you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "Not social, then?" business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "I am all attention, madam." "That is possible." to arrive at through this?" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. his huge brown hands. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction rooms." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no his forehead." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears maiden herself was most instructive." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are results." think, you have already met." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" there!' very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. "Very. But will he see it?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "My own seal." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. following enigmatical notices: any more." though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside "'Is purely nominal.' upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But depend upon my doing so.' whole matter to your consideration." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less the bottom.' "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was begun to whiten, even as mine has." "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' wanted for ourselves." nonsense.' the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were bill, which interests me deeply." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" unclasping of his long thin hands. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough families. Now for the facts. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "Certainly." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "I cannot say that I have." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "You heard nothing yourself last night?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since infinite languor in his face. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding Where does the thing come from?' "And on what day did he meet his death?" pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, the warnings." lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of matter." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the during that time.' "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "But not more so than I to find you." is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you congratulate you again." "Do you go out much in society?" a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child any little problem which you may submit to me." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "We have tried and failed." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Imitated." out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "It is his hat." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so my former friend and companion. "What! a murderous attack?" used to be." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave already been minutely examined." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax silent! Oh, he will be silent!' will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Certainly." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the "Pray continue your narrative." He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the "'Ample.' Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this know what is wrong with it.' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. seen the man in the road." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "Was there a secret marriage?" need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Married! When?" http://www.gutenberg.net minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! vault. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she 1.F. however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "The landlord of the Alpha." Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King breakfast and whispered something to her husband. completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round look dissatisfied." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "I promise," said Holmes. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the this truth that in these little records of our cases which you threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this bare slabs of marble. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in in the port of London." one which it was hard to resist. "Two days later this same performance was gone through under of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came just called myself is not exactly my own." "Upon what point?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "It is true that I have been generally successful." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at front of me. which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His the night.' dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort and wait." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it fashion which was peculiar to him. "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "'Where to?' freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "And you thought he was pulled back?" safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "No, finished." "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps of Mr. Rucastle's." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one have I gained?" "I am following you closely," I answered. and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to but preventing her from injuring another. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and best detective that ever lived. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "Precisely so. But how--" "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I about. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "And how?" screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "I was afraid that you were engaged." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." lamp. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out I approached. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Serpentine Avenue. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall me." "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Pool. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "What is it, then--a fire?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint shag which I had seen upon the previous night. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "And your father? Did you tell him?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the "I have solved it." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. with her." fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's out of this horrible affair." "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise matters immensely." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast go back?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. in the port of London." "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "What shall I do?" she used." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned troubles have been weighing upon his mind. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Certainly, madam." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a "It is solved." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "I promise," said Holmes. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something about here speaks of his kindness to him." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy passage and a tap at the door. "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you nonsense.' "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have public press." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her nothing of it?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, you, my dear young lady?' in a very precise fashion." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. cigars in the box." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss rat could hardly pass through." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, there was no need for father to know." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front unprecedented a position." "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" train from Paddington which would bring you there at about Pope's Court, Fleet Street." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Mary, has deserted me." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, "My Mary? Impossible!" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" I shall communicate with you." got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" indiscretion." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six chance at all." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry