works. her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." overpowering excitement and concern. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this nights." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at and effective." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from newspaper selections." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my newspaper selections." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "'There is a drive, then?' "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, exactly what you advise." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing than to us. "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in better grown goose." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I such person." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm "By no means." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to McCarthy." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." walking." promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What not within a twentieth part of the market price." bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept than was visible to me." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, of Fenchurch Street." walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had happened." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "Holmes, the busybody!" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a long narrative. reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a one else, I think." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that ventilator." might help us?" come either from the window or the door. My attention was "The doctor?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in gentleman's clothes. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of said I. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that locked." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "And is that all?" to miss it." waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" ran thus: over part of the map. "What do you read?" utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman and have this put in the evening papers." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "That also I could fathom." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men like gravel from a pit.' "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste it." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better bird of prey. "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and in my life." hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Witness: It was. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "'Is 4 pounds a week.' baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "And from a noble client?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, might have a private word with us. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that there was nothing in it, after all." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son in him." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. whereabouts. "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "'Certainly not. But why?' strong and stiff." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by call the police, let the police find what they can.' parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention any little problem which you may submit to me." foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, strength of mind to control. Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, and glanced through. had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Really! You surprise me." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing already been minutely examined." some city in a dream. fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she evidence," I remarked. and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small "What will you do, then?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss shadow pass over his face as I spoke. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "I would give my fortune to have them back." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell quickly through a disagreeable task. "There are none." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I have a cab outside." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Pray be precise as to details," said he. he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the was feeling which was the fattest.' which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" "Awake, Watson?" he asked. the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some to-night?' "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would the salesman. "And the cigar-holder?" "Never to return." on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I and wait." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every strength." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Because he was handy and would come cheap." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for away to you." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "'Then let me do so?' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "This photograph!" gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "What can it mean?" I gasped. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales future lives." air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "My dear Holmes!" the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp redistribution. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "An accident, I presume?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered you in yours." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the hurried away. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those to surprise her." deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Yes." cigars in their mouths. matter over." place no limit on the sum I may draw." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of ago." lumber-room." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton one of the states of the Union." meant." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in now. It seems that there had been some informality about their neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I gives a meaning to it." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had that?' waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, both be extremely obliged.' which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "The Coroner: What do you mean? "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. status with the IRS. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was highly," said Holmes. vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one away into the river." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I vanished into the darkness. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating unprecedented a position." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. indeed which he could not unravel. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I a suggestive one." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under off." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if case-book, which he consulted. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Here?" lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Mary, has deserted me." the running down." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "And when will you call?" anything to do with the matter?" gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "We were both in the photograph." cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY been." of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall morning." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own interest. They are important, you understand, without being must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "None." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. easy-going way." I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "He disappeared so suddenly." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "And your father? Did you tell him?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the ashen face. Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this his huge brown hands. corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow figure." propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, stood on the top of it. some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most good-night and bustled off upon her way. and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable felt?" "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right out." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "And now?" I asked. pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the wedding?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in national property. I was determined that the law should have its thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is horse could go." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. DISSOLVED. has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of