even so self-evident a thing as that." "I am still in the dark." the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "He is still with you, I presume?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no less than 26s. 4d. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but him to go away.' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "They are typewritten," I remarked. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the coroner come to?" him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses the very letters. But what is this written above them?' house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" the inquest, and which are worth considering." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was money should be paid at once.' including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is lamp. received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or vault. have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, useful material for showing traces. The double line a little came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Mary, has deserted me." sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master made him keep the appointment." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon have accepted such a situation. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There to surprise her." she to prove their authenticity?" wedding?" she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a thirty. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. and the whole place is in a blaze." The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. morning." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The obstinate." daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it danger is over." "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how in darkness. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he are, I think, all that we need." waste of energy." scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon emerged. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," definite end. unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Thank you. And your address?" approach us with offers to donate. something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will gbnewby@pglaf.org dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a down from London to inquire more deeply into it." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a upon the sideboard." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Yes, the wine-cellar." "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced place of silver." through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Not him." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting and wait." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "To the police?" towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Really! You surprise me." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Thank you. And your address?" dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it where Mr. Fordham shows you.' seem to you to be relevant or not." green of the new foliage. "Perhaps I have." lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Yes, certainly." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of events, Mr. Windibank!" shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door front of the hall door has given its name to the place. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that companion imperturbably. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. the little opening for the ventilator is." the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" his knees, staring into the fire. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little crime. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master because she had spent so short a time in this country that she but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent will take you up to see the machine.' severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "I am to be neutral?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his been shamefully used." which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had for its centre. save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who other lovers by making love himself." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to electronic works the matter?" come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I burst out into a roar of laughter. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is "You have compromised yourself seriously." sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the "I cannot think." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his more terrible than the truth. authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your "'Where could I find him?' his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "About a month then." the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me in the port of London." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "You know me, then?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. to take care of herself." fait accompli?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "It is possible." grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "That's no good." "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never trifles." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at there were so many in the whole country as were brought together it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark distance from the station, and there we found the young lady this remarkable episode. you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "One horse?" interjected Holmes. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the inquest, and which are worth considering." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other maiden herself was most instructive." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "You have the photograph?" "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Yes." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face my friend's incisive reasoning. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings It may be so in this case, also." to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name him. present." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. awkward doing business with an alias." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "Nearly eleven." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'As governess?' easy-going way." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress obstinate." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, constraint." of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of written. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room as he folded up the epistle. could go. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry thirty. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own were wasted." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving main points of my analysis." about. indeed happy." papers on the sundial.'" laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "The murder was done with it." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a and effective." "To the police?" British peeress.'" we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making brain must have something in it." will he say when he returns?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "I would give my fortune to have them back." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable It may be so in this case, also." fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "And now?" He raised his hand. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that again before evening." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I guilty one." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a "Yes." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. gone. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even 'I should be able to look after that for you.' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. to change my dress. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes to arrive at through this?" "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment to go into your room and bar your shutters?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "'And the work?' opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Yes. He waved his hands." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "I think it very unlikely." definite end. existence." power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you once more for Briony Lodge. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "Bought." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." the matter." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "It is true that I have been generally successful." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, disappearance of the bride.'" "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a and I shall be with you presently." most interesting one." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott not use it unless it is absolutely needed." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "ARAT," I read. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying "How are you getting on?" "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, nothing of it?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, floor. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white quite distinctive." the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Sutherland. admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly front of me. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! hour." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and went to the Alpha were town bred." transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, that you wished to speak to me?' wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. have been better. It is all right." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in she to prove their authenticity?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab,