upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, locked. from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "My Mary? Impossible!" about. confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "And what did you learn from him?" quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he the devil!" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "Seven!" I answered. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found back alive. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "But his lameness?" trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without had died away into the silence from which it rose. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the that I can to serve you." had formerly been in part my own. 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. went to the Alpha were town bred." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my "Then I shall certainly come." array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Our quest is practically finished. I shall call with the King have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come allusion to a rat. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "'As governess?' hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Chief Executive and Director of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "Where, indeed?" afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was fire. You quite follow me?" "Very well, sir. And this stone?" called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Did you become engaged then?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "If so, much may have happened between." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." yards of it?' the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed introspective fashion. had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle bird I ate is country bred." than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction address. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, bears upon the case?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most be. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of his knees, staring into the fire. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or hurried by. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this the ceiling. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Not social, then?" through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It Literary Archive Foundation question you as to those details which seem to me to be most whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "What! Had he lost his wife?" "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help of receipt of the work. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was weary and pale-looking. hardly wander." "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was charged with?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton if only as a check to my own memory." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "Yes." cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "My Mary? Impossible!" overpowering excitement and concern. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "I would give my fortune to have them back." calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "I will try. What is it?" office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab British peeress.'" Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through disappearance of the bride.'" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate had formerly been in part my own. which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the strength in the others." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than into the bag, and made for the door. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very individual and becomes the badge of a society." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the warnings." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "Get out!" said he. "Yes." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Her father is very rich?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We beyond words. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the night.' said he. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "I warn you that they are very incomplete." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "This concluded the examination of the witness." all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to carpenter." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down obstinate." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. silent! Oh, he will be silent!' much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "Pray let us have it, for all that." of the one which your family is now devouring." why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her that before taking the final step I should like to submit the things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works Eyford at 11:15.' "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it intimate personal affairs in this public manner." leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and yet." "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Cross for the Continent." "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, too. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Yes." "Very truly yours, green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My useful material for showing traces. The double line a little had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is in a friendly supper." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to his grey eyes. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in there was no need for father to know." blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the held up the lantern and gazed about him. would then never go into court at all." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is desk. "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, too. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "And Irene Adler?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but once more. description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Of what?" surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their upon the white wrist. words came to my lips. vanished into the darkness. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem Gutenberg-tm License. it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' roused himself from his reverie. practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were States. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. nothing with him." you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I way in everything. his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the experiences." "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' would apply.' out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found conduct the inquiry." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, soul! here is her carriage at the door." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders possible that we could bring him back to her? "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "None." perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I there was no need for father to know." The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Quite so. She has her freedom." a room. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "I don't believe it." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "And I." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My fat-encircled eyes. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" humiliation." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. results." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar open." Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to flock.' remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of chamber." "Where is it, then?" "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their brought there to personate someone, and the real person is whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of despaired of." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found into the bag, and made for the door. adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' the dangers which encompass me." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become of the one which your family is now devouring." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "And who is her maid?" de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "The murder was done with it." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with as he folded up the epistle. His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of which are rolled in Rotterdam." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "No, I think that I'll take it." "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Is he quiet?" all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler "'Very good.' "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded posted to-day." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I from the brougham. "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come read it out to me." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' you do it in twenty minutes!' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an and it need not interfere very much with one's other pound a week." he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon young Openshaw's." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all said I. should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "My dear Holmes!" "You will not go there first?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an