glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I respectable self." but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk Eyford at 11:15.' "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. public press." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and confronted him. "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the coronet in his hands?" Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "By train from Waterloo." a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." indeed happy." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Always." "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke passage and a tap at the door. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my stammered. fait accompli?" developed." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more one which it was hard to resist. together. bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, writers could invent nothing more crude." forbidden door. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a your co-operation." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "'Yes.' "Was she in good spirits?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more wedding?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right II. "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of colour had been driven from his face. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "What have you done?" asked Holmes. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the of your young ladies.' hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried arrested. You then--" then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. open." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in fattened it expressly for you.' Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. address. news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "The King of Scandinavia." dates and names. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." that threaten you." To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. her also." The King stared at him in amazement. "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and writing, and yet I know it well." face and glided from the room. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has room had already been engaged for us. anything to a woman, for she would have her way." grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The breakfast and whispered something to her husband. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up mystery." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. she to prove their authenticity?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" for securing the situation." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. "I am in hopes that she does." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness would apply.' We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his woman." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "To the police?" Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "Indeed! Whose, then?" A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "Quite so. She has her freedom." "And how did he make his money?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers and shall probably return to London by the evening train." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to Surrey." "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next them, and came down just as you departed. With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "But how did you gain them?" "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "The knees of his trousers." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. followed. their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I am armed." before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, is four-and-twenty." "'Certainly not. But why?' have an American origin." I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, sufficient punishment." to Leatherhead. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She "You'll never persuade me to believe that." making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of interest. They are important, you understand, without being been with you?" "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a he. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded "Well, some hundreds of times." He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "The decline of his fortunes, then?" which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat the nursery. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her mystery!" It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the problems help me to do so." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "Awake, Watson?" he asked. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all off." "When did she vanish, then?" keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the mysterious business." was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great bill, which interests me deeply." of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "I cannot tell." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up next day. "To an English lawyer named Norton." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "I will do it." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, should be taken.' without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey most important business. It is probable that he will be away all "You heard nothing yourself last night?" bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me since then to throw any light upon what became of him." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not were wasted." thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "So I heard. You have him here?" which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his "Certainly." "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "Which surely he restored to their owner?" smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "'It is locked up,' I answered. attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business sit on the left-hand side of the driver." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "'What then?' I asked. and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "Was your sister dressed?" "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax Farm upon the left." destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of tell them apart.' and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." be. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both young Openshaw's." "Never." cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "Ample." me where it went to?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it populous neighbourhood." "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking at home. "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "'And what are they worth?' I asked. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door The King stared at him in amazement. "He slept on the premises." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored papers on the sundial.'" neither fascinating nor artistic." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She "Never." there when the Rucastles went away." matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Holmes, the busybody!" stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "Texas, I think." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist as he folded up the epistle. the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to careless servant girl?" details should find their way into the papers. Inspector hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that be.' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! chill to my heart. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon is four-and-twenty." thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were examination of the premises, but without finding anything which How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "Entirely." "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him Sholtos." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "Did he not advertise?" remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert girl said." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "Pray let us have it, for all that." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I was mad--insane." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Pray do so." Young McCarthy must be got off, however." such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, "Yes, from Horsham." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "It is possible." never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds or other trace. But how on earth--" value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I have seen the police." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "None." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I cannot say that I have." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "Yes." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "Do you go out much in society?" will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." furiously. quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left Mrs. Toller serenely. a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during hand, madam?" "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight once more on the important position which you have been fortunate The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "I am armed." can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from