black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I License. You must require such a user to return or one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "So I have heard." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there a very grave face. ventilator." note?" this man was intellectual?" least a fellow-countryman. myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. presented more singular features than that which was associated traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a that "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "And now?" I asked. "Entirely." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to "It came here." "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. more terrible than the truth. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate means taking possession of that which another person has a prior like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to and files of the old papers, following the future career of every fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "And how?" "Quite so. She has her freedom." outside. away to you." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, should be taken.' You want to know what became of those geese?" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "Why serious?" English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." it right.' weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "'What, the red-headed man?' "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining there is a decided draught." He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to galvanised. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the bears upon the case?" temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little touch that coronet?' usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the Assizes." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived what do you think they found in the pockets?" success. seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Never to return." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "Texas, I think." gigantic client. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his mystery may be cleared along those lines." face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "My stepfather's business papers." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "You saw the ventilator, too?" hour." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "I cannot think." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back main points of my analysis." province." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "Where, indeed?" of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able even so self-evident a thing as that." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was spark where all is dark to me." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and row." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, been with you?" did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed "I shall most certainly do so." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "Where is it, then?" I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' "Your sister is dead, then?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. both be extremely obliged.' "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. amused." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "But what is it you wish?" the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "Look there!" said he. down in his armchair and closing his eyes. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very the inner apartment." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the back alive. "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Where, then?" "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and waste of energy." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that place no limit on the sum I may draw." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "And for present expenses?" nothing of it?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly tell me that you intended to go into harness." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "Not I." "I say that I have solved it." "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what enough to aid us in our search." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for infinite languor in his face. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar note?" but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was this unhappy family?" "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Lestrade of Scotland Yard." Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "Never to return." "Did you observe the colour?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but be there in time for your coming." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "It is no ordinary one." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these said he at last. so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you look dissatisfied." someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, telegram would bring me down to your help." young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his wedding?" card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "At half-wages, in fact." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway in this note: which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a said he, "my real name is James Ryder." would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning definite end. that you saw all that I did." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I relief. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. of them has the shutters up.' could not have written that. It is the German who is so insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "And who is her maid?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Certainly, madam." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "How do you know, then?" to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the other means.' "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose yards of it?' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, him, that man would not have given me such complete information clang of the bell. and put his glass in his pocket. place of silver." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, of his shoulders. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the loss of it. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of everything which you would wish to know." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, to have that photograph." the stones. humiliation." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something in a very precise fashion." along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "'Certainly not. But why?' place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark morning." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "He is still with you, I presume?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather was keenly on my guard against him. long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their roused himself from his reverie. "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the electronic works grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to very morning of my second wedding." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the was shining brightly. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "But how?" introspective fashion. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without I took the paper from him and read as follows: "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of again." "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his he died? breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and which I could not give. He asked for Alice. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to "The murder was done with it." used to be." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "I was sure that I might rely on you." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "It is possible." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. crowd. envelope. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'And what salary do you ask?' business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. entirely lost his self-respect." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a know all about it," he snarled. "Did you observe the colour?" speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "No more words. Get out!" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons events than those which have happened in my own family." habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." returning from some small jollification and was making his way perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet persecution?" whatever might befall. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these all that?" whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin you." distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" his cane at the bell-pull. furiously. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will this remarkable episode. "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "What is it?" inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "It is very kind of you." wedding?" against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. "I cannot imagine." bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an good for you to do.' arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "Do you receive much company?" he asked. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Oh, fresh and glossy." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you