filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each should be taken.' which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving politicians who had been sent down from the North. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, straighten it?" whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "'A dozen yards or so.' "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "'Never,' said I. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled you." and no precautions can guard against." from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Yes?" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As bird of prey. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the case-book, which he consulted. very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. point in the dark hollow of his hand. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard against a man in the prime of life?" drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "And you thought he was pulled back?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone affection." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young power." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time lost nothing by them." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose had a long day." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this lost his Christmas dinner." I nodded to show that I had heard. "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be signal between you and your father? disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "It looks newer than the other things?" overpowering excitement and concern. I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully yourselves in at night?" august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to just ask you whether you had heard it.' of." occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Well?" crackling voice. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not comes from the middle window." in this way: I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Tired-looking or fresh?" much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases acquaintance?" shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I am all attention, madam." present." she to prove their authenticity?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Where to?" was shining brightly. "Very much so." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of the bed, and you in that chair." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on companion imperturbably. considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Frequently." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a events, Mr. Windibank!" My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "She will not sell." daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Never to return." tail." enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the better in every way that they should make their position a little "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all time." of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the our word." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "Entirely." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "Where, indeed?" there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. even so self-evident a thing as that." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you I shall communicate with you." at my own good fortune. them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Watson," he said cordially. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are you understand?" "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from down from London to inquire more deeply into it." colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "And it is--" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head This is what he says: our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" plantation.' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Is he quiet?" bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. weary and pale-looking. power." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "Perhaps we may make them less so." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. side. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring his knees, staring into the fire. woman." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at this truth that in these little records of our cases which you headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in him nearly every evening." seen the man in the road." rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his the general public were present, then?" eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "I should like to see him very much." "None." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face to a more successful conclusion." "How did he come?" "That is unusual in a young girl." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you crackling voice. "Is he quiet?" excitement. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "But how will you look?" of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum awaited us upon the table. before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, "Never." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. since then to throw any light upon what became of him." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would enter into my head. "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." would then never go into court at all." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "No." "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its yet." correct than the official force." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "It is very clear." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for room. "Bought." several quiet little villages up there." "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat Serpentine Avenue. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the will be renamed. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the exactly what you advise." up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. galvanised. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, wanted for ourselves." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward "Which surely he restored to their owner?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' for and were ordered to this address. round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite my secret was safe in his possession. time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "You horrify me!" "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in was feeling which was the fattest.' no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. Street. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which again on its way. at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from overpowering excitement and concern. and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, character. vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I the Assizes." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which third from London." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "What then?" "One of the highest in England." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be strength." by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the question you as to those details which seem to me to be most old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Where, indeed?" "'Certainly not. But why?' "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." McCarthy's innocence. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to present." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." late." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I breakfast?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too certainly do as you advise." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "Nor running a chance of arrest?" into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two said he. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "Deserted you?" should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "I have my revolver," said I. "So it appears." my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less confronted him. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand "My stepfather's business papers." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "It is possible." bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "None." Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon in this way: "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that tell them apart.' "And sit in the dark?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'Never,' said I. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable look upon these things in a different way." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke were unconscious?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down triumphant cloud from his cigarette. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he cigars in the box." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with the date of his supposed suicide." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the to talk it over. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "That's no good." "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Game for a morning drive?" "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually it. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "The vanishing of the lady." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De