upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Were they all fastened this morning?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up "Ah, but I was recommended to you." himself to hunt down. strength of mind to control. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan the matter." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having be best to do. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. leaning back in his chair. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small look upon these things in a different way." manager. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "I don't believe it." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have putting in the horse. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a becomes even more simple." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs questioning and rather startled gaze. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink "You did not overhear what they said?" "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague cigars in their mouths. instincts rose up against that laugh. of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see room had already been engaged for us. have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "None." appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an it." "Game for a morning drive?" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "No, my brougham is waiting." dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "And how in the world did you find them?" Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should dear old homesteads?" it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "I came to find a friend." you?" "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of in one or two places in England?' be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Sutherland?" passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the with you?" "And why?" "It is possible." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" with the outside air!" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Here?" you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you who was a member of your goose club." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Imitated." "Yes, he did." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is him!" over here." "I see no marks." my former friend and companion. demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Then you may be so with me." "I do." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down to a light-house. for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was been able to understand it, in a very few words. "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "And is that all?" "Deserted you?" "You think that he is dead?" "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the once more on the important position which you have been fortunate had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," and it need not interfere very much with one's other "It was an hour's good drive." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" it means?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a For additional contact information: was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "'Oh, no.' II. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and It was close upon four before the door opened, and a with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "But you can know nothing of this?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Then how many are there?" like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. a very grave face. as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable fasten all the windows?" can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "Why did you pick him?" possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking foot. "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence with you alone." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the McCarthy." "You will not go there first?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of leave you to your papers for a little." old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his Serpentine Avenue. and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed evidence," I remarked. English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the shoulder. "And you don't know his address?" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have in your London, you will know that the office of the company is Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "To ruin me." dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." your Highness to the police-station?" The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs looking up at the numbers of the houses." Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a weigh very heavily upon my conscience." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to look dissatisfied." to his chemical studies. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "And how have you succeeded?" fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found one which it was hard to resist. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on and put his glass in his pocket. "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to Chief Executive and Director Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "But how?" "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of exactly what you advise." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' matter." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." hopeless attempt at recovering them." Doctor, of the paper and the date." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, floor. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to way in everything. above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a hardly wander." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to cigars in their mouths. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It I shall continue with my miserable story. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very hour." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" entirely lost his self-respect." "I shall be delighted." Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the when your master had gone out." sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "The vanishing of the lady." worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Not in the least." reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another the nursery. anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I fear not." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and but preventing her from injuring another. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying for the market.' had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, my little problems." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there "Do you go out much in society?" Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Pray do so." "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "Indeed! Whose, then?" Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a pierced for earrings?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow "Nothing." a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, American. Then who could this American be, and why should he conversation I have gathered that they have been married about all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. that I am arrested." say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on joking. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the whereabouts. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. already been minutely examined." has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the had no one to advise her at such a crisis." her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the situation." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary 'please.'" problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the digesting their breakfasts at home." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must matters immensely." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "And I." "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "But we can't all be." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. photograph?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Awake, Watson?" he asked. Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten to surprise her." "Oh, fresh and glossy." disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "And you don't know his address?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I any." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "An accident, I presume?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much Holmes' thin, eager face. saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Never." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "Perhaps I have." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "How did you trace it, then?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There hereditary King of Bohemia." possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do gbnewby@pglaf.org is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Why did you pick him?" arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he been anything against him. He had for years been known as a "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "Yes, only one." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for where Mr. Fordham shows you.' very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get his forehead." throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "'As governess?' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if questioning and rather startled gaze. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present became a certainty. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows my special province." "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "No." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Witness: I must still refuse. opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Nothing." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical prisoner's face. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From shaken than I had ever seen him. however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' go from here to the Strand." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Nothing?" Sutherland?" charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then despair." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" works. See paragraph 1.E below. continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Street. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to was keenly on my guard against him. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this light and attacked it." compunction about shooting them down." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." that you saw all that I did." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. your sleep?' and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "You think that he is dead?"