and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "Quite so." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "So it appears." "And your father? Did you tell him?" the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out train from Paddington which would bring you there at about something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' up this clue while it is still hot." behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when you want, then?' tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "But it has twice been burgled." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me carpenter." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are delighted to hear it," he said. "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. lamp in his hand. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "You don't mind breaking the law?" "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight client, rising. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. awkward doing business with an alias." so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "It was." reach." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those where Mr. Fordham shows you.' the Red-headed League." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he make me his representative both with the servants and with the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." intrusion of other matters." been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way friend's singular character. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their During two years I have had three consultations and one small the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to arrangements." "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Yes." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "What?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "Of what?" suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies me." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Well, some hundreds of times." matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his ill-usage at the hands of fortune. possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw some city in a dream. both be extremely obliged.' the Red-headed League." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "Was your sister dressed?" ways of our fellow-men." combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more you, my dear young lady?' "On the contrary, this is the right side." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came heavy and sharp instrument." Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the the inner apartment." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "But you would not advise me to refuse?" sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for vault. her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "And why?" looking up at the numbers of the houses." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single Edgeware Road. any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, bedroom door." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to looking up at the numbers of the houses." "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "How often?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you memory. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter me. You must get home instantly and act." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my Mary, has deserted me." gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over putting in the horse. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the highroad, where all traces were lost. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very official police." "By all means." own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so key of the affair now." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary "'Never,' said I. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is his knees, staring into the fire. prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing a few minutes he said that it would be all right. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything triumphant cloud from his cigarette. nice household for a young lady." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the sneer upon his pale face. rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, "And Miss Sutherland?" Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end may have an influence upon European history." would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. a little more before I quite committed myself. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I "And what did you see?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of matter." yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains Project Gutenberg-tm works. follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "And what then?" charge against him will break down." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. been deceived." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of Foundation room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my the roots. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "Thank you. Pray proceed." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." some water from a caraffe. "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that other means.' a little more before I quite committed myself. thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Yes." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "Here?" "'About the same.' "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was about. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "His face fell immediately. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would over with notes and figures. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and foresight and the moral retrogression?" to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable I think that I could be of assistance to you." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. "But how could you guess what the motive was?" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, weapon." future lives." conceal it?" With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had the armchair which I pushed forward for him. and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "How many? I don't know." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until http://www.gutenberg.net both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just interested in these little problems, and since you are good master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set quick march!" tied." "I say that I have solved it." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about I shall continue with my miserable story. the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to the inquest, and which are worth considering." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to the window, rose as we entered. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. even so self-evident a thing as that." "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she searched, without anything being found which could incriminate strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Ah!" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked when you have done it." time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Dirty?" Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in you, my dear young lady?' trying to your nerves." astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying forebodings. done what I asked you, Jones?" into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it business at Coburg Square is serious." a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper swore that no one else had been in the front room during the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the Mrs. Toller serenely. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "And leave your case unfinished?" unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "It is no ordinary one." "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he tell them apart.' wall." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the the date of his supposed suicide." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a I was concerned in it." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." round with crates and massive boxes. the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and little trying to do so much typewriting?" "I am armed." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not bonnet, and went out." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed with some details as to your case." At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "No." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, with you?" absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "No, I am descending." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found this unhappy family?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at prison!" "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "How long did she speak to this Alice?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left all?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated felt?" over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. official police." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would chance at all." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my bill, which interests me deeply." Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, and that he would see to anything that turned up. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "What can it mean?" I gasped. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "So I am. Very much so." cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove married her." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling occurred." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. vault. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some hair?' combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "You have carte blanche." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "To an end?" were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, such attractions and accomplishments?' "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He