"Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the get her out of the way." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, tell him that I know him to be innocent." I shall continue with my miserable story. will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which upon the sideboard." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as "No, finished." devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser showing my impatience. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." in him." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." woman who has had her own way to make in the world. were unconscious?" colour had been driven from his face. The events in question occurred in the early days of my And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young Henry Baker is a member." "My dear Holmes!" in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." speckled band?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "Yes." but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as you." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to perplexity from it to my illustrious client. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "Dr. Becher's." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very which we had just quitted. though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There humiliation." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all instincts rose up against that laugh. of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "How are you getting on?" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "It is very kind of you." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "'Is 4 pounds a week.' every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all papers must be those that are destroyed.' in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow will be renamed. habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Holmes' thin, eager face. flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad as noiselessly as she had come. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Quite so." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very of Fenchurch Street." prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of in this note: "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you to arrive at through this?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure tail." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. I approached. before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, fattened it expressly for you.' eat it." "Why, what do you mean?" and have this put in the evening papers." hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all ways including including checks, online payments and credit card I. one's self under obligations.' Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two "No?" "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "'Why that?' I asks. "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a business." "We have tried and failed." look upon these things in a different way." think you a quite exceptional woman." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a Serpentine Avenue. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle strength of mind to control. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Do you receive much company?" he asked. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save in a very precise fashion." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "They are typewritten," I remarked. comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and might have a private word with us. back alive. "An enemy?" He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic horse could go." any little problem which you may submit to me." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Do you know him?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds of the way of danger. weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole But Holmes shook his head gravely. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the that?' He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a nights." astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not have an American origin." society." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, second." hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I affair. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Certainly, madam." "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his him to go away.' "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, lumber-room." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the he died? and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" passage and a tap at the door. key turn in the lock." occurred." suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless go from here to the Strand." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. character. said I. "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "The doctor?" "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot experiences." before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "And did you observe any change in her then?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried fish-monger and a tide-waiter." were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the side-table." of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was with the outside air!" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "'What do you call purely nominal?' "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money make me his representative both with the servants and with the "What is it?" "I say that I have solved it." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey which our visitor detailed to us. the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, ran thus: providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and a room. of Fenchurch Street." road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "No, I had a dozen." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried province." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "No?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to the armchair which I pushed forward for him. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a to have been novel and of interest." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and make me his representative both with the servants and with the warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William "Do you receive much company?" he asked. tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose entirely lost his self-respect." thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Yes." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working I nodded again. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Who by?" donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate very old mansion. had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE over with notes and figures. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' do.' Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, "I have my revolver," said I. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if husband's writing, madam." propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" most interesting one." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country to tell." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "'In my own bureau.' convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, future lives." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was promised to bring home. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think have got?" when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all residence of the great financier. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of newspaper selections." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." direction." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "He might." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up dramatic, in fact." pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the indeed happy." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave your equipment. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "That is it on the dressing-table." 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "What steps will you take?" I asked. room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my enter into my head. little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "'Certainly not.' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this was lame." "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some What do you deduce from it?" off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to becomes even more simple." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it the night.'