statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, garden below. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "That also I could fathom." "You horrify me." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "On the contrary, this is the right side." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever companion quietly. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And "And is that all?" "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" congratulate you again." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. had picked up in the wood. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about hands. husband's writing, madam." very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same sake, don't!" towards the blaze. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "Where to?" him. them?" you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' sooner or later she must fall a victim. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight easy-going way." possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his morning." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be I took the paper from him and read as follows: impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth said I. wall." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their would then never go into court at all." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: "You will not go there first?" danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in corner of the building. "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a read it out to me." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for showing my impatience. stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Eyford." any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland up this clue while it is still hot." arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. goes." "Then he might have called to you?" possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but there." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "It's nothing of the kind." "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "What then?" piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "You forget that I know nothing about it." tear off another piece?' by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few indeed which he could not unravel. wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "If I can be of use." came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This go from here to the Strand." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "No, I think that I'll take it." "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! emerged. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the simple cases which are so extremely difficult." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have address. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Eyford." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am charge against him will break down." hereditary King of Bohemia." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. his face. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both ceremony." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did way in." way in everything. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you you." nothing of it?" confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end strode off upon his way. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. out." red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'Stolen!' he cried. the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "And I." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which quick march!" "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of thirty. could go. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look Pool. hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the possible that we could bring him back to her? "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the highly," said Holmes. well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite to some other building. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through there when the Rucastles went away." was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose right! Sit down and let us talk it over." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." there has been an enclosure here!" something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and if only as a check to my own memory." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he leaning back in his chair. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." about here speaks of his kindness to him." "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." has little to do with my story." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the in one or two places in England?' wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. http://gutenberg.net/license). away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of coroner's jury." Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora my room." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. my special province." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he your billet.' young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, my special province." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now The telegram which we eventually received came late one night stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. little adventures." headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, "'Yes, sir.' hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the very morning of the wedding." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make leave you to your papers for a little." moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how some place of shelter and let the county police know what has approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual absorbing." I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you opportunities to fix the problem. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every hard-headed British jury." and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. stood on the top of it. throat." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There For additional contact information: "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "I will not look." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I "Why? What do you mean?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "I cannot think." set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, problems help me to do so." whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who skylight. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation "By no means." clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I advice." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it closely." not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and chill to my heart. this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "It is to him that this trophy belongs." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. said Mr. Holder. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent that threaten you." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch "'Entirely.' "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "It was an hour's good drive." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "And that is--" about. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime mysterious end." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one affection." Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Then what has happened to him?" "May I see it?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, garden below. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, disappearance of these gems?" did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." about here speaks of his kindness to him." suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the hands. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "But his lameness?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Witness: It was. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after I held the little printed slip to the light. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for dramatic, in fact." "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." call it cruel." "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed October 9, 1890. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster more terrible than the truth. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he became a certainty. existence." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I have my revolver," said I. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from the Assizes." "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips the coronet at all injured?" to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "'There is a drive, then?' "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch always that they were such commands as a lady might with known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "Game for a morning drive?" your only hope of safety." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure salesman. him, that man would not have given me such complete information His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and and the whole place is in a blaze." in the dead of the night?' conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he when your master had gone out." day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day hour." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. could not have written that. It is the German who is so upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and questioning and rather startled gaze. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did useful material for showing traces. The double line a little advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little my special province." possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Look there!" said he. hardly wander." several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. less than 26s. 4d. "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some