Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it must compliment you." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. character. that he has suffered." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H bears upon the case?" and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "'Yes, it was gone.' "Oh, fresh and glossy." have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in status with the IRS. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls me. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away indeed which he could not unravel. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "'I am sure that I do not know.' populous neighbourhood." "Where is it, then?" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "In which, sir?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your chance at all." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," matter." "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some should be so warm over such a trifle." "In which, sir?" conceal it?" and wait." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little six. Come in!" whether it answered to the description of any of their "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the tail." his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the Friday. Was it to be in church?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned sparkled upon his finger. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss pity, because in other respects you would really have done very "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Certainly." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "And from a noble client?" presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria when your master had gone out." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got security.' "Bought." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "I will, Miss Turner." favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." dead, shall be safe with us." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It Farm upon the left." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "Do you know him?" death." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation only touch the interest." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. your room." eavesdroppers?' settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Was your sister dressed?" the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The outside. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "Yes, at the mines." "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the 1.E.9. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Perhaps I have." perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider From what you have told me I think that it is possible that were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my McCarthy's innocence. have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is you in yours." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "And when will you call?" "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "But you have hopes?" it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock on in his house." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Very much so." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards intrusion of other matters." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after "Of what?" reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "It is possible." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "You have the photograph?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance where Mr. Fordham shows you.' I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens said he at last. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered in a friendly supper." Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was is acting for the best. records." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the Red-headed League." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she open." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know assist you in forming an opinion." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind habit of advancing money.' left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a again before evening." off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This populous neighbourhood." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently of Fenchurch Street." shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of waste of energy." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Not social, then?" "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and business came to an end." "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship if only as a check to my own memory." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "It must be recovered." impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "I don't believe it." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was murdered man." a monotonous occupation." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "Nothing." "Yes, sir." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across Henry Baker is a member." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I without a word or a look. "Pray do so." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "From his hat?" objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." to his chemical studies. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "I am still in the dark." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch here." from you?" all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the again before evening." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would ill-usage at the hands of fortune. following enigmatical notices: was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's guilty parties." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "I answered that I had not. me. You must get home instantly and act." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and becomes even more simple." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view coroner's jury." "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "I am following you closely," I answered. "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "What?" without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "How did you trace it, then?" "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." them?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent him to be an active member of the medical profession." the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "I am sure." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and "I am still in the dark." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building memory. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with the driver. quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and stood on the top of it. upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "Eh? What was that?" might have a private word with us. "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, here and I will read it to you: their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were "'And the work?' shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of said I. say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow mysterious business." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of walking." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was "I should wish to." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "And Irene Adler?" was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he help us in this matter." vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the your co-operation." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible question. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind was a lad." make me his representative both with the servants and with the elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was prisoner's face. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which "No legal papers or certificates?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come cost them two and thirty pounds." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "What then?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "I came to find a friend." with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the enter Dr. Roylott's room." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "I have my revolver," said I. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "I have my revolver," said I. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back it with his own hands." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. "What office?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Then you may be so with me." society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have "And how have you succeeded?" there in twenty minutes." hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered room had already been engaged for us. 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "'Why that?' I asks. the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Seven!" I answered. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "It certainly sounds feasible." Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the arrangements." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "BALLARAT." among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is cup of tea. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have just called myself is not exactly my own." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "Perfectly so." weighed down with some great anxiety. may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY not within a twentieth part of the market price." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar power." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "Your sister is dead, then?" over with notes and figures. hurried by. stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "What!" he roared. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I strength in the others." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the crackling voice. down from London to inquire more deeply into it." a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a gentleman's clothes. lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The