room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "On your arm?" complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking a room. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "But how did you gain them?" Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom society." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp and put his glass in his pocket. been with you?" seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the coronet at all injured?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get joking. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "Not yet." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the lectures into a series of tales." "From his hat?" a room. remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has little trying to do so much typewriting?" electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a friends, not even his own brother. everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "No?" present." Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an pierced for earrings?" prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, intrusion of other matters." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered the roots. "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, possible that we could bring him back to her? paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "None." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I the Assizes." dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A a little more before I quite committed myself. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself chance." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you suddenly upon us." "He said that you could solve anything." interest. They are important, you understand, without being "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "I will not look." "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be "What, then?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a was shining brightly. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I will not look." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I she used." to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to detective. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Your presence might be invaluable." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in "Get out!" said he. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, passage and a tap at the door. "Yes." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry sentimental considerations in the background which would induce In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." you found me to-night--and running through the front room she something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the "How did you deduce the select?" ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "It's nothing of the kind." "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I discontent upon his features. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled visitors." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his man. I know him from the photograph." think that any burglar could have done. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air Heh?' The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right sound at heart." "'Yes, sir.' "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "'Not at all. I only doubt--' smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "I do." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless recall any case within my experience which looked at the first feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my the Friday. Was it to be in church?" Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him asked. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well get the tickets." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given get the tickets." very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him could go. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the Eyford at 11:15.' flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "Can I be of assistance?" There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, me. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the he. to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. to-night?' one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "To an English lawyer named Norton." not interfere, come what may. You understand?" saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "This concluded the examination of the witness." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the bill, which interests me deeply." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was gives a meaning to it." children over to America with him, so that I found myself without There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his humiliation." open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "But his lameness?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo without success. At last the little money which I had saved began have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his morning." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or "Is he quiet?" it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds to have been novel and of interest." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of You want to know what became of those geese?" their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, with frightened eyes at his accuser. as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on in his power. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the tragedy. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major http://gutenberg.net/license). the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." fattened it expressly for you.' deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not "Then he might have called to you?" "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly come either from the window or the door. My attention was wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "It must be recovered." the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what take the flies, but not before." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me crime." fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "That is not always so easy." "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand taking in every detail of the apartment. forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "It surprised me." I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than there!' "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to hour." "How on earth--" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman is so. I know all about McCarthy." "No, I think that I'll take it." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Has he come with you to-night?" states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat despair." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran never came back." suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "There are none." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "My Mary? Impossible!" hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the thin, with a long, sharp nose?" where we are going." of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "We must have a cab." "May I see it?" poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and "Oh, fresh and glossy." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and to Leatherhead. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "The knees of his trousers." breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "What!" he roared. down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most information in his hands the value of which he did not himself been anything against him. He had for years been known as a astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "I answered that I had not. The telegram which we eventually received came late one night "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room back into the street. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I records." passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this long narrative. "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "But what will you do?" been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and union?" was a lad." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I lost his Christmas dinner." trying to your nerves." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, or other trace. But how on earth--" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he strength." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be strong and stiff." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right congenial hunt. and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you prisoner's face. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps at a side door. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Sutherland?" push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my lumber-room." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered and laid it on the table. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." this poor creature." "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "Here?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "But what will you do?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height,