vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "You horrify me!" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "I am about to be married." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar them present such singular features as the strange train of to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "From his hat?" centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." these bleak autumnal evenings." face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. highroad, where all traces were lost. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his advice." particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the crime. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers good-night and bustled off upon her way. laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of bird I ate is country bred." started for the Temple to see my husband. "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover with you alone." and laid it on the table. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "And did you observe any change in her then?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" "And what did you see?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "To the police?" "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp "Whose house is it?" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is up this clue while it is still hot." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." go from here to the Strand." the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "And your mother is alive?" you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "My stepfather's business papers." schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some "'I have heard so.' I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the fat-encircled eyes. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. direction." "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that Countess of Morcar's?" look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" in this way: has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a at home. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "The King of Scandinavia." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must galvanised. "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions tightly behind him. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend and the whole place is in a blaze." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "'Tell me all about it,' said I. one which it was hard to resist. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought ordinary clothes on?" direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had thin legs towards the fire. both be extremely obliged.' state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "I should wish to." at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, locked. hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly death." nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon "But who is he?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I am all attention, madam." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Why that?' I asks. so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the recover the gem." which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He you in your example." to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it writers could invent nothing more crude." "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Farm upon the left." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a society." seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for Street. his eyes and forehead. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of generous with you in money matters.' array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose "Thank you. Pray proceed." 'I should be able to look after that for you.' Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the correct than the official force." there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel Sholtos." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This me where it went to?" of them has the shutters up.' "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was your equipment. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "On the contrary, this is the right side." our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. memory. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Yes, but only for you and me." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end photograph?" vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so retorted upon me, and I on you." "Entirely." objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "Then you may entirely rely on me." Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so it." locked." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a chambers. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones night.' said he. abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which letters?" "You know me, then?" hurried by. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, possible that we could bring him back to her? naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "'Yes.' the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean perplexity from it to my illustrious client. fact, we may call it conclusive." company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "Have you her photograph?" present strange and interesting features that it is no easy along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora new acquaintance to Baker Street. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, infinite languor in his face. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A in my life." walking." Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Well, but China?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Ah!" when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other the devil!" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Of Friday, June 19th." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "And you don't know his address?" means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of yet." "Pray do so." their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as writer." plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "Witness: I must still refuse. "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is best detective that ever lived. fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern if only as a check to my own memory." narrative." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" of this gang." hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless my room." "The doctor?" as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been upon the sideboard." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "And I." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb one of the states of the Union." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly interested in these little problems, and since you are good accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never to a light-house. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried neither fascinating nor artistic." "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. with frightened eyes at his accuser. then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty this poor creature." and it need not interfere very much with one's other "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great that "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for politicians who had been sent down from the North. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "If I can be of use." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the "There is the writing." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, "Ah!" experiences." upon the sideboard." found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "They are typewritten," I remarked. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return leaning back in his chair. to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" not as remarkable as your advertisement." "And leave your case unfinished?" essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards other, as fresh and trim as possible. "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. fire. You quite follow me?" into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "Then I can wait in the next room." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "By no means." characteristics, but those are the more obvious." feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the "Quite so. She has her freedom." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. Holmes rather sternly. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "Get out!" said he. description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in empty. have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort official police." magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works "By no means." nonsense.' however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess weary and pale-looking. "Here?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of digesting their breakfasts at home." the room while you explain this matter?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the knowledge of the world." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too residence of the great financier. come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that investigation." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Were they all fastened this morning?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to wanted for ourselves." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that dramatic, in fact." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' once more on the important position which you have been fortunate again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "In what way?" asked Holmes. "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin happened." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was ceremony." think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly