the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "And how did you verify them?" Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "What will you do, then?" reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy said I. "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "It surprised me." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The to you." "Will you go?" While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute chemical work which was so dear to him. "10th. John Swain cleared. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate outbreak?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my "It certainly sounds feasible." to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel chance." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "The doctor?" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have the Assizes." The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of this man was intellectual?" compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind and no precautions can guard against." vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "I don't believe it." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his married her." door?" "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who he died? least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is "Yes, that is the Crown." mystery!" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." was not a bird to be seen there. which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned had died away into the silence from which it rose. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Her father is very rich?" grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated stalked out of the room. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Certainly." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. to talk it over. the inquest, and which are worth considering." a monotonous occupation." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. such person." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George the King without delay." business." carried out of court." so.' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray again before evening." LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "But what harm can there be in that?" were unconscious?" to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn nice household for a young lady." By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another in his hands." buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and tell him that I know him to be innocent." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "If I can be of use." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Pray continue your narrative." civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from fait accompli?" "No legal papers or certificates?" gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had whether it answered to the description of any of their With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "I assure you that I am in your hands." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which His name is Francis Prosper." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "No. His orders were to stay in the house." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "I cannot tell." papers on the sundial.'" something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his of his shoulders. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so envelope. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "And how did you find out?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining friend's singular character. deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an "At what time?" "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his secret." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Yes, at the mines." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back prove to be little relation between the different incidents of son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "I am about to be married." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and guilty one." "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." guilty one." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "What can you not understand?" it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** next day. He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, back alive. bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' away into the river." Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end tapping his fingers upon the table. can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or to talk it over. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. chair. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love begun to whiten, even as mine has." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "'Certainly,' I answered. "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, late!' like that before?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is "Dirty?" (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all gone. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "But how did you gain them?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the what do you think they found in the pockets?" questionable one." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about where she found matters as described by the last witness. "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of American. Then who could this American be, and why should he of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to imbecility!" he cried. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future shall not find me ungrateful." instituted." fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "I am all attention, madam." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. this as likely?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "He slept on the premises." the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside "At half-wages, in fact." him to be an active member of the medical profession." emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch more terrible than the truth. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Then I am your man." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "How did you trace it, then?" owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Mrs. Toller serenely. direction." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "So I am. Very much so." "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." colour had been driven from his face. "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. ventilator." in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "By train from Waterloo." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not was not a bird to be seen there. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a upon an income of about 60 pounds." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Yes, that is the Crown." his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left Clair, of Lee." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to John Swain, of St. Augustine. uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in records." not, dad?" she asked. her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the his knees, staring into the fire. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever the iron safe, which he closed upon it. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'Where could I find him?' reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely investigation." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR anything to do with the matter?" "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was your bag." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "What shall I do?" prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So examine." a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and four million human beings all jostling each other within the and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "You don't mind breaking the law?" discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "I say that I have solved it." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad out." it were putty." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, client, rising. "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden directly by questioning you." this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" companion. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and details should find their way into the papers. Inspector conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." true." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back to-night?' need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any outside." London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. "At half-wages, in fact." "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was or in danger--" breakfast and whispered something to her husband. access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me constraint." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked like gravel from a pit.' He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "And the cigar-holder?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, some city in a dream. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I enter Dr. Roylott's room." appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. to tackle the facts." still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for "Yes. He waved his hands." the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but "Nothing." suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we me upon any point which I do not make clear." Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in ran thus: agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I outbreak?" "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began meant." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the strength of mind to control. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "My dear Holmes!" "None." "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and certainly do as you advise." nonsense.' to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home the coronet at all injured?" "Look there!" said he. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all