to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in looking up at the numbers of the houses." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "Yes." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with it means?" morning." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and will take you up to see the machine.' "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Certainly." were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "'How far from the body?' you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have sufficient punishment." fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "And help." to-night?" I asked. Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' I think that I could be of assistance to you." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon help us in this matter." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Was he the only applicant?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the Mrs. Toller serenely. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were certainly not very gracious." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, meant it for the best. with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," Young McCarthy must be got off, however." just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining acted in my house last night?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "In heaven's name, what for?" Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the morning." took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the cheerful." "He is still with you, I presume?" great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has directly by questioning you." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "Yes, from Horsham." Holmes' room. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has forbidden door. summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "And it is--" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "It was." active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Then what has happened to him?" be there in time for your coming." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few 11:15.' you." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Not particularly." floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on the best of training." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I like gravel from a pit.' coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "It looks newer than the other things?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." of the one which your family is now devouring." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" the matter." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "And how?" "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY bird of prey. "Bought." society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the row." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at ran thus: cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing there!' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" to have that photograph." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "No, finished." the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my bore every mark of being an average commonplace British note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is John Swain, of St. Augustine. very peculiar words of the dying woman?" All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this get the tickets." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the were new raised from a basin. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "'I have already given you my word.' chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at undoubtedly my uncle's." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the conceal it?" have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is for and were ordered to this address. wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to advice." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, wedding?" "It is his hat." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." have been better. It is all right." "Won't it ring?" fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." not as remarkable as your advertisement." glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, you." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your brandy and water within his reach. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. again, where I was soon asleep. but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "Yes." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. the little opening for the ventilator is." felt?" I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "It was a confession," I ejaculated. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? for securing the situation." "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that now. It seems that there had been some informality about their more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his voice, changing her seat as requested. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if in your London, you will know that the office of the company is dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "A call for help, you thought?" you in your example." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I say that I have solved it." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There mysterious business." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." character. was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "But his lameness?" change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate know all about it," he snarled. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you "Yes." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "Ample." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the trifles." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must made his money." photograph?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you wanted for ourselves." mystery!" breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." shall use the carriage to-night." quick march!" "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his standing smiling on the door-step. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Pope's Court, Fleet Street." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of eat it." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have "Murdered?" were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the possible that we could bring him back to her? seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring highroad, where all traces were lost. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he in this way: town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "I am armed." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer of campaign. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two be best to do. low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural putting in the horse. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and row." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "And how in the world did you find them?" We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "It surprised me." fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his of the one which your family is now devouring." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my into the bag, and made for the door. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were "'Oh, no.' "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I will do it." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned skylight. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter papers on the sundial.'" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "It looks newer than the other things?" "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes you for a few hours?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and 'please.'" turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Frequently." my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "He is dead," cried several voices. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It married her." of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may next day. case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his "But of what society?" as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of fasten all the windows?" iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding an introduction to him?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, of this gang." the salesman. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. Doctor, of the paper and the date." the house with me." was lame." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I lumber-room." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Yes." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." dear old homesteads?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and residence of the great financier. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "But his left-handedness." "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and he. this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I several quiet little villages up there." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand photograph?" whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, to arrive at through this?" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "How do you know, then?" and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part true." "'As governess?' Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Who was the criminal, then?" think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. delirious. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the "But you have hopes?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay "I don't believe it." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what business came to an end." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." of your young ladies.' even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the