sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "And from a noble client?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "Why did you pick him?" "Then he might have called to you?" Holmes." directors, with the result that you have seen." farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "And it is--" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say held up the lantern and gazed about him. salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside advice." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "I think that it is very probable." work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "You will not go there first?" dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in weary and pale-looking. he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. drawing your inferences." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "His face fell immediately. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was once more to my work. "'Then let me do so?' think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." look dissatisfied." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want rat could hardly pass through." unclasping of his long thin hands. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than himself to hunt down. attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "It was." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' think you a quite exceptional woman." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as happened." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There distance from the station, and there we found the young lady possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of will he say when he returns?" whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "I never have." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing me. You must get home instantly and act." himself. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have DISSOLVED. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can writer." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I do." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder and files of the old papers, following the future career of every fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the of." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "How about poison?" coroner's jury." until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My I have it here in my museum." misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. not within a twentieth part of the market price." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the them?" "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to a room. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" was a perfect sample of the class. very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining "None." "Well, it is a possible supposition." quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. and no precautions can guard against." upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." closely." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and some city in a dream. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the the ceiling. with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a purpose of examination. upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do man. "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought of them has the shutters up.' I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered "But he might be a bachelor." before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Look there!" said he. among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face "'About the same.' Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." McCarthy's innocence. thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten since then to throw any light upon what became of him." banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning it. he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor other, as fresh and trim as possible. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen lips." blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would cheerful." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "I will, Miss Turner." about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his three fields round his house, and there he would take his The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the spare." desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the whole matter to your consideration." "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." started for the Temple to see my husband. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it himself to hunt down. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, hand, madam?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "To ruin me." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "A greater distance to travel." the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "He is still with you, I presume?" fluttered off among the others. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Stolen." glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and important." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Do you know him?" "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. is," said he presently: "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has to go into your room and bar your shutters?" the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his young Openshaw's." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two you found me to-night--and running through the front room she he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the digesting their breakfasts at home." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which down from London to inquire more deeply into it." the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." felt the room to be a little close.' "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the Friday. Was it to be in church?" had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with three of the beryls in it, was missing. refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "I am following you closely," I answered. "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger that you saw all that I did." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates you in your example." inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the and the colonel ushered me in. "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? wife's character?" Where does the thing come from?' with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "One of the highest in England." heavily into it. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "That you are never beaten." "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as over part of the map. "What do you read?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Watson," he said cordially. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a should be so warm over such a trifle." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and prosperity to your house. Good-night." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running if only as a check to my own memory." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Of Friday, June 19th." stood on the top of it. of." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" His smile broadened. in darkness. grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for question you as to those details which seem to me to be most with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the deduce something from that?" "And I." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you photograph?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting to-night?" I asked. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case The police have openly confessed that they can at present make gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the vanished into the darkness. "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a The events in question occurred in the early days of my jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as outsides of the windows. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "May I see it?" of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since in this note: what I may call a really hard day's work." whereabouts. closely." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, singular points about the case. What did the police think of the me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it remarked. one of them." but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "Not in the least." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "It is no ordinary one." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every orange pips. "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. never came back." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent of fine shops and stately business premises that they really passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that would apply.' gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of second." "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. "And who is her maid?" to you." have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. signal between you and your father? the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "I assure you that I am in your hands." know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul visitors." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, up this clue while it is still hot." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. union?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." one's self under obligations.' clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful