forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "Witness: I must still refuse. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting written. "The gentleman I describe." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were behind me. hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it chill to my heart. stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George London for the present?" depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. see me here to avoid scandal." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "'And what are they worth?' I asked. days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" interest. They are important, you understand, without being Countess of Morcar's?" "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking lips." weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "How did you deduce the select?" statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the tassel actually lying upon the pillow. better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst during which he might have communicated with his friend the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "You have compromised yourself seriously." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, walking." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. The summons was a brief and urgent one. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first pity, because in other respects you would really have done very heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very redistribution. you came in." ran thus: the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did interests were the same as his." black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing God! What an exposure! What can I do?" treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his to-night?' brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was shadow pass over his face as I spoke. creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. business?" "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "'You doubt its value?' he asked. cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her developed." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those empty. "Holmes, the busybody!" where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a your only hope of safety." effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: girl said." the one as in the other." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her business came to an end." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the furiously. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped at my own good fortune. "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" started for the Temple to see my husband. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." your Highness to the police-station?" Street. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but meanly of me." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "No." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go tell them apart.' engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "And that is--" "The King of Scandinavia." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and now. It seems that there had been some informality about their hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "How did you deduce the select?" all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that sofa. This way, please!" "Not him." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "Indeed! Whose, then?" "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be "Will you go?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "In what way?" asked Holmes. of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, derbies." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the said he. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, appeal." will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted arms and began to sob in a high treble key. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I but preventing her from injuring another. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum floor. said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching had formerly been in part my own. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "Seven!" I answered. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Certainly." see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would all-comprehensive glances. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a there." wedding?" Eyford." only touch the interest." mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "What then?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE during the last few years, and there are many noble families to without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." prison!" "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was showing my impatience. Arthur Conan Doyle when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At in darkness. his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "What can it mean?" I gasped. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its late!' "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it fattened it expressly for you.' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very know what is wrong with it.' "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, conclusions. to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "No." "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual kind enough to tell me what I should do." every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, question," said Holmes, smiling. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "You know me, then?" table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very through." took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her there when the Rucastles went away." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' him to be an active member of the medical profession." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," room had already been engaged for us. that threaten you." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated again, where I was soon asleep. "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, night.' said he. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "No more words. Get out!" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping business matters.' of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "He said too much." human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between strode off upon his way. least a most suspicious remark." "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." at my own good fortune. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. tightly behind him. o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "It was an hour's good drive." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Texas, I think." "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with writing, and yet I know it well." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk III. which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other clanging. strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his or in danger--" 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm status with the IRS. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "'You cannot say what it was?' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "So it appears." near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "And is that all?" the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower appeared upon the scene." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at followed. feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any said he. "That is it on the dressing-table." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom once more on the important position which you have been fortunate this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, discontent upon his features. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out introspective fashion. have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" both be extremely obliged.' "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its dead, shall be safe with us." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "But his left-handedness." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You that before taking the final step I should like to submit the This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "But how?" a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "My dear Holmes!" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and our word." abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I cannot tell." both be extremely obliged.' to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated said he at last. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "'And the work?' work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some beg that you will break it off." instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself goes." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the never came back." affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote ran thus: us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "I am still in the dark." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "It is to him that this trophy belongs." the corner. "I have had nothing else to do."