had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a room?" to change my dress. difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "He slept on the premises." you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian way in everything. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a the inner apartment." I think that I could be of assistance to you." He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he distinguish the words: admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most against a man in the prime of life?" I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in silent! Oh, he will be silent!' "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from said Mr. Holder. and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "I have my revolver," said I. to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we foresight and the moral retrogression?" knowledge of the world." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, deduce something from that?" "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he friend's singular character. last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is bachelor.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of chambers. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" "Whose house is it?" is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left as the one I chose?' returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "No." your equipment. knowledge of the world." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we redistribution. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her address. pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do salesman. "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife weighed down with some great anxiety. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was not a bird to be seen there. thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we ashen face. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather unclasping of his long thin hands. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means she to prove their authenticity?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in back into the street. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly definite end. and the colonel ushered me in. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "It is to him that this trophy belongs." do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "'Quite sure, dad.' had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." and capable of preserving a secret.' "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "But what will you do?" one else, I think." she used." crowd. down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front beyond words. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One to go into your room and bar your shutters?" "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not written, and locked the door of the office after me. indiscretion." card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "But you can know nothing of this?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, house for five minutes.' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a things are very often connected not with the larger but with the theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. chamber." this Miss Turner." maiden herself was most instructive." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to McCarthy's innocence. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place or in danger--" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his to you." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the trying to your nerves." passage and a tap at the door. recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall affair. which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." have not had my rubber." I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "'Yes, sir.' Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking business." in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that said he. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and was keenly on my guard against him. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "My opinion is in no way altered." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Yes." "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "I cannot imagine." certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "My dear Holmes!" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the criminal. We have already had experience of such." outside. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against threw himself down with his face to the pillow. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Oh, yes, easily." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "I fear not." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely them?" "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong made him keep the appointment." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I am all attention, madam." both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. and inquire as to the address." leave you to your papers for a little." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my posted to-day." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. walking." "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. directors, with the result that you have seen." second." noting anything else of interest. help us in this matter." give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the washing it down with a long draught of water. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over your bag." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, the warnings." window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "That you are never beaten." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Miss Holder?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what present strange and interesting features that it is no easy handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I hereditary King of Bohemia." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his go from here to the Strand." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I your co-operation." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" London for the present?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the the Red-headed League." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by "'About the same.' Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our 'I should be able to look after that for you.' been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all "That sounds a little paradoxical." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at I have it here in my museum." "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate awkward doing business with an alias." "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "What shall I do?" "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual recall any case within my experience which looked at the first evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother have had none more fantastic than this." would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "My stepfather's business papers." congratulate you again." hard-headed British jury." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off of a light. mystery." Again Holmes raved in the air. case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "Yes. He waved his hands." rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" to-night." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have taking in every detail of the apartment. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire is now desirous of getting those letters back." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three until night should bring an explanation. would then never go into court at all." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of if only as a check to my own memory." "The vanishing of the lady." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "I am armed." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the have one." "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me "I cannot imagine." indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what detained." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very whole matter to your consideration." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told a suggestive one." Edgeware Road. "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and annoyance, but no jest. "And how have you succeeded?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned humiliation." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "No, my brougham is waiting." "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "And the murderer?" evidence," I remarked. "Nothing." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us with her." doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too is acting for the best. "And you can do nothing until then?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him absorbing." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left not come at once?" this remarkable episode. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, gone. in his power. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "I am following you closely," I answered. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, hour." of Fenchurch Street." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the voice. and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate come either from the window or the door. My attention was object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can amused." cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the with you?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of matter." bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun weigh very heavily upon my conscience." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. know that the truth is known." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that several quiet little villages up there." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he gone before you can get him to hospital." Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "A greater distance to travel." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "I shall be delighted." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen?