the roots. "How did you trace it, then?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs them present such singular features as the strange train of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" assist you in forming an opinion." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the observed. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "It was an hour's good drive." the window, rose as we entered. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK ready to-morrow?' donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "But how did you gain them?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "What then?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all even of instruction." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know row." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "They are typewritten," I remarked. him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest and it need not interfere very much with one's other are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view gigantic client. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Yes." "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. nothing of it?" "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her once more to my work. until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. during which he might have communicated with his friend the in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he http://www.gutenberg.net "Then I do not see the point." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." heavy and sharp instrument." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "'And the work?' "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "'Is purely nominal.' "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he awkward doing business with an alias." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he standing smiling on the door-step. will not take me long to tell. I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Perhaps we may make them less so." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall one else, I think." "I never have." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Holmes' face clouded over. applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE "Nor running a chance of arrest?" We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and which it had come upon my father." Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and could go. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very and effective." "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "On your arm?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "I think it very unlikely." Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. things are very often connected not with the larger but with the people in all walks of life. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I McCarthy's innocence. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" second." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. meant it for the best. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found weigh very heavily upon my conscience." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to could gather together that I was able to avert another public the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his Henry Baker is a member." it." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at be.' was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of searched, without anything being found which could incriminate five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if completely overtopped every other consideration that we both as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, it." "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his child?' "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was nights." the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a me upon any point which I do not make clear." laugh and put his lips to my ear. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had salesman. quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door vague figure huddled up in the darkness. "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the conclusions. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every answered with a sidelong glance. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in said he. more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" is four-and-twenty." fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and instituted." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his knowledge of the world." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to bird of prey. Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may morning." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. deduce something from that?" shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the morning and make my own way in the world.' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to undoubtedly my uncle's." shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that several quiet little villages up there." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man despaired of." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Eyford at 11:15.' A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "I cannot tell." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "You are hungry," I remarked. the bottom.' think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little presented which may be striking and bizarre without being "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who it with his own hands." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, tapping his fingers upon the table. are, and they are waiting for us." breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Precisely so. But how--" her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you not within a twentieth part of the market price." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Come in!" said Holmes. said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, seven miles from Eyford Station.' strength." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook chance." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "Not social, then?" "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is "No, I had a dozen." figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of hand, madam?" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Perhaps I have." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "No sign of it?" foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "He is still with you, I presume?" on in his house." of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Ha! you find it so?" despair." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her purpose of examination. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of "'Where could I find him?' tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall fatally injured? black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! forbidden door. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the posted to-day." the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my "But she will refuse." when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I think that I had better go, Holmes." "Certainly." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa Holmes' face clouded over. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "So it appears." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have during that time.' set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see at a side door. "Imitated." snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Quite so. She has her freedom." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to asked. hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "I am still in the dark." starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do For additional contact information: "What is it, then--a fire?" pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "It is very kind of you." "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that present." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one the driver. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," cigar and let me expound." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "Not I." houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you Eyford." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. what is your own theory as to what took place?" peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and "You are hungry," I remarked. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, amused." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and and wait." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might companion. I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, security.' my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the you in yours." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my works. manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not a little more before I quite committed myself. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "None." hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I