red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers observed. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "I shall most certainly do so." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "No." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "I am armed." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." detained." my little problems." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply I shall communicate with you." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' tear off another piece?' and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable the inquest, and which are worth considering." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was reach." "Of what?" charged with?" to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Very well, sir. And this stone?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was is a common subject for conversation. cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," electronic works peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and bare slabs of marble. "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up cost them two and thirty pounds." floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "Entirely." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time the best of training." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might http://gutenberg.net/license). by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "That also I could fathom." frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the date of his supposed suicide." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in at my own good fortune. over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was is a common subject for conversation. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I the room while you explain this matter?" "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make learned something! Where are the gems?" it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has that there was nothing in it, after all." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor desk. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered rooms." "But we can't all be." old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Entirely." never came back." pound a week." Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Your presence might be invaluable." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, bachelor.' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was people in all walks of life. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your them present such singular features as the strange train of police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness beg that you will break it off." vague figure huddled up in the darkness. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than unprecedented a position." afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide chill to my heart. Eyford." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has But Holmes shook his head gravely. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a distinguish the words: in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "What! Had he lost his wife?" During two years I have had three consultations and one small and all of them with the keenest interest. He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "Have you her photograph?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any whole matter to your consideration." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "I do." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "And for present expenses?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "And I to find an enemy." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was meanly of me." way: importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a III. occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice think, you have already met." the coronet at all injured?" have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to when you have done it." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "Yes." "Yes, all." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. there were one or two details which were new to me. But the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the chance at all." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you something of him before." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and the south-west, I see." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "You were travelling in the States?" followed. "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was at my remark. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a careless servant girl?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a villagers almost as much as their master. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "I have come for advice." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "The knees of his trousers." since then to throw any light upon what became of him." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some along the entire front of the house, with three long windows indeed which he could not unravel. Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had never will be, entirely cleared up. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "None." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "No good news?" "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as which are rolled in Rotterdam." "What! You do not mean bodies?" knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "We must have a cab." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from him and tried to hold him back. "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Seven!" I answered. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over reach." envelope. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, "In what way?" asked Holmes. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" never came back." explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "He is dead," cried several voices. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, prove to be little relation between the different incidents of "No good news?" "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive pictures, libraries, or plate. outside." of." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "No." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have note?" their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I secret." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to nonsense.' "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Well, but China?" When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now examination of the premises, but without finding anything which distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in humiliation." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "Pray do so." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned intrusion of other matters." she used." Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, very morning of my second wedding." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to works. she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "Did you become engaged then?" thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of ourselves in the office." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "'Tell me all about it,' said I. remarked. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very begin with, and I had not got mine yet." wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "'And what salary do you ask?' "I cannot say that I have." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his views." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry are, and they are waiting for us." "And why?" the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for of this gang." without a word or a look. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." hurried by. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "No sign of it?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you of receipt of the work. felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Pray do so." to you." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each introspective fashion. was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Sutherland?" "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; friend's singular character. the very morning of the wedding." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, acted in my house last night?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and sooner or later she must fall a victim. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. that you can jump it.' a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself hurried by. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "But you can know nothing of this?" "Then what has happened to him?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "Yes, sir." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "By train from Waterloo." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of