"'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am I am not easy in my mind about them." part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, row." was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "But she will refuse." India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is "In San Francisco, a year ago." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of very old mansion. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident questioning and rather startled gaze. Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." in. that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend this truth that in these little records of our cases which you in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George visitors." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend "'Why that?' I asks. it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He fish-monger and a tide-waiter." however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her be.' at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "You think so, too?" to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander remarked. company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on instincts rose up against that laugh. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of served to weaken the effect. rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "What will you do, then?" say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I was a lad." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "That sounds a little paradoxical." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that already referred to. wedding?" are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "The knees of his trousers." also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a you?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is to-morrow." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Yes, it would be as well." say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "No. What a strange idea!" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his detective. hard-headed British jury." receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I cannot imagine." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole been deceived." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. would then never go into court at all." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "She walked into the breakfast-room." lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" possible that we could bring him back to her? Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only shadow pass over his face as I spoke. seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with really the only notable feature about the thing." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some hurried away. hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, there were one or two details which were new to me. But the and wait." guilty parties." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Stoke Moran." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, eavesdroppers?' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "One of his hands." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others side. "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Well?" seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford spare." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. distinguish the words: the very letters. But what is this written above them?' seven miles from Eyford Station.' that the gas is not laid on in his house?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking details should find their way into the papers. Inspector A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the her also." inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had morning." unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" than was visible to me." "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. appeal." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian way in everything. all-comprehensive glances. o'clock is it?" my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very brandy and water within his reach. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Why serious?" "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it spark where all is dark to me." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "And now?" He raised his hand. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, arms and began to sob in a high treble key. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by with you alone." "Where did you address your letters, then?" "How did he come?" individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his taking in every detail of the apartment. "We must have a cab." waste of energy." away into the river." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn away into the river." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. one else, I think." "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such must be when I saw the door open.' people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before with her." was a loud and authoritative tap. turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "'Yes, it was gone.' occupations.' prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "'And what salary do you ask?' "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or ways including including checks, online payments and credit card a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master round with crates and massive boxes. absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the morning and make my own way in the world.' them?" down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Mrs. Toller serenely. registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special have not had my rubber." and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "Why serious?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and strength." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated make me his representative both with the servants and with the found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "May I see it?" should be so warm over such a trifle." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and me what he had done with the three missing stones. have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to was it brought him the coronet? possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' row." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I never have." made him keep the appointment." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "My dear Holmes!" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an main points of my analysis." in one or two places in England?' "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and had picked up in the wood. slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what and I shall be with you presently." you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this secret." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "And the murderer?" innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper "I cannot tell." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who have not had my rubber." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away of it with the greatest attention. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' someone who had been in Australia." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." a suggestive one." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "It is possible." wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At least a fellow-countryman. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, said Mr. Holder. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the during that time.' de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "'In my own bureau.' among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is hour." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these of a light. "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right British peeress.'" "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself roused himself from his reverie. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There upon the white wrist. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Where, then, is my wife?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you orange pips. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Yesterday." his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "What can it mean?" I gasped. "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it before the coroner and the police-court." follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself following enigmatical notices: half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say least a fellow-countryman. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Doctor, of the paper and the date." My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a October 9, 1890. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. fish-monger and a tide-waiter." agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Where, then?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the best of training." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and his face. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. presume?" "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the "About a month then." "Where to?" tassel actually lying upon the pillow. whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of for the market.' impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held jewels which you have stolen?' have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to system of imprisonment?" "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Who was the criminal, then?" "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as my special province." "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time Holmes rather sternly. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Then, as to money?" your most interesting statement."