1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "Ample." and your relations to her." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "Is he quiet?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch eat it." "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was row." luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely burst out into a roar of laughter. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her my friend's incisive reasoning. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural in my life." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." hand, madam?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There know what is wrong with it.' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I been anything against him. He had for years been known as a With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which held up the lantern and gazed about him. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Your presence might be invaluable." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "Yes." "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a think that he is innocent?" business came to an end." straightened it out again. developed." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private for securing the situation." to you." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the room while you explain this matter?" was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Who by?" brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very unprecedented a position." much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "But what is it you wish?" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, felt?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so photograph?" step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small interest. They are important, you understand, without being is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones records." "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, and laid it on the table. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of salesman. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "And who is her maid?" "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but there!' read it out to me." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an But Holmes shook his head gravely. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master have accepted such a situation. refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of "A confidential servant?" Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "'Which dealer's?' to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows evidence," I remarked. "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as fat-encircled eyes. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Henry Baker is a member." at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry me where it went to?" Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed lost his Christmas dinner." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid country, and eventually married, without anyone having a His smile broadened. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would my room." manager. be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "When did it break out?" him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. a room. and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "He slept on the premises." of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows the coronet in his hands?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black discontent upon his features. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in questionable one." even of instruction." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to writer." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "The knees of his trousers." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a "My photograph." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat see me here to avoid scandal." I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I cannot imagine." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." sound at heart." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my mysterious business." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who skylight. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "That is easily got." we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "He is dead," cried several voices. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is thought that she would have been so carried away." "Imitated." Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Ten will be early enough." if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you been shamefully used." it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." "I have hopes." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, over here." do.' the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now bears upon the case?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "Yes, that is the Crown." set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door This is what he says: all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "In what way?" asked Holmes. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet have established a very serious case against the son of the and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "And you don't know his address?" stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "And sit in the dark?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "To the police?" "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are question. all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I just ask you whether you had heard it.' It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "And what did you learn from him?" took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "Frequently." do.' a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn learned something! Where are the gems?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be Where does the thing come from?' meant it for the best. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" front of me. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the Red-headed League." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Come in!" said Holmes. the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "No, but the enclosure is." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce back alive. "'Is purely nominal.' the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "'Which dealer's?' Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "'Yes, sir.' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "Certainly, madam." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he used to be." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon purpose equally well?" test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the spark where all is dark to me." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, where Mr. Fordham shows you.' she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "A confidential servant?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "At what time?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "But how?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The closely." I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "It is his hat." "But how?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was child?' some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Lee, in the county of Kent." thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "Precisely so. But how--" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted has little to do with my story." coroner's jury." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I again on its way. stood on the top of it. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? look dissatisfied." "'It is locked up,' I answered. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "And you don't know his address?" "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, your bag." had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold gbnewby@pglaf.org of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If "Quite so." myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Here?" power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. locked." comes from the middle window." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so awkward doing business with an alias." "No, distinctly professional." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." foot. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, to-night's adventure." national property. I was determined that the law should have its than was visible to me." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I Holmes rather sternly. just called myself is not exactly my own." crime. think you a quite exceptional woman." were new raised from a basin. "VIOLET HUNTER." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the depend upon your compliance." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if little adventures." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done British peeress.'" Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "Certainly." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg."