pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which wall." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at said he. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You is four-and-twenty." "No sign of it?" some terrible trap for her." prison!" so.' itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in open." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to your bag." character. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of his face. other, as fresh and trim as possible. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left fat-encircled eyes. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "What! a murderous attack?" written. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. the roots. re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his and have this put in the evening papers." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with to go into your room and bar your shutters?" any little problem which you may submit to me." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so again, where I was soon asleep. window when the police appeared." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Yes?" "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. sneer upon his pale face. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "I think that it is very probable." unkempt, staring out at me. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The brain must have something in it." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" learned something! Where are the gems?" might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Have you her photograph?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "Ha! you find it so?" have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "And I to find an enemy." copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little me where it went to?" and laid it on the table. cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "Awake, Watson?" he asked. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, telegram would bring me down to your help." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is along the entire front of the house, with three long windows a little more before I quite committed myself. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "That is unusual in a young girl." bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of this truth that in these little records of our cases which you together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "And Miss Sutherland?" Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive residence of the great financier. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power is now desirous of getting those letters back." repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the prove to be little relation between the different incidents of unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Because he was handy and would come cheap." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing name is different." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was with you?" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "How are you getting on?" Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "It certainly sounds feasible." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "And why?" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "So I heard. You have him here?" determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. already been minutely examined." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "It is to him that this trophy belongs." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a will he say when he returns?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. DISSOLVED. companion quietly. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense a suggestive one." again, where I was soon asleep. in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. intrusion of other matters." save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked not personally threatened." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of murdered man." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather My friend smiled. legal crime." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, deduce something from that?" "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" think you a quite exceptional woman." "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his nice household for a young lady." Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no south, for the country is more deserted there." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one will not take me long to tell. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely money should be paid at once.' overpowering excitement and concern. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found is," said he presently: eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the address that was given us in the advertisement. some water from a caraffe. spare." tightly behind him. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." would then never go into court at all." "What! Had he lost his wife?" himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. visitors." London for the present?" Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the chill to my heart. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out the best of training." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your least a most suspicious remark." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Yes. He waved his hands." way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Farm upon the left." the date of his supposed suicide." enter Dr. Roylott's room." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was frequently gained my first real insight into the character of on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was any more." "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock During two years I have had three consultations and one small "Dr. Becher's." a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' that threaten you." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low Have you good authority for what you say?" who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair outsides of the windows. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "That was it, sir." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time or in danger--" has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "Quite so. She has her freedom." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "When did she vanish, then?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in friends, not even his own brother. I nodded to show that I had heard. We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two Street. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I "Yes, sir." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "Were they all fastened this morning?" Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "In which, sir?" done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "'And the work?' "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is from you?" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "I have a cab outside." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Ample." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "How about poison?" doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I that you saw all that I did." "Do you receive much company?" he asked. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." the Red-headed League." Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So "At what time?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" situation." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the just called myself is not exactly my own." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason province." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in him, that man would not have given me such complete information shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "How can you tell that?" knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; where Mr. Fordham shows you.' you give your casting vote to?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "And what did you learn from him?" ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could lost his Christmas dinner." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "No." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. he. "'About the same.' charged with?" "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been that, and I came down." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some conclusions. to talk it over. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "BALLARAT." force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, hardly wander." "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. address. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The country, and eventually married, without anyone having a eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, back into the street. me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and the one as in the other." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Holmes." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Yes, he did." loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed becomes even more simple." "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away and wait." the coronet in his hand?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "How often?" "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare danger is over." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly washing it down with a long draught of water. purpose of examination. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Very. But will he see it?" "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the brandy and water within his reach. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "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 wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then what is your own theory as to what took place?" this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you friend's singular character. morning." his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been "Yes, there are nearly always some there." "It is possible." was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that should be taken.' "Nor running a chance of arrest?" Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "You are hungry," I remarked. this man was intellectual?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the it." the salesman. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to relief. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment.