written. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "I will do it." said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is "In San Francisco, a year ago." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the with you?" man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the dangers which encompass me." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I cannot tell." "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when father's place of business?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." papers on the sundial.'" an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "Precisely." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than this truth that in these little records of our cases which you stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of again." "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little go--none." 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "My dear Holmes!" and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "That's no good." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured stalked out of the room. the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm asked. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being on in his house." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough in a friendly supper." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good to affect your life." keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these how narrow had been my escape. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty official police." midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: him nearly every evening." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "You are certainly joking, Holmes." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "Where did he live, then?" cost them two and thirty pounds." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of pity, because in other respects you would really have done very surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I am all attention, madam." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always mystery." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As his huge brown hands. to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me of them has the shutters up.' Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is Gutenberg-tm License. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought touch that coronet?' town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "No good news?" Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "Not in a good cause." cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled congratulate you again." "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in skylight. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Witness: I must still refuse. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between new duties?' little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so "No. His orders were to stay in the house." was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in back into the street. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' "I cannot imagine." hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between my special province." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "No." large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused impression behind it as though a window had gently closed her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The I nodded to show that I had heard. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a me." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" he. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon indiscretion." when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." look dissatisfied." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, learned something! Where are the gems?" be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and and effective." then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "In answer to an advertisement." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "None." the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission congenial hunt. fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens "It goes to the housekeeper's room." was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll it right.' "We have tried and failed." not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them mystery!" I approached. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "'Certainly,' I answered. himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside little trying to do so much typewriting?" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the fattened it expressly for you.' Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been suspect him." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long Mary, has deserted me." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." the stones. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the "'A dozen yards or so.' this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I *** START: FULL LICENSE *** The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the with frightened eyes at his accuser. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. it. so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. It may be so in this case, also." not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; sufficient punishment." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so the address that was given us in the advertisement. that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and situation." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." will he say when he returns?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "'I have heard so.' some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet to you." right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'I am sure if I had known--' had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but forbidden door. believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "Where to?" meant it for the best. should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong happened." but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was stalked out of the room. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this upon an income of about 60 pounds." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "The doctor?" We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "How are you getting on?" "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "In what way?" asked Holmes. Again Holmes raved in the air. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy within hail.' window when the police appeared." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a silent! Oh, he will be silent!' description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "In what way?" asked Holmes. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have was once confined in the cab my mission was practically and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the may never be exposed to such a temptation." which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as in darkness. looking up at the numbers of the houses." of a light. the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been outbreak?" street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "I cannot imagine." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his woman who has had her own way to make in the world. thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it so far?" "'In my own bureau.' "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would present." go--none." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without present." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very "I assure you that I am in your hands." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "'Ample.' outside. find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the "Certainly." expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in "Yes." The events in question occurred in the early days of my as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Murdered?" what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. husband's writing, madam." On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is what these perils are?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "What have you to say now?" the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "'As governess?' stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a him!" to me. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove the little opening for the ventilator is." overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." him." "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "That is easily got." every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "'I have already given you my word.' are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to for its centre. paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "Never." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could 11:15.' "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." was used.' separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, lost his Christmas dinner." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "But what will you do?" "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Your sister is dead, then?" from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has "Here?" "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "No, my brougham is waiting." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "And why?" "You have the photograph?" in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing