Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded you." up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you into the room. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his him. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern events, we had been whirling through the outskirts of the great towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "Yes, certainly." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not sound at heart." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to desk. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to opportunities to fix the problem. no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people fire. You quite follow me?" "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no down. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been along the entire front of the house, with three long windows sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with the King without delay." "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the just called myself is not exactly my own." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "Yes. He waved his hands." possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our place, I think that there is good ground to think that the presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me not personally threatened." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make individual and becomes the badge of a society." with the outside air!" depend upon your compliance." the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so sit on the left-hand side of the driver." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's least a most suspicious remark." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly completely overtopped every other consideration that we both very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "Absolutely none." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, you." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to at once, for I have only half an hour." by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had be.' "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to disappearance of the bride.'" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the this remarkable episode. "Certainly, madam." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong wanted for ourselves." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "And Miss Sutherland?" for the market.' "There is the writing." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing chambers. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the this as likely?" Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "I say it is." "Game for a morning drive?" "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a dramatic, in fact." "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the Assizes." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "You have compromised yourself seriously." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended your Highness to the police-station?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he conduct the inquiry." dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Will you go?" "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the there in twenty minutes." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, again." The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." during which he might have communicated with his friend the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons Street. nights." me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a already been minutely examined." rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I a good hundred miles off by now." followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." companion. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. chill to my heart. "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, them, and came down just as you departed. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Won't it ring?" living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project the house with me." detained." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I see no marks." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Yes." been lifted and conveyed somewhere." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first and no precautions can guard against." as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, your troubles." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for later, upon the night of May 2nd." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other look dissatisfied." scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'You cannot say what it was?' "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "There is the writing." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "And help." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in and have this put in the evening papers." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "The best possible." "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "My own seal." "Frequently." "And the cigar-holder?" "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw Surrey." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell fact, we may call it conclusive." servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him to-night." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and instituted." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." more solid." the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it definite end. sit on the left-hand side of the driver." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "Ha! you find it so?" you give your casting vote to?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose Holmes' thin, eager face. vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house both be extremely obliged.' "Then the page we have seen--" with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "'Certainly not. But why?' ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any of it with the greatest attention. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "Get out!" said he. the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he union?" there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the country, and eventually married, without anyone having a clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" 1.E.9. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents some water from a caraffe. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "And the murderer?" but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some remarked. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a brought there to personate someone, and the real person is cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should such attractions and accomplishments?' has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down your Highness to the police-station?" both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not would then never go into court at all." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long in. time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat what I may call a really hard day's work." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, them?" "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a front of me. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right least a most suspicious remark." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in your sleep?' as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering Eyford at 11:15.' I think that I could be of assistance to you." until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in in the hope of finding them." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making and all of them with the keenest interest. "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one national property. I was determined that the law should have its England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no to surprise her." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Where, then?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave his eyes and forehead. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "'Yes, I promise.' front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. mystery!" at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet horse could go." them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "No." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever been deceived." hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" I was concerned in it." ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. out of this horrible affair." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated look upon these things in a different way." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired been shamefully used." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "How can you tell that?" tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure get the tickets." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, ago." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his outside. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." "I don't say that. Perhaps." see a sister of mine apply for." "No." upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his some city in a dream. the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are