of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case seven miles from Eyford Station.' seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I brain must have something in it." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly Again Holmes raved in the air. McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a a little more before I quite committed myself. fashion which was peculiar to him. lamp in his hand. "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper outbreak?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "To the police?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his "Why? What do you mean?" "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the desk. clang of the bell. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were residence of the great financier. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and the whole place is in a blaze." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." envelope. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Have you her photograph?" "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a it right.' as he folded up the epistle. I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. copied or distributed: "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "When did she vanish, then?" "I will not look." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to opened the door, and slipped through. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. crackling voice. circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know tied." Does that suggest anything?" companion. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in to tackle the facts." located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an row." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every tell him that I know him to be innocent." the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still meant." depend upon my doing so.' my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place death." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "'Never.' Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Nothing." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in to take care of herself." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "It is to him that this trophy belongs." call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into The events in question occurred in the early days of my "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "What of the rat, then?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a to arrive at through this?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey main points of my analysis." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard with you?" anything to do with the matter?" arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is with her." wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have "I am about to be married." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have despaired of." search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I would give my fortune to have them back." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps colonel looking down at me. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be pressing in one house as in another. it were putty." affection." is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "Awake, Watson?" he asked. to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "Certainly, madam." man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he his face. Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "And for present expenses?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it go from here to the Strand." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, and all of them with the keenest interest. to affect your life." "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole with her." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the crime." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Yes, all." "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would pound a week." "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to of fine shops and stately business premises that they really as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my "'And what salary do you ask?' Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her telegram would bring me down to your help." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his "And on what day did he meet his death?" "'As governess?' Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could I think that I could be of assistance to you." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite something of him before." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in point in the dark hollow of his hand. my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the recover the gem." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the went to the Alpha were town bred." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were I think that I could be of assistance to you." waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were companion imperturbably. Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you been." uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have directly by questioning you." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. you." "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Dr. Gregory B. Newby such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was past. myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am footfalls from the street. "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, down from London to inquire more deeply into it." Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens outside." that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's had formerly been in part my own. granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into figure." "And what did you learn from him?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived about here speaks of his kindness to him." The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, weary and pale-looking. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a breakfast and whispered something to her husband. laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; new acquaintance to Baker Street. will find little credit to be gained out of this case." "Where to?" "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the general public were present, then?" "Very much so." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do again on its way. delirious. the tragedy. reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "I promise," said Holmes. "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and girl said." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have American. Then who could this American be, and why should he was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "I am in hopes that she does." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "I know where it is." were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his go--none." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, out." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, the Red-headed League." "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had question," said Holmes, smiling. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Have you her photograph?" "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, "And you thought he was pulled back?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting McCarthy's innocence. Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from placed his cuttings. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend "My dear Holmes!" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "You don't mind breaking the law?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with tell them apart.' trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed an introduction to him?" "'I have heard so.' as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of window when the police appeared." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I had died away into the silence from which it rose. the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the had formerly been in part my own. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in these bleak autumnal evenings." "I never have." America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" observed. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." Holmes. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Eyford at 11:15.' a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of little adventures." "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb "Then he might have called to you?" therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "Have you it here?" "'Oh, no.' "I should wish to." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its ordinary clothes on?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, manager. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "I assure you that I am in your hands." compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger the address that was given us in the advertisement. the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have ventilator." more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "None." we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Never to return." examine." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with simple cases which are so extremely difficult." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the kindly on the shoulder. written, and locked the door of the office after me. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the a suggestive one." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "What! You do not mean bodies?" than to us. centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" the morning and make my own way in the world.' of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had the address that was given us in the advertisement. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "At half-wages, in fact." casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was other, as fresh and trim as possible. the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned investigation." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the but preventing her from injuring another. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, upon the shelf for the interim." the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the been." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all simple cases which are so extremely difficult." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a