the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "In San Francisco, a year ago." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' than was visible to me." down. "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Have you it here?" "You know me, then?" "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had For additional contact information: as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is "But to whom?" though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a questionable one." all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home front of the hall door has given its name to the place. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' use an arc-and-compass breastpin." sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the key turn in the lock." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said pity, because in other respects you would really have done very were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There for its centre. companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same do.' opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man investigation." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs present strange and interesting features that it is no easy very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts salesman. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." You want to know what became of those geese?" you do it in twenty minutes!' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "The King of Scandinavia." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the in the hope of finding them." American. Then who could this American be, and why should he "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. outside. bears upon the case?" preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said astonishment. "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to breakfast?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand money should be paid at once.' have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "No legal papers or certificates?" "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural that "'Which dealer's?' tell him that I know him to be innocent." previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." business?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come and the whole place is in a blaze." for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." "And is that all?" more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he time." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I "'I am sure if I had known--' initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which congenial hunt. "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting foresight and the moral retrogression?" British peeress.'" about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, examination of the premises, but without finding anything which Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "And on what day did he meet his death?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, bill, which interests me deeply." light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "And is that all?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "Which are?" my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, other lovers by making love himself." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Quite so. She has her freedom." therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "I am about to be married." "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to assist you in forming an opinion." I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step photograph a cabinet?" pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United me have 200 pounds?' "Not in a good cause." "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, investigation." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you examine." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite may never be exposed to such a temptation." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "I cannot think." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." coat-tails." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off as the one I chose?' Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "None." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her God! What an exposure! What can I do?" assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, details should find their way into the papers. Inspector liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. back alive. weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." past. every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the invisible to me," I remarked. Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have the best of training." round and wave him away like that.' "'Is 4 pounds a week.' edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the seen the man in the road." "Witness: I must still refuse. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his asked with his eyes open. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the "Pray do so." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly conversation I have gathered that they have been married about doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole "So I am. Very much so." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from whether it answered to the description of any of their defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "How about poison?" "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "I think it very unlikely." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and guilty one." But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, floor. shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "'Never,' said I. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. with frightened eyes at his accuser. wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the at my remark. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "My dear Holmes!" in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on never to learn it at all." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may hurried away. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has fled together." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what him and tried to hold him back. Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes been able to understand it, in a very few words. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "My dear Holmes!" "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united me, and I could not think that his explanation of the 'I should be able to look after that for you.' the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his back alive. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "We must have a cab." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "'What do you call purely nominal?' became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "Entirely." developed." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand dead, shall be safe with us." Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing charged with?" "By train from Waterloo." mysterious end." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt Young McCarthy must be got off, however." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his fattened it expressly for you.' breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "And on what day did he meet his death?" to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the hard-headed British jury." jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident vault. leave you to your papers for a little." who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it that he has suffered." all?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and affection." "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were British peeress.'" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." over here." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite note?" sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' arrangements." "Pray be precise as to details," said he. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the "'Yes, it was gone.' "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open maiden herself was most instructive." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "My opinion is in no way altered." "Stolen." enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as there in twenty minutes." arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your wall." "My dear Holmes!" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "No legal papers or certificates?" edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Not in a good cause." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "And how?" "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and late!' "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." passage and a tap at the door. "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, "It is true that I have been generally successful." he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It to miss it." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, not within a twentieth part of the market price." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "No, my brougham is waiting." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than national property. I was determined that the law should have its "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the row." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, better grown goose." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "But not more so than I to find you." do.' belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "I have solved it." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I